The War on Truth

1. The War on Truth

2. The War on Truth What is Truth? How do we know there is a war on truth? What battles do we choose? Living in truth Predictions and implications…

3. What is Truth? Truth can be a fact (e.g., mathematic, scientific). Truth can be a claim – but claims need support, testing, and verification. Truth may be an opinion – but this is squishy…

4. Summary – What is truth? • There is truth! • Truth can be measured, discerned and determined. • Fact? Claim? Or Opinion? • Jesus backed his claims through miracles – and through the resurrection. • Scripture is the barometer by which the believer can gauge and measure truth. • We may not like what the Scripture tells us.

5. Harsh truths from lesson 1: • Our opinions do not matter to God – if they are not in line with Scripture. • I am not going to tickle your ears.

6. Ephesians 6: 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 1st Corinthians 16: 13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 14 Do everything in love.

7. Harsh truths from lesson 2: Scripture tells us we are waging war. The (spiritually) weak and unprepared are at great risk of being devoured.

8. III. What battles do we choose?

9. The Bible 1. We believe the Scriptures, both the Old and New Testaments, to be the inspired word of God, without error in the original writings, the complete revelation of His will for the salvation of men, and the Divine and final authority for Christian faith and life.

10. Romans 14: Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters.

11. Disputable matters (in the Christian world)… • Free will vs. pre-destination. • Female pastors. • Communion rituals. • Baptism rituals. • Worship music. • End times theology. • The color of the carpet…

12. 1st Corinthians 1: 10 I appeal to you, brothers and sisters,[a] in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. Who is Paul writing to, here? We all have different opinions, and views – how do we do this?

13. Isaiah 55: 8“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,    neither are your ways my ways,”declares the Lord. 9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth,    so are my ways higher than your ways    and my thoughts than your thoughts. What does this mean? What are the implications?

14. Among those who claim Christ: • We are to strive for unity. • None of us has complete knowledge about God!

15. Cultural hot buttons… • Same-sex attraction/rights. • Co-habitation. • Abortion. • Death with dignity.

18. Cultural hot buttons… • Same-sex attraction/rights. • 27 In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error. (Romans 1) • Co-habitation. • 24 That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. (Genesis 2)

19. Cultural hot buttons… • Abortion. • Death with dignity. • 13 “You shall not murder.” Exodus 20

20. Proverbs 8: 35For those who find me find life    and receive favor from the Lord. 36 But those who fail to find me harm themselves;     all who hate me love death.”

21. Romans 12: 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. What does this mean – to do what is right in the eyes of everyone? What are the qualifiers for living at peace with everyone?

22. 1 Peter 3: Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect What are some of the assumptions of this verse? What is our culture’s view of believers in Christ? What does this verse have to do with choosing battles?

23. Members of the Westboro Baptist Church, from Topeka, Kansas, protest across the street from Ground Zero July 4, 2004 in New York City.

24. Proverbs 6: There are six things the Lord hates,    seven that are detestable to him:17         haughty eyes,        a lying tongue,        hands that shed innocent blood,18         a heart that devises wicked schemes,        feet that are quick to rush into evil,19         a false witness who pours out lies        and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.

25. Acts 22: 25 As they stretched him out to flog him, Paul said to the centurion standing there, “Is it legal for you to flog a Roman citizen who hasn’t even been found guilty?” Why did Paul choose this moment to claim his citizenship? What is the implication for us (if any)? What does this verse have to do with choosing battles?

26. 1 Peter 4 4 They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. What can we expect from the heathen?

27. Romans 2: You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. How are we then to live???

28. Matthew 7: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. What does this mean? What does it have to do with choosing battles?

29. Romans 5: 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. What does this have to do with choosing battles?

30. Harsh truths from lesson 3: • The battles will choose us! • We have rights as citizens – these are always going to be in flux. • We are NOT a Christian nation. • I am responsible for my relationship with Christ! • The cost might be great.

31. What will I do if: • I have a child who decides to “live in sin”? • Make sure my view is known (in a gentle way!) • I will continue as best I can to love my child and his friend/live-in. • The living arrangement will not occur under my roof. • I may not stay under their roof. • Cannot seem like I approve or endorse… • Be prepared to pick up the pieces.

32. What will I do if: • I have a child who is pregnant and unmarried? • Make sure my view is known (in a gentle way!) • I will continue as best I can to love my child. • Provide if need be. • Remember that it could have been me! • Make sure I reflect the character of my Savior. • Cannot seem like I approve or endorse… • Be prepared to pick up the pieces.

33. What will I do if: • I have a relative, who is going to “marry” someone of the same sex. • Unless pressed, I will stay quiet. • If pressed or asked – must give an answer. • I will not be able to attend the ceremony (on vacation, out of town). • I will not send a gift. • I will not expose my children, so will limit contact. • Cannot seem like I approve or endorse.

34. So what???

35. So what? • Know what we believe, and why we believe it. • Know what God says about _____________. • Remember – we have been rescued from a deep pit. • Grace, mercy and love must reflect our hearts and attitudes. • If we stand for God – there will be a price to pay.