WINNING WITH THE WORD
“Winning with the Word” is a weekly blog that will help you to be a winner in life by applying God’s principles for living the abundant life as found in the Bible, God’s manual for life.
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Hello and Happy Day! This is Dr. MaryAnn Diorio, novelist and life coach, welcoming you to another episode of Winning with the Word. Today is Monday, August 2, 2021, and this is Episode #26 of Series 2021. This episode is titled “Truth and Love: Inseparable Twins”
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Are you wondering why our culture has gone mad? If we are logical, thinking peope, we cannot deny that what we are seeing going on defies logic and sanity. People are calling good evil and evil good. Our leaders are making decisions that make no sense when submitted to the scrutiny of logic and common sense, and the public is following along with nary a whimper.
So what’s going on?
In this week’s podcast, I’d like to discuss one reason you may not have considered, but one which, I believe, lies at the root of the insanity we are facing. There is a pivotal verse in Ephesians 4: 15 that says this: ” . . . speak the truth in love.”
Before we can explore what this Biblical command means, we need to understand what truth means and what love means.
Now, we may think we already know the meaning of these words. But do we?
Let’s take a look.
Let’s first considered truth. What is truth? Today, many people will say that truth is what they interpret it to mean. Well, if that were the case, then your truth might be different from my truth. So, let’s say your truth is that there is no God, and my truth is that there is. Logically speaking, both of us cannot be right. Logic dictates that one of us be right and one of us be wrong. But how can we know which one of us is right and which one of us is wrong?
The answer to that extremely important question lies in the Bible. Now before you hit the off button, hear me out and think this through with me.
Let’s say you want to build a house. You need certain tools. For one thing, you need a measuring tool to map out how long and how wide your house will be. Well, one if one builder uses a 12-inch ruler to indicate a foot and another builder uses an 18-inch ruler to indicate a foot? Would you have some confusion? If we’re honest, we would say yes. Both builders need to use the same standard for measuring a foot or else the finished house will not be the size you want.
So, one standard of measurement has to represent the truth about the length of a foot.
Well, the Bible represents the truth about who we are, why we’re here, and where we’re going. But what if I don’t believe the Bible? What if I don’t want to give it the time of day? Does that change the fact that the Bible is truth? No, it doesn’t. Not anymore than the insistence by the builder saying that an 18-inch ruler equals a foot changes the truth that a 12-inch ruler equals a foot.
Now, what about love?
The world says that love is accepting wrongdoing just because someone wants to do wrong.
There are two key words in this verse that, I believe, lie at the crux of the controversy which we see not only in the Church today, but also in our culture. Those key words are TRUTH and LOVE. The Church and the world today have separated the concept of Truth from the concept of Love. Yet, the Bible clearly teaches that Truth and Love go hand in hand. You cannot have one without the other. They are inseparable.
If we speakTruth without Love, we end up in legalism. If we speak Love without Truth, we end up in license. This is what has happened to the Church today. Some of us are preaching a Gospel of truth that does not include love. We shove the Gospel down people’s throats. We grow angry, self-righteous, judgmental, and condemnatory toward the lost without being motivated by the love that is required when speaking truth.
Others of us are preaching love without Truth. We elevate the warm fuzzies and blind acceptance of sin while neglecting to anchor our teachings in the Bible. We talk about including everyone in God’s family, but we never mention the need for repentance without which God will not include anyone in His family. The result of preaching love without truth is license and the acceptance of blatant sin by certain elements of the Church.
We are preaching a Gospel of love that is not based on truth. it is a Gospel of hyper-grace where we emphasize the grace of God without the judgment of God.
We see this in the apostate Church that is now condoning aberrant lifestyles, saying that if we love, we will accept any behavior. This is a perversion of truth. To love someone does not mean to accept his sin. Parents love their children, but good parents do not tolerate disrespect nor disobedience from them. As the saying goes, we must love the sinner, but not the sin.
The Church has rejected this concept. It has embraced the sinner and also embraced the sin. Abortion, homosexuality, and transgenderism are not not only accepted but also promoted in so-called Christian churches. But this is an oxymoron. For a Church cannot call itself Christian unless it follows the teachings of Christ. Nor can a person call himself a Christian unless he obeys God’s commandments.
Truth and Love go hand-in-hand. They are inseparable. To separate them is to court disaster.
