The Liberating Truth of Jesus (06/21/'24) -Passage

The Liberating Truth of Jesus The "truth" spoken of in the Gospel of Jesus is indeed profound yet simple. At its core, this truth is the revelation of God's love and the path to salvation through Jesus Christ. This truth encompasses several key elements: The Nature of God: God is love, and His love is unconditional and redemptive. (1 John 4:8) The Person of Jesus: Jesus is the Son of God, who came to earth, lived a sinless life, died on the cross for our sins, and was resurrected, offering us eternal life. (John 3:16) The Call to Repentance: True freedom comes through repentance and turning away from sin. (Mark 1:15) The Promise of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit guides believers into all truth and empowers them to live according to God's will. (John 14:26) The Kingdom of God: The Kingdom of God is a present reality and future hope, characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Romans 14:17) Today's Lies Revealed by the Truth of Jesus Relativism: The lie that truth is subjective and varies from person to person. The truth of Jesus declares that there is absolute truth found in Him. (John 14:6) Materialism: The belief that material possessions and wealth are the ultimate goals. Jesus teaches that life is more than possessions and that our true treasure is in heaven. (Matthew 6:19-21) Self-Sufficiency: The idea that we can do everything on our own without God. Jesus shows that true strength and sufficiency come from reliance on God. (Philippians 4:13) Moral Relativism: The notion that morality is flexible and based on individual or societal preferences. Jesus upholds God's commandments as the standard for righteous living. (Matthew 5:17-18) Despair and Hopelessness: The belief that life has no meaning or purpose. Jesus offers hope and purpose through His promise of eternal life and a relationship with God. (John 10:10) The Core Content of the Truth The core content of the truth in the Gospel of Jesus is summarized in the verse you mentioned, John 8:32: "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 sets us free from the bondage of sin, the deceptions of the world, and the lies that enslave us. By embracing this truth, we find true freedom, purpose, and eternal life in Christ. Pastor Steve G. Lee (June 21, 2024)