Monday, November 17, 2008

You Shall Know the Truth

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“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32

A pastor asked a church-goer, "What are the two greatest problems in America today?" The man answered, "I don't know; and, I don't care!" The pastor responded, "Then you have both problems!!"

Ignorance and apathy produce a people who are uninformed and unconcerned. Sadly, there are many such people in today's society. And the Church seems to be trending on the same course. Our altar calls have netted many decisions, but produced few disciples.

The Lord calls us to be His disciples. He deals with ignorance by telling us the truth, and He deals with apathy by telling the truth over and over and over again. Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

Discipleship is not only the doorway into Truth, but also into the Freedom that Truth provides, and the Personal Responsibility, which Freedom requires.


Truth, Freedom, and personal Responsibility ALWAYS go together. Responsible living is the fruit of Freedom; Freedom is the offspring of Truth. Jesus Christ has redeemed us and given us His Holy Spirit and knowledge of the Truth; so that from the inside out we would be a free and responsible people who are self-governed under God.

In a day when many are eagerly looking to the Goverment to do something -- the Lord is looking to US. We are the ones who can make the difference. We know the Truth, and therefore are a people of understanding. We have been set free, and therefore are a people of zeal. This is God’s answer to ignorance and apathy.

As followers of Jesus we must each take personal the words of our Lord, and conduct ourselves with wisdom and honor toward those around us. This will answer the ignorance and apathy of the world, and bring great glory to our Lord.

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