Monday, August 12, 2013
truth and myths
The passage I preached from yesterday in II Timothy 4 included those words, "the time is coming...when (people) will turn away from listening to the truth and will wander off into myths". This led to me mentioning several myths toward the end of our sermon which I will list again here: "science and Christianity are opposed", "abortion is about a woman's right to choose", "there are many paths to God", "the kids will be okay (in divorce)", "material possessions will make you happy", "living together before marriage will strengthen you marriage", "homosexuality is something you are born with", and "your value comes from outward beauty". I actually had many more listed, but the sermon was already long, so I stuck with this list.
1. Why did I stick with this list? These are the predominant things I see in culture that and a younger generation and many Christians have bought into.
2. Why did I have to be specific in the sermon? Because, the media and social blitz in our society is unrelenting in it's perpetual propaganda of unChristian values. At some point, I want to present the truth in such a way that maybe someone will at least consider that this world isn't right and God's Word is.
3. What has the response been? I haven't gotten any scathing e-mails yet this morning, but I think they'll come. Every preacher that has ever preached has been misunderstood...so we'll see. Ironically, it was three college students who thanked me for speaking the truth.
4. Why should someone who disagrees with me, listen to the sermon I preach? Because I sincerely believe what I'm saying is the truth of God's Word, and though imperfect in so many ways I'm honestly trying to live this Jesus following life, and I speak the truth because of my love for those who hear the Word of God.
This morning, the world goes on inventing, promoting, and encouraging the myths of a culture hopelessly devoted to it's selfish pleasures, but the truth of God remains and so I'll keep preaching it.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
7 comments:
It was very "refreshing" to hear TRUTH again this week. I love it when you make things so very black and white, in this case, the world's view on things. You're a great teacher and you joke about your inabilities, but you truly have a gift. Thanks.
Preach it brother....
The message yesterday was outstanding and I admire for being bold enough to speak it.
This is the one true reason I love Eastview Church, because you speak God's truth!! When so many churches today are twisting God's word into untruth. I know that no matter what society says, God's true Word will ring loud and clear at Eastview! Thanks Mike for spreading the Gospel!
Just want to thank you, Mike, for speaking the truth in love. You are right -- we hear these "myths" (or "lies") so often, it IS important to hear and to hold on to the truth! Thanks for your courage!
God bless you, Mike.
As a 24-year old, I really appreciate your specificity and conviction about the values that the world loves to hate. Keep preaching and reinforcing the truth.
I honestly loved this part of the sermon. I think our culture has been to promote these lies, in part, because the Church doesn't challenge them enough. It's easy to say the Bible is true, but much more difficult to say specifically how it is true and why the culture is wrong. I would love to hear more of this, not to beat people down, but to wake people up.
Post a Comment