If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.
1 John 1:8-10 NIV
Deceived
The Competition Act contains provisions addressing false or misleading representations and deceptive marketing practices in promoting the supply or use of a product or any business interest. All representations, in any form whatever, that are false or misleading in a material respect are subject to the Act. If a representation could influence a consumer to buy or use the product or service advertised, it is material. To determine whether a representation is false or misleading, the courts consider the “general impression” it conveys, as well as its literal meaning.
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In this day of social media and fake news, it is difficult to know what or whom to believe. Everybody seems to have an agenda, or at least a strong opinion. Conspiracy theorists believe that we are all being deceived in some way or another. The Bible speaks about being deceived, at least some of us. The apostle writes this in 1 John 1:8-10: “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.” Let’s not deceive ourselves – each of us is a sinner – we all say things we shouldn’t, do things to others that we ought not, or leave undone things we promised to do. On this second day of the New Year, don’t be deceived. Confess your sins and invite Jesus to remove them and cleanse you completely. He is faithful to do so.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley