What is truth? How can we know what’s true and what isn’t? In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally shares about something really important: the truth.
John 18:37-38a “… ‘What is truth?’ Pilate asked.”
Nothing has changed in 2000 years. There is an all-out attack on the truth, and that means there is an all-out attack on Jesus.
John 14:6 NLT Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life…”
Truth is not a concept, it’s a person. You can understand facts, but you won’t understand their meaning until you get to know the source of truth: Jesus.
John 8:31-32 NLT “… you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Conversely, the main weapon of the devil is lies and deception.
John 8:43-45
Two current issues in our modern culture we need to talk about regarding truth:
AI, or Artificial intelligence, is technology that mimics human intelligence.
Because of AI you are going to have to require a higher standard from yourself regarding what’s true. The more you want something false to be true, the more likely you are to believe false information.
Psalm 86:11
If your heart is not pure, your discernment will be off.
Social Media
Why is social media suspect?
1. It gives unequal opinions an equal platform.
2. It’s not all real.
Social Media tempts you to sacrifice what’s real for what’s rehearsed, and to sacrifice what you need to hear for what you want to hear.
3. It’s immediate communication.
Proverbs 18:2 Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions.
Before you post, forward, or share, ask yourself—is this true or do I just want this to be true? Is this from a trustworthy source? Does this reveal the Jesus—the way, the truth, the life, or Satan—the father of lies?
How do we protect ourselves against deception?
1. Opt out of offense.
Matthew 24:10-11
An offended heart is susceptible to deception. Offense opens your heart to deceit.
You want to see what you already believe. You want to hear what you already think.
As Christians, our goal is not to just make a point, but to make a difference.
2. Limit your exposure to deception.
1 Corinthians 11:3
Eve should have said, “Sorry, I don’t talk to snakes.” You can’t be deceived, if you never hear the deception. Current culture is a current that is trying to sweep you into a way of thinking. The key to changing what you’re full of is to change what you feed on.
3. Practice God’s presence and stay in scripture.
John 17:17 NIV “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.”
Become so intimately acquainted with the truth, that you’ll be able to immediately spot what’s a lie.
Are you guarding against deception and protecting the truth?