Interestingly, the Bible defines Jesus as both Truth and Love. In John 14: 6, Jesus says, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” In 1 John 4: 8, the Apostle John tells us that “God is Love.” Truth and Love are equal aspects of the essence of Jesus. They comprise His very nature.
To receive Jesus is to receive both Truth and Love. Let us remember this duality when sharing the Gospel with others.
In order to exhibit both truth and love, we must first know Truth and Love. Jesus Christ is Truth and Love. If you do not yet know Him, I invite you to receive Him now. Pray this simple prayer with me now:
Lord Jesus, I want both Truth and Love in my life. I want You in my life. So I now receive You as my personal Savior and the Lord of my life. Thank You for forgiving me and bringing me into Your family. Thank You for saving me. Thank You for giving me eternal life. I pray this in Your Name. Amen.
If you sincerely prayed this prayer, please write to me at drmaryann@maryanndiorio.com. I would like to send you a free e-booklet that will help you get started in your walk with Christ. I also encourage you to get yourself a Bible and read it every single day. The Bible is God’s love letter to you, His manual for your life. In the Bible, God reveals Who He is, and He teaches you how to live.
Finally, ask the Lord to lead you to the church of His choice for you where you can learn about Him and have fellowship and encouragement with other Christ-Followers. It is critically important in these last days to fellowship with other believers who are mature in Christ and who can guide you as you grow in Him.
If you are not yet a subscriber to the Winning with the Word blog and podcast, I urge you to click on the link below to subscribe now so you will not miss a single weekly episode:
https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/w4q0z
Please tell your family and friends about “Winning with the Word,” and please pass this post and podcast on to them. Thank you!
PLEASE TWEET: “Truth and Love: Inseparable Twins“ (CLICK TO TWEET)
Now it’s your turn: Have you lost the fire for your First Love, Jesus Christ? If so, what are you going. to do to rekindle it? Please leave your comment in the Comment Box below. Thank you.
Photo Source:
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For those of you who may not know, I write fiction about many of the issues I deal with in this blog and podcast. My latest novel, Miracle in Milan, has been released in both print and ebook formats and deals with the issue of unforgiveness. It is the story of a young, female auditor who discovers convincing evidence that the man she loves is an embezzler. You will find Miracle in Milan to be a page-turner that will keep you on the edge of your seat. To order your copy, go to Amazon or to my website bookstore at maryanndiorio.com/book-table. You will also find Miracle in Milan on Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo.
This podcast is funded by listeners like you. If you have been blessed by Winning with the Word, please consider becoming one of my special patrons on Patreon.com. For only $1.00, $3.00, or $5.00 a month, you can help me proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world.
Winning with the Word now reaches 55 countries on six continents, by God’s grace, because of the faithful support of my patrons. So please help me to keep Winning with the Word on the air by becoming one of my valued patrons. Your patronage helps to cover the costs of producing, hosting, and distributing Winning with the Word to the four corners of the earth. Patrons receive special benefits, including free books, short stories, podcasts, and videos. So, join my wonderful team of Patrons and become a part of something great!
To become a patron, go to https://www.patreon.com/winningwiththeword
I would like to thank all of my patrons who are making this podcast possible. I could not do this without you!
Finally, be sure to check out my latest non-fiction book, The Iron Saint. This book, modeled after The Iron Man triathlon, talks about the coming persecution of the Church in America and how you can prepare for it. The Iron Saint is available on Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and other major book purchasing venues. You may also find it on my website at maryanndiorio.com/book-table. Get a copy for your pastor as well.
Until next time, remember that God loves you just as you are and just where you are and that He will help you to keep on Winning with the Word!
To subscribe to Winning with the Word, click here.
To receive my monthly newsletter, click here.
To become a patron of Winning with the Word, click here.
________________________________________________________________________
Now Available for Purchase: Dr. MaryAnn’s latest novel, Miracle in Milan.
When a young, female auditor discovers evidence that the man she loves is an embezzler, she must choose between ruining him or ruining herself.
Amy Torelli, Chief Auditor for New York City-based Enson Pharmaceuticals, is assigned to audit the books of Enson’s Italian branch in the enchanting city of Milan, Italy. Having made an inner vow never to trust a man again because of her father’s betrayal, Amy finds herself falling in love with Enson Italia’s American-born Vice-President, Ted Masters. Will Ted be the one to cause her to break her inner vow?
Ted McMasters is on the run. A run from rejection. From himself. From God. Having been wounded by a father who made him feel worthless, and having been dumped by the woman he wanted to marry, Ted is determined to keep all women at bay. But will Amy Torelli be the reason he changes his mind?
