Betrayed and Bereft
What happens if someone you trusted is found to be a deceiver? Many people are troubled and saddened by the recent, tragic, and posthumous confirmations that Ravi Zacharias, a prominent Christian apologist, was involved in sexual sin for over a decade. The man who brilliantly defended the Gospel worldwide and encouraged us was himself trapped within a sinful lifestyle. Will the preyed upon victims receive justice? How many of the donated gifts were spent to keep victims from exposing him? To fund his lusts? How does his family’s faith hold up? What doubts will arise for the people saved under his ministry? Does this revelation dismiss all he shared as a lie? All truth is God’s. Trust betrayal like this causes grief akin to a family death.
Watchful and Warned
What happens if someone you trusted is found to be a deceiver? Hopefully, all of us realize that we could be that fraud. In fact, we are that fraud every time we do not confess falling short of our professed Biblical beliefs. Perhaps our demise might come from a different sin, but it always comes without daily obedience to Jesus and trusting Him to keep us from falling (Jude v. 24). All it takes is repeating a lie until we believe it is true:
- I deserve a spouse who meets my needs;
- This secret sin does not hurt anyone;
- My reputation must be preserved at all costs;
- I am too spiritually mature to need accountability;
- It is nobody’s business how I spend ministry funds;
- There is no victory for my addiction;
- My work is so vital to the Lord; He will overlook my sinful choices.
We give thanks for participating in the CHSC that strives to model fiscal transparency and encourages missionaries to have accountability partners. Much time, money, and effort get expended for members’ spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being. However, no organization or missionary is perfect. Please know that we invite inquiries and concerns. Contact us if you have unease. Let us build ourselves and each other up in our most holy faith (Jude v. 20).
“The Betrayal” by Osmund Cain
There are ways to be discerning, testers of spirits (1 Jn 4:1-6; 1 Cor. 12:10; Heb. 5:14). Beware of individuals and organizations that are not vigorously transparent in lifestyle or finances. Be servant-leaders who recognize faults and confess sins. Keep faith by participating in groups like Discovery Bible Studies (DBS), where the norm is to accept queries about personal habits. Pull some from the fire (Jude v. 23) by warning them of the consequences of sin, and, so help to keep yourself honest. Repent to obey every day. Remember, King Jesus is the only One who never disappoints us.
Prayer & Praise
- 🙏 Pray for leaders. The enemy likes to see heads of households fall because damage to the Gospel increases. Pray recognized Christian leaders rightly perceive themselves in communion.
- 🙏 Pray that our relationship as a couple represents our King well in this life.
- 🙏 We appreciate dear ministry partners who visited us in Cookeville this week. They brought items that can support CHE (Community Health Evangelism) efforts.
Verlin and Debbie
Prior: Snow Struck – 210220.PDF
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CHSC-0118_ANDERSON-2020- Budget.pdf
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