The Good News is Not Fake News (EV.)
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Fake News
Fake News
When the tide began to change in world war II, not in favor of Nazi Germany. The radios across germany still sang of news the Nazi victories. These victories were lies. They were false reports being given to the people. The truth was allied forces would soon experience victory. This year, there has been a popular hashtag to make its way on to people’s computers, cell phones, and tablets. #fakenews. It’s a rhetoric that both sides of the political and social spectrum have been using when news comes out in a negative light on their own prevailing narrative. The response…call it fake news! Is that where we are as a society? If something challenges our viewpoints, and at times the popular viewpoint. Whether we do fact checking or not, we just simply call it fake news. Please allow me to be clear, fake news exists. Please don’t believe every single thing that is written in books, or online articles, or in the public media. It’s not all true, and its all not lies. Some people deem something true, or credible based on the source, which is, in my view, a fairly logical choice. Others, though, take a dangerous step and deem a source credible enough, as long as it makes points (often extreme points) in favor of their already established worldview. Other reports contrary will then be painted in some degree as fake news. Well if that is how many will reason information to be true or false, it does not surprise me in the slightest, why we as individuals have become so skeptical of news of all kinds.As Christians, and even more exclusive, SDA Christians we find ourselves in the same battles. We try and proclaim truth as it comes forth from the Bible, but to an unbelieving society, does the good news we present audibly, and written alike fall into the same categories many have already labeled as fake news? I hope not…My friends the Good News is not Fake news. The word of God is true. The Gospel message is true. Jesus, came and lived, and ministered, and then He was crucified, and rose again. He went to Heaven and judges righteously humanity. He is coming again to save his people. Don’t be skeptical of this good news. It is true!Today, we are going to take a closer look at an example in the Bible where the good news was deemed fake news by and how the truth would effectively pierce the fake news. PrayLast I spoke, I had the privilege of sharing a reminder to each of us about the gospel message, and why it is still good news for each of us. He came, He died, He rose, He’s coming again. Following Jesus ascension, it was a goal of the scribes and pharisees cover up that Jesus body was missing, that there was evidence and witnesses claiming Jesus had risen. What’d they do? They used the same #fakenews tactic being used again today. They began imprisoning people who preached the name of Jesus. They were trying to make proclaiming this news illegal. On the day of Pentacost, the gospel message was proclaimed and understood, no matter their tongue or nationality. Fake News! These people are drunk!Verse 14 of . Peter speaking to the people:: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. 15 For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. 16 But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: 17 “ ‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; 18 even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy. 19 And I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke; 20 the sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day. 21 And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’ Peter referencing one of their prophets, a credible source, to the listeners. They already percieved these words to be true, but now shared in the context on pentacost, the pouring out of the Holy Spirit, its as if its being presented for the first time. Peter is not done sharing truth bombs with the people. Verse 22:22 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— 23 this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. 24 God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.Peter referencing prophecy from David: Verse 25“ ‘I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken; 26 therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; my flesh also will dwell in hope. 27 For you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One see corruption. 28 You have made known to me the paths of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’ 29 “Brothers, I may say to you with confidence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne, 31 he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. 32 This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. 33 Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. 