The Heaton File

Their names: Oholah the elder and Oholibah her sister; they were Mine, and they bore sons and daughters. As for their names, Samaria is Oholah, and Jerusalem is Oholibah. (Ezekiel 23:4)

Oholah And Oholibah

Ezekiel was a prophet among the people of God taken captive by Babylon in 597 B.C. Four years earlier, Ezekiel had been called into the prophetic ministry to warn the people of the impending destruction of Jerusalem. In 586 B.C., Jerusalem fell and the Temple of God was destroyed. The book of Ezekiel is based on two themes: the first warned the Jews the sinfulness of Judah had reached the point of God’s judgment; the second, after the fall of Jerusalem, a message of hope for the remnant to be restored. In the final section of part one, Ezekiel shows the full measure of God’s wrath against the people’s wickedness and refusal to repent and turn to God.

Using the language of a parable, Ezekiel introduces two sisters born of the same mother. Their names were Oholah and Oholibah. Oholah was the older of the sisters. The story of the two sisters was a tragic tale of sexual immorality and bearing children in their harlotry. Immediately, Ezekiel identifies the sisters as Samaria (Oholah) and Jerusalem (Oholibah). Samaria was the capital of the northern ten tribes and was destroyed by the Assyrians in 722 B.C. One hundred thirty-six years later, Jerusalem would suffer the same fate at the hands of the Babylonians. Throughout the prophetic literature leading up to the destruction of Samaria and Jerusalem, God reminded Israel they were His bride. The prophet Hosea was a graphic illustration of the whoredom Israel had committed against her husband, the Lord God. As the Jews felt the sting of bondage, Ezekiel weaves a story of the two sisters reminding them of what happened to their northern sister and what would happen to them if they did not repent.

Oholah played the harlot in Egypt and Assyria. Israel had gone after the gods of the Egyptians and the Assyrians and worshiped the lust of immorality of the nations around her. God sent His prophets to warn the people but to no avail. None of the kings of the northern kingdom were righteous. Prophets like Elijah and Elisha pleaded with the rulers and the people to repent. They refused. God brought the “lovers” of Israel to her borders and they destroyed her. Assyria was an ally of Israel and then became her destroyer. Judgment came upon Oholah by the people she entrusted her life with.

As the young sister, Oholibah should have learned from her older sister’s lessons. She lusted for the lovers of Assyria more than her older sister. The Babylonians came to her as treasured lovers and she indulged all the pleasures of whoredom with foreign nations. Like her older sister, Oholibah suffered betrayal from her lovers. The Babylonians came against Israel as an invading horde with chariots, wagons, and war-horses. Judah was destroyed with great fierceness. They were left naked and bare. Refusing to see the folly of her older sister, Jerusalem suffered the same fate. The cup of horror and desolation served against Samaria fell upon Jerusalem with greater wrath. Judah had forgotten God and cast Him behind her back. They bore the iniquity of their lewdness and spiritual prostitution.

Oholah and Oholibah are alive and well today. The lessons from the two sisters should remind the world that God has not changed His view of sin and rebellion. There are still those who desire to live like Oholah and Oholibah, oblivious to the coming judgment of God and His wrath. Ezekiel warned the people of the Lord’s penalty for sin and the people refused to listen. Sin does not change in translation or time and lessons from the two sisters should be taken to heart. Both sisters were judged. God will judge. Oholah characterizes the world and the church can be described by Oholibah. She will suffer the same fate when the church tries to live like the world. Ezekiel’s message is a lesson for today.

He has said in his heart, “God has forgotten; He hides His face; He will never see.” (Psalm 10:11)

PG-13 And The Heart

In 2021, Disney released the movie “Free Guy” by 20^th Century Studios rated PG-13. A bank teller discovers that he’s actually an NPC inside a brutal, open world video game. It is a fantasy movie about a popular video game where one of the characters takes on “artificial life” characteristics with the storyline following his exploits. The movie is rated PG-13, where parents are strongly cautioned as inappropriate for children. Before 1984, the ratings went from PG to R without any distinctions. PG-13 was created to sell more movies without the serious impact of an R rating. However, there is a misguided notion that PG and PG-13 are suitable for anyone concerned for righteousness.

