September 24, 2023 - How to Best Represent the Truth - Pastor Paul Vallee

John 1:1934, John Series In a world of contradiction, deception, and destruction, we may wonder how to communicate to others what we consider vitally important and critical to the well-being of ourselves and others. In a world of relativity and cynicism regarding even the idea that truth can be known, we realize that embracing lies leads to self-deception, false assurances, damaging relationships, and even life itself. Jesus assured us that living in falsehood was slavery to the lie. Only truth could bring freedom.             John 8:34-36             Jesus replied, ‘Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.             A slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever.             So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.              The Bible teaches us that truth is found not in propositions or ideas alone, but it is ultimately found in a person. Truth is not divorced from love, grace, and understanding. For all these qualities are found in God Himself. God is love. He is full of grace and truth. Jesus said in regards to himself in John 14:6 in answer to finding the right path or way.             Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.             To prepare the people of Israel, who had high expectations of the coming Messiah, God sent a prophet to speak to the nation and prepare their hearts. Many had unrealistic and false expectations that would lead them astray if left unchecked. We are introduced in the early part of John’s gospel to a man called John, who was baptizing people as an expression of their repentance and preparation for the arrival of the Messiah. Here, we see in John’s gospel the role and heart of a witness. We will discover that John is simply a voice speaking God’s message. What can we learn from John’s life and ministry to help us best represent the truth in an age of deception, confusion and lies?