34 For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says, “ ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, 35 until I make your enemies your footstool.” ’ 36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” Peter presented the news of Christ’s life on earth. He makes it known the prophets had spoken about his coming before. He tells them with point blank honesty, their role in crucifying him. He appeals to all of their spiritual and logical senses. Because of this captivating news he shared many were convicted of their need to repent, and that salvation was found in Jesus. This event of pentacost would begin the great movement of Christianity. In a short period of time, thousands had been converted. The gospel message was something contagious. In Judea, it challenged accepted narrative. What could the religious leaders do? They tried to sweep things under the rug and discredit the new message as blasphemy. Blasphemy was their word for “fake news.”Think about the spectators who hadn’t made up their mind. On the one hand they had lived by the Jewish traditions their whole life. They’re is a comfort to remaining in regular traditions. When you are accostomed to them, they can make life easier and more routine. But some of these same people were acknowledging these apostles were making sense. Even among the pharisees, some of the more critical thinkers were bravely acknowledging these men might be on to something. In a war of words how were the spectators to judge who was presenting actual truth and who was the real blasphemer? Its a conundrum, I as a young adult, living in a deeply divided “United States” can sympathize with. We as young adults who don’t have the life experience in deciding what healthcare bills are positive and ones don’t work moving forward is difficult to assess, simply because we are new to the game. We feel compelled to choose which news to believe. Some outlets were celebrating the repeal of obamacare, and some were harshly critical. Ultimately time will tell by the fruits of bills being passed, but until then, spectators such as myself feel the pressure to take a side. What do I find myself doing, becoming a skeptic of all sources. And that my friends is not a good feeling. I also know that I am not alone in these feelings. In an article recently released by Barna Research Group, entitled “Media Habits in the age of “fake news.” the author writes: “Alarm over these extreme examples contributed to a sometimes unfounded public skepticism of all media. As a result, during and after the 2016 election, accusations of reports being “fake” became a political weapon, wielded from all sides, further fueling media mistrust. As of September 2016, even before many of the scandals that defined the election, almost four in 10 (38%) believed the media were at least inconsistent in their coverage. Despite this skepticism, however, most people admit the news media had a decisive influence over their personal choice to support a certain candidate (60%), especially compared to other types of media like T.V. (50%), social media (40%), campaign advertising (39%) and political commentators on radio (34%). Post-election, the indiscriminate application of the term “fake news” has made its meaning and sources difficult to discern, drawing battle lines among politicians, pundits and the public alike.”Very interestingly, the author goes onto point out although people are beginning to more and more mistrust media pundits, the highest percentage of people believe attribute the phenomena of fake news to reader error above just simply false reporting. The author suggests, based on their research collected data: “For the most part, people attribute the fake news phenomenon to reader error, not a problem of made-up stories or of factual mistakes in reporting itself; about three in 10 (31%) say the problem lies in “misinterpretation or exaggeration of actual news on social media.” From there, the blame shifts toward the left; nearly a quarter (24%) say the source is mainstream liberal media, while just 13 percent overall point the finger at mainstream conservative outlets. Nearly one-fifth (18%) say they “don’t know much” about fake news, while 9 percent fault bloggers and independent journalists. A small minority (5%) don’t think it’s an actual problem.Many segments— particularly the unemployed (41%), Millennials (38%), non-white Americans (37%), Catholics (36%) and women (35%)—blame a misinterpretation of news via social media as the primary issue.”Now its important to note these figures are just simply telling us what the percentages of americans believe is the cause of fake news, it doesn’t mean its 100% accurate. It is, however plausible. As I mentioned earlier with people more and more taking extreme views either from the left or right, that individuals would seek out news and stories which affirm an already mostly decided viewpoint and then, whether in person day to day conversation or more likely over a social media platform share what could be skewed viewpoint as news. Journalists, writers, and even podcast operators will tell you, its not just about presenting the news as it is but its about telling you how you should feel and react to the presented news. This is something if done irresponsibly on our part, can deeply impact others. Before I return back to the early church as it is recalled in the book of acts and their way of combatting the slander they faced, I want to bring up one more important detail as it pertains news consumption? Where are people getting there news. I don’t have time to show you all the figures, but the highest percentage scored for trusted news. (meaning trusted facts being presented) was television news. This, in the last 50-60 years, along with the newspaper has become the most traditional news source. It delivering the live news largely and it being the traditional source keeps it as the most trusted…although even it is dropping. But even though it is the most trusted still today, it is not the most consumed anymore, in fact not even close. Americans spend much less time actually watching T.V. than browsing the web. For example, only 14 percent of American adults watch cable television, and only 12 percent watch network television to learn something new or to get new information throughout their day. With streaming services and highlight reels being shared on social