Miracle in Milan
PRINT FORMAT
THE IRON SAINT by MaryAnn Diorio, PhD
The Church in America is on the verge of a tremendous spiritual awakening, an awakening that will first be fueled by persecution unlike anything we have ever seen before in this land. Indeed, a prophetic word given in my home church during the month of November gave this warning to the Church: “Prepare for the fire of persecution!”
But the Church is not ready for this persecution. For the most part, the Church in America has been weak and lukewarm. Flabby and lazy. Consumed with the world and not with the things of God. As a result, the Church has been deceived and has subverted the divine order of things.
In THE IRON SAINT, Dr. MaryAnn Diorio seeks to help equip the saints for the work of true, integritous, and effective ministry. As a teacher in the Body of Christ, it is her burning desire to help correct this devastating error.
In THE IRON SAINT, Dr. Diorio has outlined a plan of action for strengthening the Church through uncompromising obedience to the Word of God. This plan of action is based on her own 50 years of walking with the Lord and being led by His Holy Spirit.
If you are a born-again believer and member of the Body of Christ, make this book a top reading priority.
_________________________________
Check out these popular Winning with the Word podcasts below. You may also search for a particular topic in the search box at the top of the sidebar on this page.
__How Close Are We to the End?
__7 Signs That the Tribulation Is at Hand
Are you new to this blog? If so, what is the “Winning with the Word” blog and why will it bless you to read it?
“Winning with the Word” is a weekly blog that helps you to deal with the daily problems of life by using the Bible as your guide to solving them. The Word of God will make you a success in life!
AN INVITATION TO YOU: To subscribe to Winning with the Word, click here.
_____________________________________________________________
Copyright 2000-2021 by Dr. MaryAnn Diorio. All Rights Reserved. This article may not be published or printed in any form whatsoever without the written permission of Dr. MaryAnn Diorio. You may contact her at info@maryanndiorio.com to request permission.
Amazon.com Required Disclosure: MaryAnn Diorio is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.Disclaimer: This site uses cookies. Your continued use of this site constitutes your consent to our use of cookies.
To receive Jesus Christ Who is Eternal Life, pray this simple prayer with me now:
Lord Jesus, I need You. I want to spend eternity with you. I need You to heal me, Lord. I need You to set me free. So, I invite You into my life now. I receive You as my personal Savior and the Lord of my life. Thank You for forgiving me and bringing me into Your family. Thank You for saving me. Thank You for giving me eternal life. I pray this in Your Name. Amen.
If you sincerely prayed this prayer, please write to me at drmaryann@maryanndiorio.com. I would like to send you a free e-booklet that will help you get started in your walk with Christ. I also encourage you to get yourself a Bible and read it every single day. The Bible is God’s love letter to you, His manual for your life. In the Bible, God reveals Who He is, and He teaches you how to live.
Finally, ask the Lord to lead you to the church of His choice for you where you can learn about Him and have fellowship and encouragement with other Christ-Followers. It is critically important in these last days to fellowship with other believers who are mature in Christ and who can guide you as you grow in Him.
If you are not yet a subscriber to the Winning with the Word blog and podcast, I urge you to click on the link below to subscribe now so you will not miss a single weekly episode:
https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/w4q0z
Please tell your family and friends about “Winning with the Word,” and please pass this post and podcast on to them. Thank you!
PLEASE TWEET: “Have We Reached the End?” (CLICK TO TWEET)
Now it’s your turn: Have you lost the fire for your First Love, Jesus Christ? If so, what are you going. to do to rekindle it? Please leave your comment in the Comment Box below. Thank you.
Photo Source:
___________________________________________
For those of you who may not know, I write fiction about many of the issues I deal with in this blog and podcast. My latest novel, Miracle in Milan, has just been released in both print and ebook formats and deals with the issue of unforgiveness. It is the story of a young, female auditor who discovers evidence that the man she loves is an embezzler. You will find Miracle in Milan to be a page-turner that will keep you on the edge of your seat. To order your copy, go to Amazon or to my website bookstore at maryanndiorio.com/book-table. You will also find Miracle in Milan on Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo.
This podcast is funded by listeners like you. If you have been blessed by Winning with the Word, please consider becoming one of my special patrons on Patreon.com. For only $1.00, $3.00, or $5.00 a month, you can help me proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world.
