The Truth

Image via Flickr CC 2.0 by
John 8:32 "And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

Discovering the truth on a planet like Earth is not an easy proposition.  However, it can be done, through diligent study and single-minded seeking.  The Spirit of God provides insight to see through lies to the truth.  The Spirit of God allows one to see the realities behind the false constructs of the world around us.  

There are many things Christians should know about society, politics, other religions, science, history, philosophy, the media, industries, medicine, and much more.

This list is not exhaustive, but it will provide a brief framing of some of the central truths of this world and things Christians should know about this post-modern society.  Discernment is key.  Each issue will be occupied with a link further expanding on the topic.

1. Christians need to know that they have power and authority in the name of Jesus Christ to stand for the gospel; that we are warriors on a spiritual battlefield.
Luke 10:19 (ESV) Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. 

2. Christians need to know that much of truth is suppressed and hidden in modern society. 
Galatians 1:3-4 (NIV) Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,  who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father

3. Christians need to know that God's design for marriage is sacred, and cannot be changed by any culture or society. 
“Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” -Matthew 19:4-6 NIV

4. Christians need to know the truth about the sanctity of life. 

Psalm 139:13 For you created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother’s womb.


5. Christians need to know that the values of American society are being intentionally undermined 

2 Corinthians 11:13-15 (ESV) For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds. 


6. Christians need to know that the Bible is reliable historically, archaeologically, and scientifically. It accurately describes reality. 
Psalm 119:160 (ESV) The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.

7. Christians need to know that intelligent design is a reasonable scientific theory. 
Hebrews 11:3 (NLT) By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God's command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.

8. Christians need to know that Jesus Christ made clear claims to exclusivity, making him the only one true way of salvation.
John 14:6 (NIV) Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

9. Christians need to understand that we live in a fallen world of temptation. 

1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV) No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 

10. Christians need to understand that the path of following Jesus is a path of radical dedication. It is a sincere lifestyle of holiness. 
1 Peter 1:14-16 (ESV) As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 

Luke 14:26-27 (NIV) If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. 27 And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
 
11. Christians need to know that they are called to serve the poor and empower the weak. 
Matthew 25:35-40 (NIV) 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

12. Christians need to know that our ultimate destiny is to live in a restored universe on a perfect Earth. And the destiny of those who reject God is conscious eternal torment in a place called hell.
Revelation 21:1-2 Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,”[a] for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.

Image via Flickr CC 2.0 by
Paul L Dineen