Free Guy (rated PG-13) has 29 scenes of sex/nudity in one form or another (tame compared to what would be found in an R movie). There are 119 instances of language throughout the movie: 32 vain references to deity; 17 words of crude language/humor; 1 ethnic/social slur; 27 words of cursing; 37 words of profanity; and 5 words of vulgarity. Without filtering software, the movie is laced with ungodly language throughout the movie – and it’s only a PG-13. Disney is not the wholesome family production it was known for. This is undoubtedly driven by the dollar. The world is becoming increasingly indulgent with the acceptance of immoral behavior as common. This is not a surprise as the world has been filled with the decadence of sinful behavior since Adam and Eve walked out of the garden.

It is sad that movies must fill their coffers with the indulgence of the immoral and acidic language of the world. Young people are drawn to movies like Free Guy, with many parents either unaware or not caring what their children hear. This movie is not the only example of the prolific saturation of what is found on the magical screens of television, computers, and smartphones. It is difficult to find entertainment that must not first be scrubbed with intense filters to allow viewing. There are times that the entertainment is still unworthy of watching with the filters.

What is more tragic is the abundance of Christians who engage in entertainment laced with language – especially the use of God’s name in vain – with no compulsion or regret. They argue that what they hear on the screen is no different than being in the world. That person is a fool who believes the lie that so easily pervades the consciousness of the body of Christ.

The psalmist makes an observation about the wicked. It is the wicked heart that believes that God is not watching, and He has closed His eyes. They mistakenly believe the Lord does not see and hear what is being played on the screen. What foolishness. How often does it take for God’s name to be vilified before the Lord gets angry? One of the hallmarks of the commandments of God has always been (before the Law of Moses) that His name will not be taken in vain. He will not let that person go unpunished. Do not be fooled to believe that as long as a person does not use God’s name in vain, they will not be held accountable. That is a foolish lie. The wicked pretend God does not listen – but He does.

There has never been a time that sin has not dominated the world. The world has been under the sway of unrighteous language since the garden. God does not intend for His people to leave the world but to learn to live in the world. There are choices that can be made and must be made. Walking through Walmart and hearing foul language may not be controlled, but what we choose to watch is entirely under our control. The fool will not make a distinction. Godly hearts will make a choice and make a decision. God will not forget; He will not hide His face and He will not close His eyes.

The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray. (Proverbs 12:26)

Choosing Friends

A friend is someone who remains close even when times are difficult. The wise man said a friend is always loyal and becomes like a brother. To have friends, one must himself be a friend who will make a person genuinely wealthy. Friends are the sweetness of a man’s soul giving hearty counsel. Like iron that sharpens iron, friends will hone the character of their fellow man. David and Jonathan were great friends. Jesus had close friends. Paul had men and women who were dear to him in his ministry of teaching the gospel of Christ. The joy of friends is the endearment of sharing the joys and sorrows of life. When the days are bright, friends warm the heart. As days of darkness overwhelm, a true friend will comfort and console. To have a friend is one of the most valuable commodities a man can possess.

With all the good things that can be said about friends, the influence of a friend can also be the worst thing that can happen to a person. The kind of friends a man gathers around him will influence the type of person he will become. Friendship is a close bond that seeks recognition and respect. God gives the warning of choosing friends to know some friends will not bring out the best in a man’s life. Having a friend is not always a good thing. Some people have no interest but their own and will use anyone for their purpose. They will fain friendship to gain the trust and then use that person to their destruction. Choosing friends takes wisdom. It takes courage to refuse those who desire to be friends that will not lead to righteousness.

There are many reasons why friends are chosen. Common interests draw people together. There may be connections within groups where friends draw close to one another. A common goal can create a circle of friends. The question the Christian must ask is if the friends that are in their life are there for righteous reasons or unrighteous. A wise man will choose his friends carefully. If a friend is chosen, who is wicked, the likelihood of the wicked causing the righteous to stray increases. When someone seeks out unrighteous friends, they are not seeking friendships based on doing the right thing. God is not at the center of their life. Wicked friends follow the paths of unrighteousness and will lead their friends along the same paths.