Winning with the Word now reaches 55 countries on six continents, by God’s grace, because of the faithful support of my patrons. So please help me to keep Winning with the Word on the air by becoming one of my valued patrons. Your patronage helps to cover the costs of producing, hosting, and distributing Winning with the Word to the four corners of the earth. Patrons receive special benefits, including free books, short stories, podcasts, and videos. So, join my wonderful team of Patrons and become a part of something great!
To become a patron, go to https://www.patreon.com/winningwiththeword
I would like to thank all of my patrons who are making this podcast possible. I could not do this without you!
Finally, be sure to check out my latest non-fiction book, The Iron Saint. This book, modeled after The Iron Man triathlon, talks about the coming persecution of the Church in America and how you can prepare for it. The Iron Saint is available on Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and other major book purchasing venues. You may also find it on my website at maryanndiorio.com/book-table. Get a copy for your pastor as well.
Until next time, remember that God loves you just as you are and just where you are and that He will help you to keep on Winning with the Word!
To subscribe to Winning with the Word, click here.
To receive my monthly newsletter, click here.
To become a patron of Winning with the Word, click here.
________________________________________________________________________
Now Available for Purchase: Dr. MaryAnn’s latest novel, Miracle in Milan.
When a young, female auditor discovers evidence that the man she loves is an embezzler, she must choose between ruining him or ruining herself.
Amy Torelli, Chief Auditor for New York City-based Enson Pharmaceuticals, is assigned to audit the books of Enson’s Italian branch in the enchanting city of Milan, Italy. Having made an inner vow never to trust a man again because of her father’s betrayal, Amy finds herself falling in love with Enson Italia’s American-born Vice-President, Ted Masters. Will Ted be the one to cause her to break her inner vow?
Ted McMasters is on the run. A run from rejection. From himself. From God. Having been wounded by a father who made him feel worthless, and having been dumped by the woman he wanted to marry, Ted is determined to keep all women at bay. But will Amy Torelli be the reason he changes his mind?
Miracle in Milan
PRINT FORMAT
THE IRON SAINT by MaryAnn Diorio, PhD
The Church in America is on the verge of a tremendous spiritual awakening, an awakening that will first be fueled by persecution unlike anything we have ever seen before in this land. Indeed, a prophetic word given in my home church during the month of November gave this warning to the Church: “Prepare for the fire of persecution!”
But the Church is not ready for this persecution. For the most part, the Church in America has been weak and lukewarm. Flabby and lazy. Consumed with the world and not with the things of God. As a result, the Church has been deceived and has subverted the divine order of things.
In THE IRON SAINT, Dr. MaryAnn Diorio seeks to help equip the saints for the work of true, integritous, and effective ministry. As a teacher in the Body of Christ, it is her burning desire to help correct this devastating error.
In THE IRON SAINT, Dr. Diorio has outlined a plan of action for strengthening the Church through uncompromising obedience to the Word of God. This plan of action is based on her own 50 years of walking with the Lord and being led by His Holy Spirit.
If you are a born-again believer and member of the Body of Christ, make this book a top reading priority.
_________________________________
Check out these popular Winning with the Word podcasts below. You may also search for a particular topic in the search box at the top of the sidebar on this page.
__How Close Are We to the End?
__7 Signs That the Tribulation Is at Hand
Are you new to this blog? If so, what is the “Winning with the Word” blog and why will it bless you to read it?
“Winning with the Word” is a weekly blog that helps you to deal with the daily problems of life by using the Bible as your guide to solving them. The Word of God will make you a success in life!
AN INVITATION TO YOU: To subscribe to Winning with the Word, click here.
_____________________________________________________________
Copyright 2000-2021 by Dr. MaryAnn Diorio. All Rights Reserved. This article may not be published or printed in any form whatsoever without the written permission of Dr. MaryAnn Diorio. You may contact her at info@maryanndiorio.com to request permission.
Amazon.com Required Disclosure: MaryAnn Diorio is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.Disclaimer: This site uses cookies. Your continued use of this site constitutes your consent to our use of cookies.
Are you trying to make sense of what is going on in the world? If so, you are not alone. Sound-minded people everywhere are asking, “What is happening to my country? To the world?” As always, the answer to those questions is found in the Bible.
If you discovered the cure for cancer, what would you do? Would you not shout it from the rooftops? Proclaim it to everyone who crossed your path, especially those suffering from the disease? Would you not rush to doctors and hospitals to tell them what you’d discovered? And schedule interviews on major news channels to notify the entire world?