After a while of being complacent and lazy…I went to Calvary again. It kind of helps that I almost got into a multiple car pile-up at 120km/h on Friday night…that shit is scary. I was already feeling icky with myself with regards to skipping out, and that was just a mini-wake up.
Anyway…here are the goods from today’s sermon by Pastor Rick Baker.
Telling the Truth
John 14:16, 17:17, 18:37
- the argument of “relative truth”…zomg, not again.
- relativity of truth eliminates the freedom on truth?
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“How do I get to your house?” ‘Oh, take whatever route you think is best, and I’m fine with that. Just be relative.’
- this is absurd…but its whats happening now with God’s house
- no relative path back to God — its ABSOLUTE
- Jesus said: I am the truth.
- To some, does this imply he is lying?
- Consider the implications:
- There IS truth
- THE truth; absolute for everyone
- if not absolute truth, impossible to get to Heaven
- Truth is from God
- Is. 45:19
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“I AM the truth…”
- original text emphasizes Jesus saying “I AM”
- Jn 1:14; God’s word: truth; Jesus = physical incarnation of Word; therefore Jesus = truth
- Jesus authorized to send/bring the truth; has authority (Find this verse…should be in John?)
- to deny Jesus is to deny path to Heaven
- Truth can be known
- Jesus declares truth can be known and will set you free…
- Jn 18:37; “reason I exist is to make truth known and knowable”
- testify the truth (Jer 31:34…)
- all things impossible if you don’t believe/love/know/_____ the Truth
- Jesus is the key witness to truth
- 26 times declaring “I tell you the truth” in book of John
- Jesus is the witness of the truth; “I am the witness in the courtroom of Ages”
- humanity on trial for high treason
- If someone really wants to know the truth, that person will give attention to Jesus
- Pilate = original post-modern (before post modernity) relativist…haha
- was Pilate asking who Jesus was out of pure curiosity or out of mockery?
- truth is inconvenient and uncomfortable; relativity is comfortable and convenient
- the truth will set you free…FROM YOURSELF (sinful self)
- Jesus replies, “If you want to know the truth, listen to me…”
- anyone who wants truth, but refuses to listen to Jesus is kidding themselves…
- kings/rulers usually coerce people into believing/obeying…Jesus simply offers the truth
- There IS truth
- Are you in the Truth? If you’re in the Truth…you’re in the way. Don’t get out of The Way…
Believing in the existence of God doesn’t make you a Christian; the Devil believes in God too.
Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian; even non-Christians can go to church.
Recognize, pray, repent, pray, praise, live; live change…and change lives.