media, having a physical television to consume—or critique—T.V. news is perhaps less of a necessity. No wonder cable networks are feeling threatened today, because people are turning to their smart phones and tablets. Who needs the nightly news when you can get whatever perspective you want on the news at your finger tips.Suffice to say, Peter and the apostles did not have smart phones or fake news being shared over social media slandering their cause and mission, but they did face strong adversity. We talk today about when someone criticizes us, they are throwing stones at us. In the days following Christ’s ascension was still a period of when blasphemy had been somehow tied by the pharisees to your message, it was a good way to get literal stones thrown at you. Today when we share news, maybe over facebook, or elsewhere, we are seeking affirmation through “likes.” The apostles were not seeking affirmation from anyone except the God they served. And he did affirm them. God performed miracles through them. People would try and credit them, and they gave glory only to God. They didn’t allow being arrested and persecuted prevent themselves from being committed to the cause of Christ. Peter and John being arrested for performing miracle of healing a man and illegally speaking in the name of Jesus, Peter responds to their accusations of spreading lies with this message in chapter 4 verse 8 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: 9 If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, 10 let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. 11 This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’[a] 12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” and after further threatening them to be silent about Jesus, Peter and John respond in verse 19 19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. 20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” I love what follows next…prayer meeting group should know this. Peter and John leave, after speaking so boldly truth to the religious leaders…they go home and pray for more boldness. There was power in holding strong in their convictions. Standing in the presence of the Holy Spirit working through Peter and John, the pharisees blinked. All they could do was threaten. Peter and John had been affirmed by God in their actions. They knew these men could have taken their lives but the news of the truth about salvation through Jesus was going out regardless. They knew this and even some the fakenews pharisees were even beginning to see it. God was behind them. I think of the song, “it only takes a spark, to get a fire going.” The fire was being lit, and Jewish religious leaders were becoming more and more conscience to the fact that their old tactics of putting out the fire were not working the same. Spectators in Jerusalem were having to choose which narritives they would follow. Not everyone sided with the apostles, but larger and larger clusters were beginning to. Pretty soon those believers would not just simply be Jewish decent, but gentiles now to. The Truth was piercing the darkness.How can this truth which is still present truth of the good news pierce through all the darkness and skepticismUnderstanding that standing on a foundation of truth is one which will not crumble unlike lies and fake news.Barna had this conclusion about fake news: “There have always been proliferated conspiracy theories, exaggerated statistics and reporting errors. However, there has never before been such easy access to, nor ease of distribution for, those stories. The democratization of media via the Internet—the ability for anyone to search for and find news from every news source, and the ability for anyone to create, post and/or share media with everyone—has allowed fake news to spread much faster and much farther than ever before. This democratization of the media landscape has also challenged notions of authority—of who is allowed to generate the news. The traditional gatekeepers—all of whom have their own biases and privileges are no longer the only purveyors of news. There is good here: stories from minorities and those long ignored by mainstream media are now gaining a platform. Yet there is also a negative side: with fewer gatekeepers, it’s become increasingly hard to discern what’s trustworthy. Which presents an increasing need for leaders—at church, in the media, in schools—who can help others make sense of the world in generous and discerning ways. “Yet, while there is no doubt that fake news exists and that it’s a problem, it’s also a loosely defined term being broadly applied,” Research indicates that the American people are similarly unclear about what constitutes fake news. This has led to the accusation becoming, in many ways, a proxy battle in the war being waged by both sides of the political spectrum. And we can see that each side suspects and blames the other.What is the take away for Spiritual leaders? In regard to news we share, whether it be verbal, written, or electronic through the social medias, we should be good stewards, doing our part in fact checking and speaking out of conviction to truth and not out of slander. Church family, the truths we hold, that we have found in the scriptures will stand out! Their is power in the word of God to convict hearts even in this skeptical age. We, like Peter, John, Paul, and the other apostles have the advantage of truth being our foundation. We like the disciples have been commissioned by God to go out and make disciples of all nations. If our faith is where it needs to be God can use us present this relevant truth of the good news, even in a fake news society.
When the tide began to change in world war II, not in favor of Nazi Germany. The radios across germany still sang of news the Nazi victories. These victories were lies. They were false reports being given to the people. The truth was allied forces would soon experience victory. This year, there has been a popular hashtag to make its way on to people’s computers, cell phones, and tablets. #fakenews. It’s a rhetoric that both sides of the political and social spectrum have been using when news comes out in a negative light on their own prevailing narrative. The response…call it fake news! Is that where we are as a society? If something challenges our viewpoints, and at times the popular viewpoint. Whether we do fact checking or not, we just simply call it fake news. Please allow me to be clear, fake news exists. Please don’t believe every single thing that is written in books, or online articles, or in the public media. It’s not all true, and its all not lies. Some people deem something true, or credible based on the source, which is, in my view, a fairly logical choice. Others, though, take a dangerous step and deem a source credible enough, as long as it makes points (often extreme points) in favor of their already established worldview. Other reports contrary will then be painted in some degree as fake news. Well if that is how many will reason information to be true or false, it does not surprise me in the slightest, why we as individuals have become so skeptical of news of all kinds.As Christians, and even more exclusive, SDA Christians we find ourselves in the same battles. We try and proclaim truth as it comes forth from the Bible, but to an unbelieving society, does the good news we present audibly, and written alike fall into the same categories many have already labeled as fake news? I hope not…My friends the Good News is not Fake news. The word of God is true. The Gospel message is true. Jesus, came and lived, and ministered, and then He was crucified, and rose again. He went to Heaven and judges righteously humanity. He is coming again to save his people. Don’t be skeptical of this good news. It is true!Today, we are going to take a closer look at an example in the Bible where the good news was deemed fake news by and how the truth would effectively pierce the fake news. PrayLast I spoke, I had the privilege of sharing a reminder to each of us about the gospel message, and why it is still good news for each of us. He came, He died, He rose, He’s coming again. Following Jesus ascension, it was a goal of the scribes and pharisees cover up that Jesus body was missing, that there was evidence and witnesses claiming Jesus had risen. What’d they do? They used the same #fakenews tactic being used again today. They began imprisoning people who preached the name of Jesus. They were trying to make proclaiming this news illegal. On the day of Pentacost, the gospel message was proclaimed and understood, no matter their tongue or nationality. Fake News! These people are drunk!Verse 14 of . Peter speaking to the people:: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. 15 For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. 16 But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: 17 “ ‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; 18 even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy. 19 And I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke; 20 the sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day. 21 And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’ Peter referencing one of their prophets, a credible source, to the listeners. They already percieved these words to be true, but now shared in the context on pentacost, the pouring out of the Holy Spirit, its as if its being presented for the first time. Peter is not done sharing truth bombs with the people. Verse 22:22 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— 23 this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. 24 God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.Peter referencing prophecy from David: Verse 25“ ‘I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken; 26 therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; my flesh also will dwell in hope. 27 For you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One see corruption. 28 You have made known to me the paths of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’ 29 “Brothers, I may say to you with confidence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne, 31 he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. 32 This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. 33 Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. 34 For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says, “ ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, 35 until I make your enemies your footstool.” ’ 36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” Peter presented the news of Christ’s life on earth. He makes it known the prophets had spoken about his coming before. He tells them with point blank honesty, their role in crucifying him. He appeals to all of their spiritual and logical senses. Because of this captivating news he shared many were convicted of their need to repent, and that salvation was found in Jesus. This event of pentacost would begin the great movement of Christianity. In a short period of time, thousands had been converted. The gospel message was something contagious. In Judea, it challenged accepted narrative. What could the religious leaders