Connecting with God

So we’ll be ready when the time comes

Part 2: Connecting with Truth

Introduction for connecting with truth

Propaganda served a constructive purpose in the 17th Century. Pope Gregory XV established an organization of Cardinals in 1622 called “Sacra Congregatio de propaganda fide”. This Latin phrase means “Sacred Congregation for propagating the faith”. Over time however, the role of propaganda shifted from propagating the truth about God to promoting a political agenda or point of view by spreading “derogatory information, especially of a biased or misleading nature”.

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Some things only a real God can do and Jesus does them to perfection. He set the standard for authentic godhood. As the way, the truth, and the life, Jesus offers a dependable antidote for propaganda poisoning. Despite generations of unfavorable publicity, He remains as competent and effective as ever. Wherever Jesus goes, His divine attributes and supernatural activity follow. The Son of Man portrays consistent integrity because the fullness of God dwells in him.

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Nothing escapes God’s gaze. He always notices everything; God sees the good, the bad, and the horrific. When incidents of rage provoke volleys of revenge, He pays close attention. As hostility ignites atrocity, He eyes are riveted. Every malicious act stabs God’s heart with vile offense.

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. (Heb 4:13)

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Cheerleaders ignite a rush of adrenaline as athletes compete in stadiums rocked by rivalry. My high school shouted the following cheer adapted from the song “Plastic Jesus”.

I don’t care if it rains or freezes!

‘Long as I’ve got my plastic Jesus!

Sittin’ on the dashboard of my car!

With self-esteem on the line, we converted a simple chorus into a boisterous cheer to psyche ourselves up and psyche our opponents out. Striving for victory, we hauled with all our might to acquire a winning reputation.

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After delivering the Israelites from ten generations of slavery, God invited 74 leaders to connect with Him. Unlike the rest of us, they actually saw God. They saw Him standing upon the substance of heaven and they dined together. Mortal human beings experienced a visual encounter with the magnificent presence of God.

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King David built a special tabernacle in Jerusalem and filled it with singing. Sustained by nonstop music, a consensus of praise transformed the spiritual atmosphere on earth for generations to come. This unconventional initiative triggered a radical season change, one that set a precedent for open access into God’s presence.

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After failing to bring the Ark to Jerusalem, David overindulged in alternate relationships. Rather than adhering to the truth about holy matrimony (i.e., one man united to one woman), David staggered under the influence of an inordinate desire. He splurged on women by collecting an assortment of wives including Michal, Saul’s daughter, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, Abigail the widow of Nabal, Maacah daughter of Talmal King of Gesher, Haggith, Abital, and Eglah. Besides additional wives from Jerusalem, David also took concubines. Eventually, lust caused him to overdose on women.

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When spiritual leaders met in Jerusalem to discuss a Jew-Gentile controversy, James emphasized God’s initiative to connect all people with Himself. Quoting Amos the prophet, he stressed God’s resolve to return, to rebuild, and to reestablish a New Testament rendition of David’s tabernacle. Paraphrasing Amos 9:11-12, James announced God’s will to accommodate humanity’s desire to connect with Him.

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