Does truth matter?
(Matt. 5:14-17; Luke 10:30-37; Acts 2:41-47; 1 Thes. 2:3-9; 1 Tim. 3:15) Blog 22-28 Nov. 2020
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: In Eden, in the home, in the classroom, in the workplace, and in nature those who come with a desire to learn and put what they learn into practice will grow in the wisdom that comes from above. The Ten Commandments together with the story of Genesis guide us in forming a Biblical worldview that has a correct view of the origin, meaning, morality, and destiny of life. In Jesus God gave us a perfect revelation of himself and a perfect fulfillment of the Ten Commandments. All true education will enhance our worship of God and prepare us for eternal life with him.
The Church as Light (Psa. 43:3; Prov. 12:17; 23:23; Dan. 8:12; Zech. 8:6; Matt. 5:14-16; 28:19-20; John 10:7-16; Acts 2:41-47; 1 Cor. 4:17; Eph. 2:20; 4:15; 1 Tim. 3:15)
1. Of what is light as symbol? Light is a symbol of truth.
2. Does truth matter? If truth does not matter then nothing matters for only by knowing what is true can we direct our steps in this life and know the way to eternal life – otherwise all is confusion & no signpost can be trusted.
3. Since expressing truth always brings disagreement from someone, should we therefore not express the truth? No, for truth is more precious than gold & is the way to salvation & sanctification & God commands us to tell it to our neighbors whereas the “man of sin” tries to eliminate it.
4. How does Paul tell us to speak the truth? In Ephesians 4 he says we are to “speak the truth in love,” meaning that we should not disrespect or devalue those who disagree with us but rather do all in our power to help them, as Jesus always did.
5. How did Jesus express the church’s duty to share the truth? In Matthew 5 he said we should let our light shine so all can see it & in Matthew 28 he said we should teach all nations the things he taught us.
6. What makes the church an ideal place for instruction in righteousness? Because there those who have been called out of the world gather uninterrupted by daily business in an attitude of praise & humility with the presence of God’s Holy Spirit.
7. On what is the church founded? On the apostles & prophets who testify of Jesus the church’s cornerstone.
The Church as Life (Matt. 13:24-30; Luke 4:18-21; John 10:11-18; Eph. 5:25-27; 1 Cor. 12:4-14; 1 Tim. 3:15)
8. As the bride of Christ what should the church be teaching its members? How to be perfecting their characters so as to become the pure bride of Christ.
9. As the body of Christ what should the church be teaching its members? How to employ their gifts for the harmonious function & education of the body.
10. As the fold of Christ what should the church be teaching its members? How to bring & welcome new members & how to detect & chase away wolves that come in sheep’s clothing.
11. When Jesus likened the church to a field planted with good seed of what did he warn? Not to try to eradicate the tares that the enemy had sown for that might cause some true believers to be rooted up.
12. When Paul likened the church to a family what should that teach us? That we should have love one for another, sweet fellowship, & unity.
13. When Jesus addressed the church in Nazareth what activities that we should also do did he come to fulfill? Preach the Gospel to the poor, heal the brokenhearted, preach deliverance to the captives & recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, & to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.
The Church as Love (Matt. 18:15-17; Luke 10:30-37; Acts 2:41-47; 5:40; 2 Cor. 11:23-28; 1 Thes. 2:3-9; 1 Pet. 5:1-3)
14. How did Paul express the truth in love to the church in Thessalonica? In purity according to God’s will, not man’s, not using flattery nor for personal gain or praise, but gentle as a nursing mother while working night & day yet taking no offerings.
15. What story did Jesus tell to illustrate how love behaves toward others? That of the good Samaritan.
16. How did the early church demonstrate love one for another? They ate & prayed together; they shared with those in need; & they worshipped & praised God together.
17. What did Christ’s disciples endure in order to tell others about the Gospel? They endured hardships, beatings, imprisonment, & death rather than cease to tell the story of Jesus.
18. How can the church be a safe place where one can raise questions and express doubts? Only by maintaining open communication between leaders & members in a spirit of mutual love & respect rather than by trying to maintain a forced unity where open communication is stifled.