I Corinthians 1:10
“I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.”
We live in a bizarre world where individuals believe their experience, preference, intellect, feelings, upbringing, social or political status, education, relationships, and power somehow changes the universe to fit “their truth.” Life shapes us, but truth never changes. Truth is never new, it’s just discovered. God’s word is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. I hate to burst your bubble, but there is no “my truth,” no matter what famous person claims it.
The Apostle Paul writes to the church in Corinth about unity. Some folks wanted to have their “own truth” about the Gospel. When you add or take away anything from the Gospel message – it is no longer the Gospel. He refocuses the church on what Jesus taught and warns of others preaching a different message.
There are Gospel truths that never change.
- Our God is Three in One – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
- Jesus’ birth, death, resurrection, and return
- Salvation by Grace, through Faith, in Christ
- We are created in the likeness of God, not the other way around!
“Scripture speaks in black and white, while our world is increasingly gray.” Because one chooses to not believe in salvation, miracles, morality, creation, return, position, or any Biblical truth does not diminish its reality. It becomes a matter of your faith and living for Christ.
Christians need to be united in sharing and living the Gospel message. One message! Truth! This increases one’s faith, evangelizes those around us, and prevents others from stumbling on questionable interpretations. Maybe we are in the wrong fitting room. Instead of trying to fit the Gospel into “my truth”; “my truth” needs to be fit by the Gospel.
Two trues I have found: 1. There is a God! 2. I am not Him!
While using the HEAR method (see below) consider the following questions:
- Do you agree that there is only one truth? If so, how have you found it challenging to share that truth in a world that is increasingly embracing the idea of relative (personal) truth?
- What are some possible consequences to holding and trying to live out a belief of relative truth?
Highlight – what words or phrases jump out at you?
Explain – what does the passage mean?
Apply – how does the passage intersect with your life today?
Respond – how is God leading you to respond?
Jim Sellers, Minister of Music and Senior Adults
Photo by Daniele Levis Pelusi on Unsplash