DECLARING YOUR INDEPENDENCE THROUGH YOUR F.T.C.

This coming Thursday, we will be celebrating the Fourth of July, commemorating our nation’s Declaration of Independence.  Our colonial ancestors were fed up with having the British crown telling them what they could and couldn’t do.  And so, the American patriots opted to pursue their freedom.  There were many Tories or “loyalists” in the colonies whose voices sang out in protest against the revolutionists.  But, our forefathers didn’t listen to those nay-sayers and chartered the course for the country we live in today.  And, despite the best efforts of historical revisionists, the truth is that the leaders of the American Revolution, by and large, were men who were attuned to listening to the voice of Almighty God in shaping the destiny of this nation.[1]  Of those 56 signatures on the Declaration of Independence, 54 of were penned by men of the Christian faith.[2]

But, what was true in the past, does not necessarily apply in the present.  Today, people seem to be wearing earplugs to block out God’s voice.   Now, the voices of the world have taken centerstage in our society.  Nowadays, it seems as though so many worldly voices are trying to tell us what to do.  They are loud, and often obnoxious, voices from within our secular society that want to tell you what to think and how to live your life.  The problem is these worldly voices often advocate things opposed to the One True Voice Christians are called to obey.  As was the case with our ancestors, we are called to heed the Voice of God.

But, this isn’t a problem that’s unique to America today.  It is something that has plagued God’s people for a very long time.  For example, we can see this in the words of Psalm 95.  Before reading that psalm, let me give you a little background as to circumstances that existed at the time it was written. This may help in understanding the pressure that worldly voices can exert upon God’s people.  For many years, the people of Judah had been unfaithful to God and ignored the voices of His prophets to repent.  Consequently, they were conquered by the Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar.  God’s people were carted off to Babylon during the 6^th century B.C. where, for a time, they would remain in captivity—first under the Babylonians, then the Persians.[3]  While in exile, the Israelites were under tremendous pressure to abandon God’s ways and, instead, bow down to pagan gods.  There were so many voices shouting at them from all directions, urging them to renounce their faith in God and take up the ways of the world around them.  But, those who were faithful resisted these seductive voices.  They stuck with God and were faithful.  And, as always, God was faithful to them as well.[4]  And so, He opened the way for their return from exile by eventually influencing the Persian King, Cyrus, to issue a decree in 538 B.C. allowing the Jewish people to go back to Jerusalem.[5]

Psalm 95 was likely written by these returning exiles to be sung as part of the celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles once they reached Jerusalem.[6]   Let’s read a portion of that psalm and consider what it has to say about the VOICE OF GOD:

¹  Come, let us sing to the LORD! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. ²  Let us come to Him with thanksgiving. Let us sing psalms of praise to Him. ³  For the LORD is a great God, a great King above all gods. ⁴  He holds in His hands the depths of the earth and the mightiest mountains. ⁵  The sea belongs to Him, for He made it. His hands formed the dry land, too. ⁶  Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the LORD our maker, ⁷  for He is our God. We are the people He watches over, the flock under His care. IF ONLY YOU WOULD LISTEN TO HIS VOICE TODAY!  Psalm 95:1-8 (NLT2)

 

Notice that the psalmist was dismayed by what he saw God’s people doing.  Apparently, they were ignoring God’s voice in the psalmist’s day very much like the people in this country today.   When we look around, it is evident that even some mainline Christian denominations aren’t listening to God’s voice anymore.   We are nearer to the End of Time than many would think because the failure to hear the voice of God is a prophetic sign that Jesus is coming again soon.  For Paul tells us:  “¹ In the last days, it is going to be very difficult to be a Christian…³  For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. ⁴  They will reject the truth and chase after myths.” 2^nd Timothy 3:1 (TLB), 4:3-4 (NLT2)   When Paul speaks of “itching ears,” he is not talking about ears that have a rash or have been exposed to poison ivy.  No—they are ears that have tuned into the poison voices of this world.  Sadly, many have been deceived and led astray by such worldly voices. Those false philosophies can creep in without people realizing it.  In this regard, the world is a very deceptive place.

I would compare this to a recent Federal Trade Commission consumer alert.  The F.T.C. gives us the following warning:  “You get a call [on your phone]. There’s a panicked voice on the line.  It’s your grandson.  He says he’s in deep trouble—he wrecked the car and landed in jail.  But, you can help by sending money.  You take a deep breath and think.  You’ve heard about grandparent scams.  But [hey], it sounds just like him—[no mistake about it, it was his voice].  How could it be a scam?”  The F.T.C. goes on to explain how such a scam can appear so realistic to the person who is the target of the deceiving voice on the other end of the line:  “Voice cloning, that's how [this scam is pulled off].  Artificial intelligence is no longer a far-fetched idea out of a sci-fi movie.  We’re living with it, here and now.  A scammer could use AI to clone the voice of your loved one.  All he needs is a short audio clip of your family member’s voice—which he could get from content posted online—and a voice-cloning program.  When the scammer calls you, he’ll sound just like your loved one.”[7]

That’s a chilling thought—a voice that sounds so pleasing and familiar might be a false voice that will steal from you just as effectively as a robber with a gun to your head.  Now, take that warning and apply it to those worldly voices that seek, not to steal your money, but to rob you of your very soul.  You see, Satan doesn’t need AI to make his words sound good.  All he needs are his human minions who love the ways of the world and have nothing but distain for the voice of God.  Believe me, the F.T.C. offers no defense against such satanic, worldly deception.  So, where can we turn to discern God’s truth from the deceptive lies issued from those phony voices of the world?

For the Christian, there is only one answer.  We can hear God’s voice by knowing His Son, Jesus Christ.  How do you come to know Him?  The answer is: Through God’s Word.  The Word of God is truly unique because JESUS CHRIST IS THE WORD.  John’s Gospel is clear on this: ¹  “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ²  He was in the beginning with God…  ¹⁴  And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth…¹⁷  For the law was given through Moses; GRACE AND TRUTH came through Jesus Christ.” John 1:1-2, 14-17 (ESV)

So, if you want to HEAR GOD’S VOICE, EXPERIENCE HIS GRACE and KNOW HIS TRUTH, THEN YOU MUST COME TO KNOW JESUS CHRIST.  Through Jesus and the Holy Spirit, the truth about all things is revealed in the Bible—which is Jesus Himself in the format of the written “Word.”   That is why the Bible isn’t just another book.  You see, the Scriptures are “alive” in Christ and the Spirit.  As such, they speak with God’s voice and have a vitality that is unmatched by any other form of communication.  The Bible teaches its own absolute reliability and truth when proclaiming:  “For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)

If you hear and follow any “voice” that is inconsistent with God’s Word, then you are on the wrong path.  If you continue to follow such a worldly path, one day you will walk over a cliff to your own eternal destruction.  But, if you will listen for God’s voice, you can correct the errant life-course you are on and follow His path instead.  When listening to the world’s voice, it is so easy to pursue the wrong path.  Jesus said: ¹³  “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. ¹⁴  But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.” Matthew 7:13-14 (NLT2)

But, you can and will find it if you listen for God’s voice in His Word and follow what it has to say.  Satan will do everything in his power to put you on the wrong path.  His worldly voices scream so loudly and convincingly to drown out God’s “still, small voice.”[8]  And yet, God’s voice is available to everyone, if they’d just sit still and listen.[9]  So, how do you go about doing that?  How can you discern what is truth and what is a lie above the noise of all those voices in your ears?  Well, you have to put those voices and what they say to the test.  The Bible teaches we must learn to be discerning.  Paul puts it this way: “Put all things to the test: keep what is good.” 1^st Thessalonians 5:21 (TEV)  The litmus test is to compare whatever any “voice” may say to what God’s Word has to say.  If it’s contrary to what the Bible teaches, then reject it.  Otherwise, as Paul advises, “keep what is good.”  That is why it is extremely important that we know and can recall God’s Word to test the truthfulness of any worldly voice that may try to deceive us.  Let me give you several examples of some popular and widely accepted worldly sayings and compare them to what God has to say in response to each of them.

• The world’s self-centered voice says: “Look out for number one.”
• God counters this by saying: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Mark 12:31 (NLT2)

 

• The world arrogantly proclaims, in using the words of the late Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple computer: “Follow your heart and intuition.” [10]
• But, God’s Word says: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding” Proverbs 3:5 (NLT2)—for “the human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked.” Jeremiah 17:9 (NLT2)

 

• The world would have you believe: “I’m O.K.; you’re O.K.”
• But, God knows otherwise and states the reality that: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 (NIV)

 

