Can you handle the truth?

In the movie, A Few Good Men (1992), Jack Nicholson is Colonel Jessup, an older Marine, full of self-confidence, a man of the Corps. Lt. Kaffee, played by Tom Cruise, is a young Naval lawyer, who uses Jessup’s pride against him in that famous scene where he has him on the witness stand. As Kaffee badgers the colonel, you can see his anger rising, his contempt for the younger man obvious. Kaffee presses Jessup for the truth and finally the older man shouts, “You can’t handle the truth!” In fact, Kaffee has seen the truth more clearly than the old colonel!

Disciple, can you handle the truth? Jesus said that knowing the Truth sets us free! If we are willing to see life as it is, not just as we want it to be, if we are willing to know ourselves as we are, not as we idealize ourselves, if we are willing to receive the full Gospel, not just the watered down version – we can become mature, holy, and fruitful servants of God. Can you handle the truth?

Can you face the fact of depravity and admit that God’s wrath is both real and imminent? Many cannot. Judgment is seldom a topic among Christians anymore. The rich doctrine of God’s justice has been hijacked by whackos who turn it into a club to beat on those they hate ‘in the Name of God.’ The truth is that we are ‘by nature, objects of wrath!’ (Eph. 2:3) That’s a fearful statement. When I read the thundering words of the OT prophets, I realize anew that God is holy and does not overlook human disobedience. Ignoring Him always brings a consequence! The sins we commit are not hidden from Him. He asks, “Am I only a God nearby,” declares the Lord, “and not a God far away? Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him?” declares the Lord. “Do not I fill heaven and earth?” declares the Lord." (Jeremiah 23:23-24, NIV)

Can you handle the Truth that you cannot hope to earn His favor by any amount of penance or goodness? Many cannot! Religion feeds our pride. We like to think we’re measuring up a little better than ‘those people.’ There is a false comfort to be found in doing good things, but the Truth is that only the intervention of His grace, only the gift of the Spirit can turn us from depraved sinners to saints. The truth is that "it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Ephesians 2:8-10, NIV)

Can you handle the truth that true discipleship includes the Way of the Cross before we get to wear a crown? Jesus told us to ‘take up our cross and follow Him.’ It’s not a pleasant thought. Crosses kill! Yes, Self must die. Our desires give way to His will. But, there is a promise. "Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself." (2 Timothy 2:11-13, NIV)

Grow up and live in the truth. Leave the shallow religion of motivational quotes, happy thoughts, and sentimental sayings behind and engage with the robust life of being Christ’s disciple.

The word from the Word is this today. Receive it with joy and faith.
"This is exactly what Christ promised: eternal life, real life! I’ve written to warn you about those who are trying to deceive you. But they’re no match for what is embedded deeply within you—Christ’s anointing, no less! You don’t need any of their so-called teaching. Christ’s anointing teaches you the truth on everything you need to know about yourself and him, uncontaminated by a single lie. Live deeply in what you were taught. And now, children, stay with Christ. Live deeply in Christ. Then we’ll be ready for him when he appears, ready to receive him with open arms, with no cause for red-faced guilt or lame excuses when he arrives." (1 John 2:25-28, The Message)

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Your Great Name

Lost are saved find their way
At the sound of Your great name
All condemned feel no shame
At the sound of Your great name

Ev'ry fear has no place
At the sound of Your great name
The enemy he has to leave
At the sound of Your great name

Jesus- worthy is the Lamb that was slain for us
The Son of God and man
You are high and lifted up
And all the world will praise
Your great name

Oh Your great name

Redeemer my Healer Lord Almighty
My Savior Defender You are my King

Jesus the name of Jesus
You are high and lifted up
And all the world will praise Your great name
(Jesus) worthy is the Lamb that was slain for us
The Son of God and man
You are high and lifted up
And all the world will praise Your great name
Your great name
Your great name

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Natalie Grant sings “Your Great Name” -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuuLBPOYcI8