The Importance of Truth in Our Time - A Spiritual Op-Ed

 Written by Dr. Kenneth E. Stevenson, Jr. 

October, 2024:

     Because the signs of the times increasingly point to the end of the “age”, the “truth” is absolutely essential for our lives. But with every media pundit regardless of “stripe” quick to call the “other side” liars, how does anyone know whose report to believe? Furthermore, there is a real danger of deception even when someone is an eye witness. The Apostle Paul warns us of a BIG lie ahead: 

2 Thessalonians 2:7-11 (KJV):

7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth [will let], until he be taken out of the way. 8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9 [Even him], whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause GOD shall send them strong delusion , that they should believe a lie: 

     In the Greek, the “a” here is actually the definitive “the”! That actually calls to mind the original lie, which is the first sin recorded in the Bible: 

Genesis 3:1-4 (KJV):

1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? 2 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: 3 But of the fruit of the tree which [is] in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. 4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: 

     As the Lord makes clear, lies have a demonic origin! John 8:44 (KJV): 

Ye are of [your] father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar and the father of it. 

     As Scripture makes plain, lies and false witness are an abomination that will earn the practitioner a place in the lake of fire! 

Proverbs 6:16-19 (KJV):

16 These six [things] doth the LORD hate: yea, seven [are] an abomination unto him: 17 A proud look, a lying tongue,and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, 19 A false witness [that] speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren. 

Revelation 21:8 (KJV):

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and ALL liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death... 27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither [whatsoever] worketh abomination, or [maketh] a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book.

Revelation 22:15 (KJV):

For without [are] dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.

     Now since fingers are being pointed across the entire political spectrum in our time, each calling those on the other side liars, how are we to discern the truth!? In June of 1965, along with 999 other aspiring Air Force Cadets, I raised my hand and swore the following oath, “We will not lie, steal, or cheat nor tolerate those who do! The Cadet Honor Code is something I have since endeavored to live by throughout my life. As anyone can attest, when you tell the truth, you never have to worry about changing your story. Sadly, in my opinion most people never strive to attain such a level of honesty and Integrity. As a result, I’ve learned not to be so naive as to believe whatever I hear. Again the Word of GOD offers a prism to scrutinize the words of others. 

Romans 3:4 (KJV):

God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged. 

     Sadly again, some adopt an extremely naive view that was once mocked by then President Bush, “It has to be true. We saw it on the television!” So which talking heads on the Alphabet soup of networks, has become your “bastion of truth” and would you be willing to stake your very life much less your eternity on the veracity of what they say to you ??? In my humble, honest opinion it is no longer a question of conservative, liberal, progressive or moderate. It is a GOD question! 

Joshua 24:14-16 (KJV): 

14 Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD. 15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that [were] on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. 16 And the people answered and said, God forbid that we should forsake the LORD, to serve other gods

     The rise of so-called “Christian Nationalism”, [which is neither Christian, nor in our National best interest] as closely aligned as it is with anti-semitism and racism, has fostered an increasing acceptance of patently false information. Now just before the 400 year gap between the Old and New Testament, the prophet Malachi wrote the following warning to GOD’S people: 

Malachi 3:5 (KJV): 

5 And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in [his] wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger [from his right], and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts. 

     Hopefully the discerning reader can recognize that each of the things GOD will judge is wrapped up in the political rhetoric of our current election! And certainly there are issues on both sides of the parties vying for your vote. Again who will you believe? Furthermore because GOD already told us that HE would send a strong delusion to those who did NOT love “the truth,” perhaps we should recall that same GOD who promised to reveal HIS secrets to HIS servants, also once allowed a “lying spirit “ to bring judgement to a disobedient King and those who followed him. 

Amos 3:7 (KJV):

Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets. 

1 Kings 22:8,21-23 (KJV):

 8 And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, [There is] yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so. 21 And there came forth a spirit, and stood before the LORD, and said, I will persuade him. 22 And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith? And he said, I will go forth, and I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he said, Thou shalt persuade [him], and prevail also: go forth, and do so. 23 Now therefore, behold, the LORD hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these thy prophets, and the LORD hath spoken evil concerning thee. 

     In addition, Isaiah, Jeremiah and Paul also warn that prophets, leaders and priests would cause destruction by lies and falsehoods. Isaiah 9:15,16 (KJV):

15 The ancient and honourable, he [is] the head; and the prophet that teacheth lies he [is] the tail. 16 For the leaders of this people cause [them] to err; and [they that are] led of them [are] destroyed. 

Jeremiah 5:31 (KJV):

31 The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priest bear rule by their means; and my people love [to have it] so: and what will ye do in the end thereof? 

2 Timothy 3:13 (KJV):

13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. 

     All that being said, I have become increasingly concerned by the very real potential that we are all being subjected to lies, deception, delusion that could easily see the destruction of our republic. Are we all like children being led about by whatever our favorite newscaster, politicians, or even religious leaders tell us to believe? Having spent nearly eight decades on this orb, earned multiple degrees along the way, and experienced the best and some of the worst this world has to offer, to borrow from Judge Judy, “Don't pee down my leg and tell me it’s raining!” Like the Apostle Paul said, be mature, don’t be deceived and speak the truth kindly, so you can become more Christ-like.

 Ephesians 4:14-15 (KJV):

14 That we [henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, [even] Christ: 

     For the record my belief system, as should be clear if you have read this far, is the Word of GOD: the Bible! 

     Let me finally address the elephant in the room in 30 days. America will elect its 47th President and LIES have become every pundit’s daily focus. But rather than trot out what ANY of the “talking heads” are saying, I would like to take a slice of what the candidates themselves are saying IN THEIR OWN WORDS. 

     Trump:  "In Springfield they’re eating the dogs, they’re eating the cats, they’re eating the pets of the people that live there. DEBUNKED, plus they’ve been told by the Governor and the Mayor to stop lying and endangering the people, saying that the immigrants are all illegals is having a negative impact on the residents. The immigrants are actually working and helping the economy and are there under asylum. He also said, "Covid is under control." 1,219,487 AMERICANS DIED. "I won in 2020 and the election was rigged."  LITIGATED IN 60 COURTS & DEBUNKED [also Trump and those closest to him admit he lost]. "I don’t understand. What’s in it for them? They are all losers and suckers." CONFIRMED BY THE GENERAL WHO STOOD NEXT TO HIM AND HAS A SON BURIEDTHERE (DENIED BY TRUMP). "I don’t know her. I never saw her before. She’s a crazy person." (But Trump misidentified her in a photo under deposition as his ex-wife Marla Maples). FOUND GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW AND FINED FOR DISPARAGEMENT TWICE. "My call was perfect." "Ukraine: I need you to find dirt on Biden." TESTIFIED TO BY COL. VINMAN DURING impeachment hearing….Trump impeached Georgia: "I need you to find 11780 votes because we actually won by a lot." Indicted by DA in a case that is still pending.  "I had every right to take those records." (Top Secret and Classified). Indicted case still pending.

     Trump on Hurricane Helene and now Milton: "Biden and Harris aren’t helping...FEMA is only giving $750 to victims... Money is going to illegals not to Americans who are victims." "Money is going to Ukraine." "Weather is being controlled by the government." Meanwhile, Governors, Mayors and others say Biden and FEMA are providing everything they need and begging Trump to stop endangering others with false statements. 

     Trump on the military: "He’s only a hero because he was captured. I like those who were not captured." "My presidential medal of freedom (given to a large donor) is more important than the medal of honor, because the ones who earn that are either dead or shot up." "Generals who are not absolutely loyal should be executed." 

     Trump on Trump: "I am the Chosen One. I alone can fix it."  "In Israel they would make me King."  " I can shoot someone on Fifth Avenue and get away with it." *Who are you going to believe me or your lying eyes…(one of the biggest deceptions). "If I were to run for President I would run as a Republican. They are stupid and will believe anything they hear on FOX."

Trump regarding his spiritual condition: "I never did anything that I needed to ask forgiveness for." 

1 John 1:6-10 (KJV) 6:

If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 

1 John 2:4 (KJV):

He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 

     By Comparison the so called “top five” lies that are cited against Harris follow: (for the record my eyes and ears did not lie to me.) "If elected Trump will enact Project 2025." Trump falsely claimed to know nothing about it after being on tape citing it. Also the creators of the Project are on tape declaring that Trump is totally on board. "If not elected there will be a blood bath." Trump said it, we saw and heard it, his pundit supporters suggest it ONLY pertains to the Auto Industry, while his rally supporters say, his loss will end in civil war, and Trump himself says it will be the *last election” WIN OR LOSE ! 

     Following the Charlottesville Tiki Torch, hate-filled march which ended in the untimely death of a young woman Trump said, “There were good and bad on both sides.” Once again anyone who watched these events unfold both heard and saw what Trump actually said. The explanation offered as a “debunking” strains the imagination. 

     Trump said, "Kamala says she believes in the second amendment and is herself a gun owner, but she is actually coming for your guns, because in California she proposed an assault weapon ban." To my way of thinking of those who do own guns and support the Second Amendment, the Lion’s Share support common sense gun legislation. She does not occupy the White House as President yet. Let’s not assume she is coming for everyone’s guns. 

     Harris said that Trump fomented a violent insurrection on January 6th in order to stay in power. *Trump did exactly that, calling the worst offenders "Patriots that he will pardon if re-elected". He was unwilling to put a stop to the carnage and watched it on TV. When his own staff told him the Mike Pence’s life was in danger, he reported said “So what?” to one, and “Maybe he deserved it” to another! He was impeached a second time for January 6th and to this day says he won the election. 

     As I complete this commentary on the need for a truth fact-check across the political spectrum, a Category 5 Hurricane is racing toward the Florida Peninsula threatening an area already devastated by a previous Hurricane. I’m reminded of the following prophetic warning given by Yeshua of Nazareth concerning the last days:

Luke 21:25-26 (KJV):

25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring: 26 Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.

     May I simply ask why Trump continues to lie nearly every time he opens his mouth, as occurred on January 6th. Furthermore, the new and more dangerous lies continue to put people's lives in danger and foster division across our nation. Proverbs 6:19b tells us that is another thing which GOD hates and calls an abomination! Proverbs 6:19 (KJV):

A false witness [that] speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren. 

     May the reader search his/her own heart as to the truth of all these things and how they could affect your faith.

2 Corinthians 13:5a (KJV):

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves….

     In my humble, honest opinion we need two things to save our Nation from chaos and possible destruction. 1) A restoration of truth 2) A true revival in the land according to 2 Chronicles 7:14 (KJV):

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

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