Choosing friends is not an easy task. There is a single virtue that is constant in seeking out friends. This is different than associates that become part of life as friends are closer than a brother and more influential than casual acquaintances. Having a friend is a person or persons that have a great deal of influence on the heart of the Christian. The most important question about choosing a friend is whether that person will help or hinder the Christian from being saved. Having friends is an integral part of life, but when those friends are not helping to live righteous lives, they are will hinder the growth of spirituality. Everyone wants to please their friends. God warns that choosing the wrong friends can have serious consequences. The rule is simple: The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray. You’ve got a friend indeed – but what kind of friend?

But I want to remind you, though you once knew this, that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe. (Jude 5)

Saved And Then Lost

The children of Abraham had been in a foreign land in bondage and oppression for four hundred years. God had promised Abraham He would deliver the people from Egypt. When the time came for the deliverance of His chosen people, God raised up Moses to be the one to bring the Hebrews to the land promised Abraham. The Lord showed His glory with wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red Sea, and the wilderness forty years. Through the power of God, Israel was saved from Egyptian bondage. The Passover was a test of the people’s faith and they were obedient to the word of the Lord. Everything God commanded them to do, they obeyed. As the Egyptians approached the people standing by the Red Sea, the people’s faith was emboldened to walk through the sea on dry land. God saved the people from Egypt by His mighty hand.

After the miracle of the Red Sea, the Hebrews came to the Wilderness of Shur, where there was water but so bitter they were unable to drink it. The Lord told Moses to throw a tree in the water and it became sweet. Shortly afterward, God provided manna to feed the people and once again provided abundant water at a place they named Massah and Meribah. The Amalekites attacked the Hebrews and the Lord gave them complete victory. Arriving at Mount Sinai, the Hebrews became a nation with God giving them a law. Everything was going well for Israel and God delivered them from every trial. The Lord saved the people out of the land of Egypt, but their hearts turned away from Him.

Salvation from Egypt did not save the people in the wilderness. The signs and wonders the people saw in deliverance from Pharoah did not keep them from disobeying the commands of God. At Sinai, the people demanded a god to lead them and Aaron made the golden calf. When the people came to Canaan at Kadesh-Barnea, they rebelled against the Lord again. Sadly, the deliverance from Egypt did not save them. The people God saved from Egypt were the same people the Lord destroyed because they did not believe. They saw the power of the Lord but it did not save them. The forty years of wandering destroyed everyone twenty years and above and these were the same people God had saved from Egypt. Only Joshua and Caleb were saved from this destruction.

Faith alone did not save the Hebrews. Deliverance from Egypt did not save Israel. God’s power did not instill saving faith as the people continued to rebel against Him. The Lord saved the people out of the land of Egypt and then He destroyed those who did not remain faithful. Jude makes the point that salvation did not come only by the power of God. The angels who did not keep their proper domain, God punished. Faith alone has never saved anyone, including the demons – who believe and tremble. Jesus manifested the power of God and the Jews rejected Him and killed Him.

One of the most prominent doctrines of modern theology is salvation by faith only and, once saved, always saved. The Bible never teaches that God will save those who refuse to obey Him. All the wonders and signs the Hebrews saw did not change their hearts and God destroyed them. If the Lord will destroy His own people because of unbelief, He will punish those who refuse to follow His word. Remember the Israelites. God saved the people out of the land of Egypt and afterward destroyed those who did not believe. That is the gospel of Jesus Christ.

But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues. (Matthew 10:17)

Beaten In Church

Synagogue worship developed during the captivity in Babylon as the Jews were unable to go to Jerusalem and worship at the temple. The Babylonians had destroyed both the city and the temple and the remnant of the people of God were captive slaves. By the time of Jesus, the synagogue remained a central part of Jewish worship, with weekly assemblies to listen to the reading of the law and the prophets. It was the custom of Jesus to attend every Sabbath and read from the scrolls. Many cities had more than one synagogue, including Jerusalem. Depending on the synagogue’s size, each had various officers who attended to the ministry of prayers, readings, laws, and teaching of children. A group of Jewish leaders called elders presided over the synagogue. A synagogue would have a ruler (one or more) and a servant or minister who would see to the lighting of the worship place and keep the building clean. The minister would also be charged with wielding the whip to punish those found guilty of disobedience.

