In this election year politics seems to have taken center stage among the media. After every candidate’s speech experts have to “read between the lines” and tell us what the candidates have really said. Paul tells us that when it comes to God’s Word and his epistles, it is straight-up plain vanilla – there is no reading between the lines or secret Bible code to enable one to understand. The Holy Spirit, who inspired the scriptures, will illuminate all who will sincerely believe and receive the Word of God and walk it out in obedience.

Paul did not use human wisdom or clever speech in conveying the Word of God. He depended on God’s grace and power to give the life giving Word. He certainly was not “seeker sensitive” or “politically correct”. Those who hold to being “Politically correct” are afraid to offend anyone. But being “politically correct” is really a code word for liberal, humanistic values and agenda. Paul realized that only the straight-up plain vanilla truth of God’s Word has the power to change lives.

Many were offended at Jesus and his teachings. The One who is “The Way, the Truth, and the Life” spoke the straight-up plain vanilla truth. He claimed to be the Son of God, the Messiah, the only Way, the Light of the World, the Resurrection and the Life, and the coming King. Jesus called a spade a spade and sin - sin. He said, “I tell you, no, but unless you repent you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3, 5).

Almost 16 years ago I went to see the doctor concerning some symptoms that I was experiencing. He put me through several tests and called me back to his office a few days later. He bluntly and unceremoniously told me that I had cancer. I was shocked! He didn’t sugar-coat it. I took the diagnosis seriously. Through quick and radical treatment along with much prayer and trust in God I came through the ordeal and have been cancer free for 15 years. I could have been offended at the doctor’s lack of “bed-side manners” or tried to “read through the lines” of his diagnosis or I could accept it and follow the prescribed treatment plan.

Jesus said, “You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free” (John 8:32). Jesus is the truth. He is the A – Z, the Alpha and Omega. Paul assures us, “As surely as God is faithful, my word to you does not waver between ‘yes’ and ‘no’. For Jesus Christ the Son of God does not waver between ‘yes’ and ‘no’. He is the one whom . . . I preached to you and as God’s ultimate ‘Yes,’ he always does what he says. For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding ‘Yes!’ And through Christ, our ‘Amen’ (which means ‘Yes’) ascends to God for his glory” (II Corinthians 1:18-20 NLT).

Jesus is the ultimate “Yes”. Say yes to Him. He is the straight-up plain vanilla truth.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life . . . He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (John 3:16-19) NKJV).