Seeking Jesus: How to Discern Fake News and Alternative Facts
It seems like fake news and alternative facts are everywhere these days. People often believe what they read, without taking the time to properly search for the truth, just as they did in Jesus’ day. Janis encourages us look for the truth everyday by seeking Jesus in all we do.
Religious Leaders And Jesus
I have been studying the Gospel of John for my Lenten education.
It’s an interesting exercise to read the words of the Jewish religious leaders in contrast to the words of Jesus. Accusations abound from the leaders. At every turn I hear the leaders try to trap Jesus using their law to trip Him up.
I say “their law” because they have their own interpretations of God’s Law.
They also speak falsehoods. One that stands out is found in John 7:52
“They replied, “Are you from Galilee, too? Look into it, and you will find that a prophet does not come out of Galilee.”
John 7:52
According to my study notes, Jonah came from Galilee and maybe other prophets too. And God can raise up prophets wherever He chooses.
Fake News And Alternative Facts
All this reminds me of the news about fake news and alternative facts. The facts are how people want to see them. Just as in Jesus’ day they don’t want to search for the truth.
Each side of the political spectrum sees what fulfills their own wishes. They are blind to anything else.
Jesus says many times that word “if”.
If anyone is thirsty; If you knew Me; If you do not believe.
We can see He is giving us a choice. After he says the “if statement”, He states what will happen.
If you hold to my teaching, you will be my disciples.
If the Son sets you free, you will be free.
The Woman at the Well
Listen to how clearly He tells the woman at the well in John 4:10
If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.
John 4:10
Jesus speaks saying the words, “truthfully” or verily, or truly. Listen to John 4:48:
Very truly I tell you, whoever obeys my word will never see death.
John 4:48:
In John 7:54 Jesus says:
Stop judging by mere appearances but instead judge correctly.
John 7:54
And in John 8:15 He says:
“You judge by human standards.”
John 8:15
Seeking Jesus And The Truth
This made me really stop to think.
It’s Jesus who teaches us – not the world. So we need to leave the world for a time each day to find the truth.
As I seek to know more about Jesus through my studies I find that while I’m in the world I can find a peace I can’t understand but certainly appreciate – IF – yes IF I stay rooted in His Word on a daily basis.
The famous words, “Do not let your hearts be troubled,” remind me again and again that our world is not here.
Seek Jesus
As you go about your day today, seek Jesus in every step, every conversation. Don’t judge. Don’t condemn. Be the Light that shines the way back to God for others. He does want everyone to come home.
Can you share a story of a time you were fooled by fake news? We would love to hear from you. Comment below or contact us at HopeStreamRadio.
Janis Cox
In 2001, Janis gave her life to Christ. She started journalling as a way to organize her thoughts, feelings, and prayers. She is a member of two cross-Canada Christian writers’ groups, The Word Guild and Inscribe Christian Writers Fellowship. She has had several articles and devotionals published.
Janis has been blogging since 2008. In 2012 she published an award-winning children’s book Tadeo Turtle. She ran a group blog called Under the Cover of Prayer for four years. Hope Stream Radio will be her first foray into broadcasting on a regular basis.
In addition to a career as a home-maker and teacher, Janis was a partner in a Canadian small business with her husband, Wayne. They currently reside in Ontario and winter in Mesa, Arizona. Janis and Wayne have three children with spouses and many grandchildren.
One of her favourite things is to tell others about what God has done and is doing in her life. Janis can be reached on her website, Growing Through God’s Word, on Facebook and Twitter.
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