The power and influence of the synagogue had become so prominent in the days of Jesus many believed in Jesus, including some of the Jewish leaders. Still, they wouldn’t admit it for fear that the Pharisees would expel them from the synagogue. Jesus tells His disciples the day will come when resistance to the teaching of Jesus will bring them into the synagogue to be beaten. To be beaten like a criminal in the presence of the local synagogue would have brought incredible shame to the family. Jesus warns that many will face the disgrace of their names being brought before the rulers of the synagogue and, as friends and family watch, to be scourged. The law prohibited more than forty lashes, so the whip used for scourging had three thongs of leather with bone or lead. Thirteen lashes would be counted, leaving the scourging to thirty-nine lashes. The Romans had no such law and did not limit the scourging to a number.

Following Jesus would bring the shame of beatings in the synagogue. Paul recounted how he punished the followers of Jesus in every synagogue, compelling them to blaspheme. He witnessed the followers of the Way being beaten in the synagogue. The early disciples used the synagogue as a place to teach the gospel of Christ. It was a dangerous place to show the Jews the covenant of Christ. In the city of Corinth, Paul reasoned every Sabbath in the synagogue and persuaded both Jews and Gentiles. Facing opposition, Paul left the synagogue and taught at the house of Justus, whose house was next door to the synagogue. Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed along with his household and many Corinthians. Persecution would come a year later when Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, was beaten before the judgment seat.

The faith and courage of the first century Christians is a remarkable story of how devoted they were to the teaching of Jesus Christ. Their belief that Jesus was the Christ helped them to face the inevitable persecution of those who would not believe. The synagogue was supposed to be a place of worship and reflection on the word of God and it became a rallying cry to stand for Jesus Christ. These saints were beaten in the synagogue because of what they believed. A modern version would be as if one were beaten in church. How would the church fare today if men were beaten for believing Jesus was the Christ or the Bible was the only true word? What will be the condition of the church in time to come when a bold stand against the immoral values of a world brings severe consequences of the law against it? How many Christians will be willing to be beaten in church for God? Jesus told His followers that life for them would be a cross-bearing life. That lesson has not changed.

For many, it will be difficult to be beaten in church because they never attend. The worse persecution they face is if the internet is slow. Others are too busy with work, recreation, and leisure to be where the Lord commands. The faithful will endure the ridicule of a world increasingly discontent with the faith of those who hold fast to Jesus Christ. When the Bible is taught in its divine force, the world will react. Will you be where you should be on the first day of the week – even if it means you might be beaten and scourged? Be faithful. Serve God. Obey His word. Endure and overcome.

But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner. (Hebrews 6:9)

Confident Of Better Things.

The Hebrew letter is a difficult and challenging book. Persecution had imposed a heavy toll on the early Christians, with some giving up their faith in Christ. Comparing the covenant of Christ with the Law of Moses, the writer advocates the better faith is in Christ Jesus. There is a dire warning for those who would turn aside from the holy commandment of renewing them again to repentance. This was a serious problem. With all the warnings and cautions, a note of hope and encouragement rang through the message. There were dangers in the church of apostasy but the writer had confidence in his audience they would not give up their faith, remaining faithful to the end as they sought their eternal homeland.

Exhortation is an important part of the Christian life. When hearts are filled with discouragement and despair, a word of hope can make a difference. With all the Hebrew Christians faced, the writer wants them to know his utmost confidence they would do the right thing. People need to hear that kind of message. For all the problems in the church and the challenges that are endured daily, the people of God must know they can overcome any trial of life. It is hard to accept that some who named Jesus as Lord could turn away and lose their soul but it was a real possibility. The apostasy could be so permanent nothing could bring them back. This is harsh language and difficult to accept. As the writer follows up this sharp discourse, he reminds the Hebrews of his confidence in their faith. He knows they will not be overcome by doubts. His belief is strong in their faith.

Not only are the Hebrews told they would remain faithful, but the writer also tells them he believes they are meant for better and greater things in the kingdom. It is one thing to be told you will face obstacles with courage and faith, but extending that hope to so much more that is possible is invigorating. These Hebrews were placed in the kingdom of God for such a time to excel, abound, extend their influence, and grow in their faith. They needed to know they were special. Their faith was not wasted. God was aware of their work and labor of love. He knew the trials they faced and commended them for remaining faithful. The Hebrews ministered to the saints and were filled with good works towards others. And they could do more.

