If you’ve watched a lot of TV dramas, you’ve probably heard the “…the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth…” remark! You may have even seen that movie where Jack Nicholson says: “You want the truth, you can’t handle the truth!” It is very, very easy to not TELL THE TRUTH. It is so easy in fact, it is as easy as telling part of the truth.
The fact is, telling part of the truth and not telling the entire truth is just as bad as telling a lie. Withholding truth that is meant to be told is definitely NOT a good thing but people do it. People do it with the Word of God too. I’ve seen many preachers focus on preaching only the stuff from the Bible that’s encouraging and completely ignore the other stuff. I’ve seen people give only the encouraging stuff because “their agenda” says people should “feel good”.
Don’t get me wrong, the “feel good” has to be preached like everything else, but something is WRONG if “feel good” is the basis of EVERY sermon.
Firstly, the Word of God, ALL OF IT, has one (1) specific purpose.
“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Tim.3:15-17 (KJV)
When I examine the Greek text, the verses above are explained like this: The Holy Bible makes us wise by leading us to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. It benefits us when we study it’s teachings. It is evidence against sin and evidence for righteousness.
Its purpose is accomplished in two ways:
- Restoration to a right state; and,
- Training, education and cultivation of the soul by correcting OUR mistakes and curbing OUR passions.
It is also for cultivating integrity, virtue, purity of life, rightness and correctness of thinking, feeling, and acting, in all the children of God.
The Holy Spirit does not accomplish many of these things through “feel good” preaching!
Secondly, as servants of God, entrusted with the awesome responsibility of bringing the Epignosis Word to everyone, we cannot dictate WHO should hear and WHAT they should or should not hear. When we, in our own strength/intellect/spirit, determine “what” people should hear, we are NOT operating under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. If we operate under the unction of the Holy Spirit, we bring what He says, when He says, not what “we think” should be said at a particular time for a particular reason.
Thirdly, Satan gave Jesus half-truths when he tempted Him in the wilderness. Jesus knew better though!
What about the people who don’t know for themselves. What happens when we give them half truths? We will be held accountable for that so TELL THE TRUTH!
Epignosis (e-pē'-gnō-sēs) Ministries 