16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. - 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Confirmation bias definition:
the tendency to interpret new evidence as confirmation of one's existing beliefs or theories.
Do you have a mind made up attitude towards the Gospel?
I mean, even before you read and study it?
Are you open to the study of it, receiving God's truth, then the applying it to your life?
The story of the Herod's:
14 King Herod heard of it, for Jesus' name had become known. Some said, "John the Baptist has been raised from the dead. That is why these miraculous powers are at work in him."
15 But others said, "He is Elijah." And others said, "He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old."
16 But when Herod heard of it, he said, "John, whom I beheaded, has been raised."
17 For it was Herod who had sent and seized John and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, because he had married her.
18 For John had been saying to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife."
19 And Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death. But she could not,
20 for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and yet he heard him gladly.
21 But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his nobles and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee.
22 For when Herodias's daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests. And the king said to the girl, "Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you."
23 And he vowed to her, "Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom."
24 And she went out and said to her mother, "For what should I ask?" And she said, "The head of John the Baptist."
25 And she came in immediately with haste to the king and asked, saying, "I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter."
26 And the king was exceedingly sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her.
27 And immediately the king sent an executioner with orders to bring John's head. He went and beheaded him in the prison
28 and brought his head on a platter and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother.
29 When his disciples heard of it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb. - Mark 6:14-29
Let's stand for the Truth!
John the Baptist, standing for the Truth, faithfully delivering the gospel.
He speaks openly of the sin of King Herod taking his brother's wife in sin.
He was clear and precise in his teaching of the gospel.
He spoke plainly.
False teaching doesn't address the truth of sin!
Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, - Titus 1:1
But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God. - 2 Corinthians 4:2
Respond to the Truth!
Herod protects John up to a point because he knows he is a holy man speaking the truth.
Sin is indeed seductive.
Herodias uses her young beautiful daughter to dance seductively for Herod.
In return, he offers her a wish.
She asks her mother who tells her to ask for John's head.
Her daughter does ask but adds that his head be brought on a platter.
Truly evil, there was no repentance in them.
Proclaim the Truth!
Jesus commissions, then the wolves attack.
Depend on Christ.
He will lead.
The Truth applied:
Sin is seductive.
Jesus is stronger than sin.
Don't harden your heart, repent while you can!!
Thanks Pastor Matt!
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