March 9, 2008

Pilate ask “What is truth?”

Most people have rejected the idea of absolute truth in favor of situational truth.

• Truth is relative to my situation.

Absolute truth has been rejected because:

• Absolute truth implies an absolute Truth-giver.
• Of poor examples of many so-called Christians.

Truth has a moral dimension.

There is a war on truth. It is a spiritual battle for our minds.

Satan uses people in his war on truth.

Christians are to engage in the battle.

Paul addresses how Christians are to live our lives in the face of opposition from the culture.

Let’s look at three principles of behavior that will encourage us in our endeavor to be salt and light.

Live Up To Who You Are

• You are a citizen of Heaven.

Conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.

“let your conversation” literally means “act as a citizen.”

Same word as Philippians 3:20 “But our citizenship is in heaven.”

• You are citizens of Heaven because you are children of God. John 1:14

There is a transformation that must take place. We must spend quality time with Christ. Time in:

• Prayer.
• Meditating on the Word.
• Reflecting on His truth.
• Drinking in the Spirit.

• You are ambassadors for Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:20.

We are ambassadors for Christ, sent on a specific mission with full power to speak on His behalf and transact the business of the gospel.

Stand Up For The Truth

We have the Truth that sets people free, so we need to share it. How?

• We do it in the power and unity of the Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:13.

The Holy Spirit is the source of our power.

Romans 15:5-6

• We stand up for the truth for the sake of the gospel.

Romans 1:16

God has given us this message and commissioned us on a mission to infiltrate and penetrate every aspect of our culture.

The goal of your occupation is for you to infiltrate this world and share the message of Jesus Christ. It has the power to set people free.

Face Up To The Opposition

Don’t be surprised when you face opposition!

2 Timothy 3:12

The same people who preach toleration for all points of view are the most intolerant when Christians began to state their views.

An entire culture is being brainwashed and Christians must stand against the opposition and speak the truth.

We must stand:

• Without fear.
• With courage. Joshua 1:9
• Knowing we might have to suffer. (v. 29)

Christianity is not a way to escape temporary earthly suffering; it is the only way to escape eternal suffering.

We must live up to who we are!