Subject: Embracing the Eternal Truth of Jesus (06/21/'24) -Message

Subject: Embracing the Eternal Truth of Jesus Dear brothers and sisters, Today, I want to share with you a profound yet simple truth that lies at the heart of our faith. This truth is the cornerstone of our relationship with God, the essence of His love, and the path to eternal life through Jesus Christ. It is a truth that transforms, liberates, and guides us into the fullness of God's love. At the core of this truth is the nature of God. God is love. His love is pure, unconditional, and redemptive. It is a love that reaches into the deepest parts of our souls, bringing light to our darkest moments. This love is not something we earn; it is freely given, a testament to the boundless grace that God extends to all humanity. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, embodies this truth. He came to earth, lived a sinless life, and offered Himself as a sacrifice for our sins. His death and resurrection opened the door to eternal life, a gift available to anyone who believes. Through Jesus, we encounter a love that conquers death and a hope that endures forever. True freedom is found in repentance. It is a turning away from sin, a rejection of the lies that bind us. In repentance, we embrace God's forgiveness and find a new beginning. This freedom is not just a release from guilt but a liberation of the heart and mind, enabling us to live in the fullness of God's love. The Holy Spirit, our divine guide, leads us into all truth. He empowers us to live according to God's will, filling our hearts with wisdom and peace. In moments of quiet reflection, the Spirit's gentle voice speaks to us, revealing the depths of God's truth and the beauty of His ways. The Kingdom of God is a present reality and a future hope. It is a realm characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. This kingdom transcends earthly boundaries and offers a vision of a world transformed by God's love and justice. Yet, in today's world, many lies challenge this truth. Relativism whispers that truth is subjective, varying from person to person. But Jesus declares that there is absolute truth found in Him. Materialism lures us with the promise of fulfillment in possessions, yet Jesus teaches that life's true treasure is found in Heaven. Self-sufficiency promotes the illusion that we can do everything on our own, but true strength comes from reliance on God. Moral relativism suggests that right and wrong are flexible, dictated by societal norms. However, Jesus upholds God's commandments as the eternal standard for righteous living. Despair and hopelessness tell us that life has no meaning, but Jesus offers a hope that is anchored in the promise of eternal life and a relationship with God. In John 8:32, Jesus said, "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." This truth is the liberating knowledge of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. It frees us from the bondage of sin, the deceptions of the world, and the lies that enslave us. In embracing this truth, we find freedom, purpose, and eternal life in Christ. The liberating truth of Jesus transforms our lives, bringing us into alignment with God's love and purpose. It is a truth that calls us to live in the light, to walk in love, and to embrace the freedom that only Christ can give. In this truth, we find our true identity and our eternal home. May we all embrace this eternal truth, allowing it to guide our hearts and lives, and may the love of Jesus Christ fill us with hope, peace, and the joy of salvation. In Christ's love, Pastor Steven G. Lee (June 21, 2024)