do? They tried to sweep things under the rug and discredit the new message as blasphemy. Blasphemy was their word for “fake news.”Think about the spectators who hadn’t made up their mind. On the one hand they had lived by the Jewish traditions their whole life. They’re is a comfort to remaining in regular traditions. When you are accostomed to them, they can make life easier and more routine. But some of these same people were acknowledging these apostles were making sense. Even among the pharisees, some of the more critical thinkers were bravely acknowledging these men might be on to something. In a war of words how were the spectators to judge who was presenting actual truth and who was the real blasphemer? Its a conundrum, I as a young adult, living in a deeply divided “United States” can sympathize with. We as young adults who don’t have the life experience in deciding what healthcare bills are positive and ones don’t work moving forward is difficult to assess, simply because we are new to the game. We feel compelled to choose which news to believe. Some outlets were celebrating the repeal of obamacare, and some were harshly critical. Ultimately time will tell by the fruits of bills being passed, but until then, spectators such as myself feel the pressure to take a side. What do I find myself doing, becoming a skeptic of all sources. And that my friends is not a good feeling. I also know that I am not alone in these feelings. In an article recently released by Barna Research Group, entitled “Media Habits in the age of “fake news.” the author writes: “Alarm over these extreme examples contributed to a sometimes unfounded public skepticism of all media. As a result, during and after the 2016 election, accusations of reports being “fake” became a political weapon, wielded from all sides, further fueling media mistrust. As of September 2016, even before many of the scandals that defined the election, almost four in 10 (38%) believed the media were at least inconsistent in their coverage. Despite this skepticism, however, most people admit the news media had a decisive influence over their personal choice to support a certain candidate (60%), especially compared to other types of media like T.V. (50%), social media (40%), campaign advertising (39%) and political commentators on radio (34%). Post-election, the indiscriminate application of the term “fake news” has made its meaning and sources difficult to discern, drawing battle lines among politicians, pundits and the public alike.”Very interestingly, the author goes onto point out although people are beginning to more and more mistrust media pundits, the highest percentage of people believe attribute the phenomena of fake news to reader error above just simply false reporting. The author suggests, based on their research collected data: “For the most part, people attribute the fake news phenomenon to reader error, not a problem of made-up stories or of factual mistakes in reporting itself; about three in 10 (31%) say the problem lies in “misinterpretation or exaggeration of actual news on social media.” From there, the blame shifts toward the left; nearly a quarter (24%) say the source is mainstream liberal media, while just 13 percent overall point the finger at mainstream conservative outlets. Nearly one-fifth (18%) say they “don’t know much” about fake news, while 9 percent fault bloggers and independent journalists. A small minority (5%) don’t think it’s an actual problem.Many segments— particularly the unemployed (41%), Millennials (38%), non-white Americans (37%), Catholics (36%) and women (35%)—blame a misinterpretation of news via social media as the primary issue.”Now its important to note these figures are just simply telling us what the percentages of americans believe is the cause of fake news, it doesn’t mean its 100% accurate. It is, however plausible. As I mentioned earlier with people more and more taking extreme views either from the left or right, that individuals would seek out news and stories which affirm an already mostly decided viewpoint and then, whether in person day to day conversation or more likely over a social media platform share what could be skewed viewpoint as news. Journalists, writers, and even podcast operators will tell you, its not just about presenting the news as it is but its about telling you how you should feel and react to the presented news. This is something if done irresponsibly on our part, can deeply impact others. Before I return back to the early church as it is recalled in the book of acts and their way of combatting the slander they faced, I want to bring up one more important detail as it pertains news consumption? Where are people getting there news. I don’t have time to show you all the figures, but the highest percentage scored for trusted news. (meaning trusted facts being presented) was television news. This, in the last 50-60 years, along with the newspaper has become the most traditional news source. It delivering the live news largely and it being the traditional source keeps it as the most trusted…although even it is dropping. But even though it is the most trusted still today, it is not the most consumed anymore, in fact not even close. Americans spend much less time actually watching T.V. than browsing the web. For example, only 14 percent of American adults watch cable television, and only 12 percent watch network television to learn something new or to get new information throughout their day. With streaming services and highlight reels being shared on social media, having a physical television to consume—or