There is a lot of work to be done in the kingdom of God and saints need to be encouraged to excel in their talents beyond what they are doing. They need the confidence others have in them to be purposed for greater things. There is always a better work that everyone can contribute to the work of the Lord. Often, a little word of encouragement is all that is needed. Even if no one tells you they see better things in you, know that God has that desire for you to excel more and more and grow in His grace. There is always so much more that can be done if we but try. God sees the work of His saints and knows their labor. His desire is for the kingdom of His Son to be filled with encouraging hearts longing to do more to bring lost souls to salvation. God is confident of better things concerning you.

All this came upon King Nebuchadnezzar. At the end of the twelve months he was walking about the royal palace of Babylon. The king spoke, saying, “Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honor of my majesty?” While the word was still in the king’s mouth, a voice fell from heaven: “King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: the kingdom has departed from you! And they shall drive you from men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. They shall make you eat grass like oxen; and seven times shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men and gives it to whomever He chooses.” (Daniel 4:28-32)

Despots Always Fail

From the division of the world in the plain of Shinar, the history of men has been shaped by a burning desire for global conquest. Despots have risen who conquered great stretches of land to rule over and dominate to their will. Egypt was a world power at one time, followed by the Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, and Romans. Genghis Khan ruled a vast Mongol empire in the east. The Tsars of Russia created a nation stretching from the tip of North America to the eastern border of Europe. Britain ruled a world for nearly two centuries, spanning 33 million square miles. In the Americas, the Maya, Aztec, and Inca empires dominated. In modern history, Adolf Hitler wanted to create a thousand-year empire at the expense of millions of souls and he committed suicide in less than six years. The empire of Japan spread its hatred throughout the Pacific and suffered catastrophic loss before surrendering. Joseph Stalin terrorized the world, killing millions. He wanted to make Russia one of the most powerful nations in the world. In 1953, he met the Lord God face to face.

Nebuchadnezzar was a brilliant leader who created one of the world’s most incredible city and nation. His story is recorded in part to reveal God’s will to men. Through the will of God, Babylon had taken the remaining people of Israel into captivity. The Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple of God. Nebuchadnezzar entered the Holy Place and took away the treasures of God’s house because the Lord God allowed him. Among the captives taken from Jerusalem was a young man named Daniel. When the king had a frightful dream, he asked Daniel to tell him the meaning. God sent the dream to warn Nebuchadnezzar of becoming too proud and boasting of his accomplishments. Daniel warned the king to know that only God rules in the affairs of men.

Twelve months later, Nebuchadnezzar is walking about the royal palace of Babylon when he thinks within himself of what a great man he is. As he looks upon the splendor of Babylon, he fills his heart with pride and arrogance for his glory. Immediately, the prophecy of his dream comes true and he is driven from men as a mad man. The dream came from God and the punishment came from God. Nebuchadnezzar learned the lesson of despots who try to rule the world that only God will rule. When God separated men at the tower of Babel, it was determined through national identities that no man and no nation would rule the world. There will never be a nation or people that will dominate the world.

The failure of despots is they want to rule the world. They invade nations for a purpose that is failed before it begins. All despots die and their power is lost. What they gain in life is sand flowing between the fingers of a trembling hand. The world suffers from rulers who want to be the most powerful ruler of the time and while they terrorize and punish millions during their reign, it all comes to nothing. They bring their armies against defenseless nations, killing the innocents and gaining temporary glory at best. And then a remarkable thing happens: they die and meet the One who rules in the affairs of men. Heaven rules – men do not. God decides – men do not. Despots are self-centered and arrogant images of Nebuchadnezzar, who have not learned the eternal lesson of time. There is one God and He rules.

Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying: “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created.” (Revelation 4:9-11)

He Is Worthy

The Revelation of John is a splendid pictorial testimony to the grandeur and magnificence of the Lord God who made all things and through whom all things exist. There is great debate about the meanings of the images in the book to the point the grand scheme of the revelation is obscured in confusion. The early saints faced an onslaught of persecution from government, religion and the carnal world. God assures those who cried out for mercy that victory was theirs and Jesus Christ was King of Kings and Lord of Lords. No world power could dominate the spirit of the courageous soldiers of the cross. False religion would seek to apostate the faith of the people of the Lord, but God’s kingdom would never be shaken. Immorality filled the hearts of the world. The beacon of righteousness overcame the desires of the flesh for those who committed themselves to the worship of the one true God.

Images emerge at the beginning of the revelation that set the scene for the message. The throne room of Heaven is filled with wonderous pictures of precious stones, fires, lightnings, thundering’s and voices. There was a sea of glass and four fearsome creatures. Surrounding the throne of God, twenty-four elders sat on thrones. Everyone before the throne worshiped Him who was on the throne. They declared He was worthy and deserving of eternal praise and honor. Showing servitude to the Lord God, the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped Him, laying their crowns before His throne. In their song of praise, the twenty-four elders recognized God as supreme for two reasons. First, God created all things. Second, everything exists because of Him.

There is a fundamental truth that every man must believe in order to be saved. God created everything by His hand, through His power, and according to His purpose. This goes beyond Genesis 1:1 and the scientific analysis of creation. The twenty-four elders gave glory to God because He is supreme above all men, His power is absolute, and His will is the highest law known to man. Many despots have tried to rule the world and attain absolute power over men but all failed. Empires have been wrought from the vengeance of war only to end in total destruction. The irony of global conquest is the futility of it all. God made the world and He deserves honor and glory because it came into being because He willed.

Moses said that God spoke and the world was formed. What power is there greater than the One who speaks and the firmament divides, the land and sea separate, grass and trees abound from the earth and the skies and oceans fill with animals? Only the one who created all things deserves such honor. The sun, moon, and the innumerable stars came into existence by the word of God. How can the sun, 864,000 miles in diameter and emitting heat of 5,778 Kelvin (10,000 Fahrenheit), immediately appear by the word of God? Standing before the One who spoke the sun into existence will bring every man to his knees and beyond.

Not only did God create the world and the universe, everything exists by the power of the One who sits on the throne. The sun that warms the day today is the same (think about this) sun that Adam and Eve first saw in the Garden of Eden. Abraham traveled under the moon that graces the night today. The early Biblical writers saw the constellations of the Bear, Orion, and the Pleiades and the chambers of the south. They remain in place just as Job saw them thousands of years ago. The world exists by the power of God. Everything continues because of God. The breath of life comes from God. A new birth is the same way that Adam and Eve saw the birth of Cain. Each day the sun rises and sets and life continues on its endless flow because God spoke and the world exists.

God deserves glory and honor because He has provided every need of man. Greater than the physical world that declares His glory, God provided His only begotten Son to save man from the consequence of sin and the fear of death. Standing before the throne of God, the elders see the lamb of God slain from the foundation of the world, taking the scroll and opening the seals. Jesus was worthy to take the scroll, for He was slain. God created the way to eternal life and salvation because of His love and power. Praise God for what He has done. All men will honor God one day as every knee will bow before His throne. Sadly, most men will not enjoy the glory of God because they did not submit to His will. God made the world and it exists because of Him. He provides a way of escaping the penalty of sin. The choice is yours. Give glory to God by obeying His word.

And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized. So when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus. (Acts 9:17-19)

Ananias And Paul

Few men stirred the fear of persecution more than Saul of Tarsus in the early days of the church. Saul was wreaking havoc against the church and his influence was spreading throughout the world. The saints were scattered abroad in the face of the severe persecution from Saul and the Jews who threatened to imprison and murder those who followed Jesus. There was nothing the infant church could do but worship Jesus Christ with faith and courage; not knowing if they would be part of those caught in the web of hatred from Saul.

In the city of Damascus lived a disciple named Ananias. He was a devout man. God chose him to carry out one of the great works of the early church: baptize the persecutor of the church. At first, Ananias was reluctant to go to Saul, having heard what he had done and his plans to do much harm to the church in Damascus. Encouraged by the Lord that his mission was with divine approval, Ananias went to the house of Judas and found the great man Saul blind and hungry and praying. Ananias laid his hands on Saul restoring his eyesight.