• The world claims that God wants you to just be happy—so, do whatever makes you feel good.
• God doesn’t put it quite like that. Rather, He loves your obedience[11] and wants you to have joy through following His Word.  For as the psalmist says:  “I delight to do your will, my God, for your law is written upon my heart!” Psalm 40:8 (TLB)

 

• The world teaches: “All humans are basically ‘good’ and God loves us just the way we are.”
• But, God states the ugly truth: “All have turned away; all have become useless. No one does good, not a single one.” Romans 3:12 (NLT2)

 

• The world assures you that: “All religions are equally valid paths to God.”
• God’s Word quotes a different voice—the voice of Jesus saying: “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6 (NIV)

 

• The world will tell you: “You have your truth, and I have my truth.”
• But, God proclaims that: “[His] word is truth.” John 17:17 (NASB)  And, Paul adds to that, saying: “[Satan] will use every kind of evil deception to fool those on their way to destruction, because they refuse to love and accept the truth that would save them.” 2nd Thessalonians 2:10 (NLT2)

 

 

• The world quotes the French, atheist philosopher, Albert Camus, and proclaims in despair: “Life is meaningless.”
• The voice of God corrects that lie and, instead, assures us: “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.’” Jeremiah 29:11 (TLB)

 

• The world urges you: “If revenge motivates you, go for it!”[12]
• But, God’s voice, as offered by His Son, says: “If anyone slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.” Matthew 5:39 (HCSB)

 

• In the words of a famous general, the world claims that, “War is the continuation of politics by other means.”[13]
• But, the voice of Jesus says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9 (NIV)

 

• The voices of the world are quick to criticize.
• But, Jesus said: “First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.” Matthew 7:5 (NLT2)

 

• The world says, “What’s mine is mine, and what’s yours is yours—but, I’d really like to have what’s yours as well.”
• Jesus gives a different voice in saying: “As for the one who wants to sue you and take away your shirt, let him have your coat as well” Matthew 5:40 (HCSB)—to which God the Father adds: “Thou shalt not covet.” Exodus 20:17 (KJV)    

 

• The world will assure you that the government is the solution to all our wants and needs.
• But, the Word of God teaches: “The LORD is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” Psalm 23:1 (NASB)

 

• The world whispers seductively, “Love the one you’re with.”
• The voice of God warns: “Thou shalt not commit adultery.” Exodus 20:14 (KJV)

 

• The world elevates climate change as the number one global problem.
• While God’s Word also stresses that we must be good stewards of the environment,[14] the Bible teaches that the most important global issue relates to the change that is needed in the human heart.[15]

 

• The world insists that, in all circumstances, a woman has the right to terminate her pregnancy.
• God’s Word gives a voice to the unborn which says:“You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb” Psalm 139:13 (NLT2)—to which God further adds in addressing the pro-choice advocates:  “You must not murder.” Exodus 20:13 (NLT2)

 

• The voice of Facebook speaks for the world by informing us that there are over 50 different human genders classifications.
• God’s Word counters this insanity by simply stating: “He created them male and female, and He blessed them and called them ‘human.’” Genesis 5:2 (NLT2)

 

 

 

• The world voices support for same-sex relationships and same-sex marriage.
• But, God’s voice has something very different to say about such things, telling us:. “Do not practice homosexuality, having sex with another man as with a woman. It is a detestable sin.” Leviticus 18:22 (NLT2) And, for clarification purposes, this same detestable conduct between two women was identified as sin by Paul in Romans 1:26.[16]

 

• And, in a related matter, all during this month of June, the world has celebrated “Pride Month.”
• But, the voice of God warns that, “Pride goes. . . before a fall,” Proverbs 16:18 (NLT2) and “pride leads to disgrace…” Proverbs 11:2 (NLT2)

 

• And finally, the world’s voices sing out: “All you need is love.”
• God’s Word would agree, as long as the “love” they sing about is God—for the Bible teaches, “God is love.” 1^st John 4:8 (NLT2)

 

My point is this:  The world’s mindset and beliefs are so often in stark conflict with that “still, small voice” of God.”  God’s voice is not “still” and “small” because He does care if you hear Him or not.  Rather, God wants you to listen to Him closely.  In doing so, He wants you to do two things: First, filter out the noise of the world through the truth of God’s Word and the discernment given by the Holy Spirit.  Second, offer to God your full devotion and complete obedience to His commands.  There is no way to follow these two things without knowing God’s Word.  Biblical illiteracy among Christians is far higher than it should be.  If you are going to be successful in discerning the difference between the lying voices of this world and the truth offered by God, then you must be able to quickly remember what the Bible has to say about a variety of topics.  If you are unable to do that, you can’t effectively witness to others.  Nor can you live a life of Christian integrity that God calls you to live.

Those scammers who cleverly use AI to fool people into paying them money over the phone are mere amateurs when compared to Satan.  The Federal Trade Commission offers no defense against him. Rather, the only thing that can save you from Satan’s deceptive voice is an infinitely more powerful “F.T.C.” But, that acronym of “F.T.C.” doesn’t stand for the “Federal Trade Commission.”  The “F. T. C.” you need stands for:  FAITH and TRUST in CHRIST.  In 1776, our forefathers declared their independence from the tyranny of political oppression.  For Christians today, a far more dangerous tyranny exists.  It is the tyranny of sin that is strongly supported by the voices of this world.   But, you need the only Voice that always speaks the Truth.  You need, Jesus Christ—the Word of God made flesh.  If you know God’s Word and allow Jesus to change your heart, then you will no longer be a slave to sin.[17]  You will no longer be susceptible to those worldly voices seeking to scam and rob you of eternal life in God’s Kingdom.  Jesus promises all who repent and have faith in Him will be set free from their sin.  So, rather than declaring your independence, do exactly the opposite:  Declare your DEPENDENCE UPON JESUS CHRIST TODAY!  For, “if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36 (NIV)

 

Darvin Satterwhite, Pastor

Forest Hill Baptist Church

June 30, 2024

©2024 All Rights Reserved as follows:

Anyone is at liberty to use this sermon or any portions thereof for educational or religious purposes, with or without credit. The pastor believes the material presented herein to be true to the teaching of Scripture, and desires to further, not restrict, its potential use as an aid in the study of God’s Word. The publication of this material is a grace ministry of Forest Hill Baptist Church in Louisa, Virginia.

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[1] Toby Mac and Michael Tait, with WallBuilders, compiled by Leanna Willis. Under God. (Minneapolis: Bethany House, 2004). p. 9.

[2]  James L. Lambert.  16 Amazing Stories of Divine Intervention.  (U.S.A.: Xulon Press, 2011), p. 37.

[3] Gary Hardin, Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, ed. Chad Brand, Charles Draper, Archie England (Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers, 2003), s.v. “EXILE,” WORDsearch CROSS e-book.

[4] 1^st Corinthians 1:9  “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” (ESV)

[5] Gary Hardin, Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, ed. Chad Brand, Charles Draper, Archie England (Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers, 2003), s.v. “EXILE,” WORDsearch CROSS e-book.

[6] Warren Wiersbe, Be Exultant (Psalms 90-150), (Colorado Springs, CO: Victor, 2003), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, 263.

[7] Alvaro Puig, Consumer Education Specialist “Scammers use AI to enhance their family emergency schemes,” Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Alert,
https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/03/scammers-use-ai-enhance-their-family-emergency-schemes, (March 20, 2023).

[8] 1^st Kings 19:11-12  ¹¹  “Then [God said to Elijah], ‘Go out, and stand on the mountain before the LORD.’ And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; ¹²  and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a STILL SMALL VOICE.” (NKJV)

 

[9] Psalm 46:10  “Be still, and know that I am God!” (NLT2)

[10] “Full Transcript of Steve Jobs’ Most Famous Speech at Stanford University. “Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish,”Robren Library, https://robertchaen.com/2021/04/15/71987/.

[11] 1^st Peter 1:14-16 ¹⁴  “As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. ¹⁵  But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; ¹⁶  for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’” (NIV)

[12]  Viswanathan Anand, AZ Quotes, https://www.azquotes.com/quote/326017.

 

[13] “Karl Von Clausewitz: ‘War is the continuation of politics by other means.’” Socratic-Method.com,

https://www.socratic-method.com/quote-meanings-interpretations/karl-von-clausewitz-war-is-the-continuation-of-politics-by-other-means.

[14] Genesis 2:15  “The LORD God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it.” (NLT2)

 

[15] Ezekiel 36:25-27 ²⁵  “Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. Your filth will be washed away, and you will no longer worship idols. ²⁶  And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. ²⁷  And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations.” (NLT2)

 

[16] Romans 1:26  “That is why God abandoned them to their shameful desires. Even the women turned against the natural way to have sex and instead indulged in sex with each other.” (NLT2)

[17] John 8:34  [Jesus said:] “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin…” (NIV)