critique—T.V. news is perhaps less of a necessity. No wonder cable networks are feeling threatened today, because people are turning to their smart phones and tablets. Who needs the nightly news when you can get whatever perspective you want on the news at your finger tips.Suffice to say, Peter and the apostles did not have smart phones or fake news being shared over social media slandering their cause and mission, but they did face strong adversity. We talk today about when someone criticizes us, they are throwing stones at us. In the days following Christ’s ascension was still a period of when blasphemy had been somehow tied by the pharisees to your message, it was a good way to get literal stones thrown at you. Today when we share news, maybe over facebook, or elsewhere, we are seeking affirmation through “likes.” The apostles were not seeking affirmation from anyone except the God they served. And he did affirm them. God performed miracles through them. People would try and credit them, and they gave glory only to God. They didn’t allow being arrested and persecuted prevent themselves from being committed to the cause of Christ. Peter and John being arrested for performing miracle of healing a man and illegally speaking in the name of Jesus, Peter responds to their accusations of spreading lies with this message in chapter 4 verse 8 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: 9 If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, 10 let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. 11 This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’[a] 12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” and after further threatening them to be silent about Jesus, Peter and John respond in verse 19 19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. 20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” I love what follows next…prayer meeting group should know this. Peter and John leave, after speaking so boldly truth to the religious leaders…they go home and pray for more boldness. There was power in holding strong in their convictions. Standing in the presence of the Holy Spirit working through Peter and John, the pharisees blinked. All they could do was threaten. Peter and John had been affirmed by God in their actions. They knew these men could have taken their lives but the news of the truth about salvation through Jesus was going out regardless. They knew this and even some the fakenews pharisees were even beginning to see it. God was behind them. I think of the song, “it only takes a spark, to get a fire going.” The fire was being lit, and Jewish religious leaders were becoming more and more conscience to the fact that their old tactics of putting out the fire were not working the same. Spectators in Jerusalem were having to choose which narritives they would follow. Not everyone sided with the apostles, but larger and larger clusters were beginning to. Pretty soon those believers would not just simply be Jewish decent, but gentiles now to. The Truth was piercing the darkness.How can this truth which is still present truth of the good news pierce through all the darkness and skepticismUnderstanding that standing on a foundation of truth is one which will not crumble unlike lies and fake news.Barna had this conclusion about fake news: “There have always been proliferated conspiracy theories, exaggerated statistics and reporting errors. However, there has never before been such easy access to, nor ease of distribution for, those stories. The democratization of media via the Internet—the ability for anyone to search for and find news from every news source, and the ability for anyone to create, post and/or share media with everyone—has allowed fake news to spread much faster and much farther than ever before. This democratization of the media landscape has also challenged notions of authority—of who is allowed to generate the news. The traditional gatekeepers—all of whom have their own biases and privileges are no longer the only purveyors of news. There is good here: stories from minorities and those long ignored by mainstream media are now gaining a platform. Yet there is also a negative side: with fewer gatekeepers, it’s become increasingly hard to discern what’s trustworthy. Which presents an increasing need for leaders—at church, in the media, in schools—who can help others make sense of the world in generous and discerning ways. “Yet, while there is no doubt that fake news exists and that it’s a problem, it’s also a loosely defined term being broadly applied,” Research indicates that the American people are similarly unclear about what constitutes fake news. This has led to the accusation becoming, in many ways, a proxy battle in the war being waged by both sides of the political spectrum. And we can see that each side suspects and blames the other.What is the take away for Spiritual leaders? In regard to news we share, whether it be verbal, written, or electronic through the social medias, we should be good stewards, doing our part in fact checking and speaking out of conviction to truth and not out of slander. Church family, the truths we hold, that we have found in the scriptures will stand out! Their is power in the word of God to convict hearts even in this skeptical age. We, like Peter, John, Paul, and the other apostles have the advantage of truth being our foundation. We like the disciples have been commissioned by God to go out and make disciples of all nations. If our faith is where it needs to be God can use us present this relevant truth of the good news, even in a fake news society.