Saul had been blinded on the way to the city of Damascus. The Lord appeared to Saul and told him to go into the city and be told what to do. Ironically, the man who sought to destroy the disciples of Christ was taken to the home of a Christian named Judas and cared for three days. In his darkness, Saul must have wondered what would become of him. Three days is a long time to wait in darkness. There is little doubt his caretakers were compassionate and kind to the man the Christians feared. After three days, a visitor came through the door. Kind hands embraced Saul, and immediately, he received his sight again. What a joyful moment as the fearful darkness was taken away.

The first thing Saul saw when his vision was restored was the face of Ananias. He heard how that God had chosen him to be a witness to all men. Then Ananias told Saul to arise and be baptized to wash away his sins. Immediately, Saul obeyed the voice of Ananias and the two went down into the water and Saul of Tarsus – persecutor and destroyer of the church – was baptized into Christ. Did they embrace when they came out of the water? Saul stayed a few days in the house of Judas, meeting the disciples he came to imprison. What became of those who traveled with Saul from Jerusalem? Did they return to the high priest in Jerusalem and tell what happened to Saul? The few days after the baptism of Saul had to be some of the most memorable days in the life of Saul.

Ananias disappears from the pages of early church history. Luke does not say what became of Ananias. Whether he and Paul ever saw one another again is not known. As Paul sits in Roman prison, his thoughts turn back to those days in the home of Judas and a man named Ananias. A bond is formed of the one who baptizes and there is little doubt Paul could forget his companion and fellow disciple, Ananias. There were others that Ananias would have baptized and those Paul helped find the gospel are legion. Two names are inseparable for their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ: Ananias and Paul. With God’s grace, the two found one another again in death. Thanks to all those who wear the name of Ananias in the kingdom of Christ.

Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another. (Ephesians 4:25)

Integrity And Truth

One of the greatest commodities a man possesses is his word. For the Christian, integrity is more than an impression left upon others. Telling the truth is the character of the child of God. Lying is a vice common throughout the world. As people of the living God, the Christian does not engage in the pattern of the world who are comfortable wearing cloaks of deception and lies. Paul admonishes the saints in Ephesus to put away their former conduct, which included lying. It was not uncommon to lie a little in business dealings to get a better price. That was expected and often part of the way of doing business. If a man sold an item to his neighbor, he did not feel compelled to be honest about the trade even though there were defects. Lying was easy. It was as natural as breathing.

Telling a lie has been the favorite tool of Satan from the beginning. He lied to Eve about the word of God. Lying was strictly prohibited in the Law of Moses where it is called a sin. The ninth commandment forbade bearing false witness against a neighbor. God hates lying lips and views it as an abomination alongside pride, murder, and those who sow discord among brethren. Lies condemned Naboth to death and the witness of false men murdered Jesus. Ananias and Sapphira lied to the Holy Spirit and were killed on the spot. Jesus calls the devil the father of lies. John emphasizes in the Revelation that all liars will have their part in the lake, which burns with fire and brimstone. God has a clear view of men who lie.

A Christian is a person of integrity. The honest heart bears witness with truthful lips. There will be temptations to lie, but the mature Christian will always learn to tell the truth. Lying must be put away from the character of the one who follows Jesus Christ. Christians do not cheat on their income taxes. They do not deceive their neighbors with lies. The word of a Christian is like the adage that said a man’s word was his bond. There is no deceit, dishonesty, or deception in the speech of one who has given their life to Jesus Christ. The Lord never told a lie. His disciples must be like Him and give pure speech. Lying lips should be put away and the truth is the only language that should be spoken to others.

Lying is the seed of many sins. O. W. Holmes said, “Sin has many tools, but a lie is the handle which fits them all.” When the heart is filled with lies, other sins begin to multiply. Adultery starts with a lie. Covetousness breeds a lying spirit. False doctrines are predicated upon lies that what a man believes is the word of God. Satan has used lying as his most productive tool to dissuade the hearts of men to reject the word of God. Truth is the power of itself that is established forever. A lie is but for a moment. Righteous men and women hate lying. There is one truth and speaking truth is the language of the Christian. God is listening. What does He hear?