"standing for the truth" by bro. mel maldupana - cruzada church of christ sunday sermon -...

The history of mankind is a tug-of-war between two divergent

philosophies. One is Humanism; the other is Christianity.

One says, “I will live according to the way I feel.”

The other says, “I will live according to what God’s word says.”

The conflict between these two philosophies is intensifying

in our day.

STANDING FOR THE TRUTH

I. THE TRUTH REQUIRES

CONFIRMATION

“This is the third time I am coming to you. On the

testimony of two or three witnesses every word will

be confirmed.” - II Corinthians 13:1

“Paul assured them that his judgment would not be superficial. He wouldn’t rely on rumors. He would examine the facts and rely on a series of witnesses to confirm the truth.” – Bob Russell

From ABANTE TONITE (Agosto 25, 2010)•JAMES YAP, NAGMUMUNI-MUNI SA US.•JERICHO INILALAMPASO SI DIETHER•CLAUDINE VS. ANGELICA, LUMALALA ANG AWAY•PINOY SA HONGKONG BAKA RESBAKAN•CHARLENE, BINABANTAYAN NI AGA MULACH•AYAW PA-RAPE DINOS-POR-DOS

“A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.”

(Proverbs 14:15)

“IF YOU DOUBT, FIND OUT.”

“He who covers an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates

close friends.” (Proverbs 17:9)

II. TRUTH REQUIRES CONFRONTATION

“I already gave you a warning when I was with you the

second time. I now repeat it while absent: On my return I will not spare those who sinned earlier or

any of the others.” (II Corinthians 13:2)

PAUL WAS DECLARING WAR ON THOSE WHO OPPOSED THE

AUTHORITY OF GOD’S WORD. - Bob Russell

Confrontation with the truth is much better than gossip about

suppositions. Jesus said in Matthew 18:15, “If your brother sins against you, go and show

him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you

may lose a friend. But more important is your stand for truth.”

III. TRUTH IS BASED ON CHRIST’S

RESURRECTION

“…Likewise we are weak in him, yet by God’s power we will live

with him to serve you.” (II Corinthians 13:4)

“Truth is not based on our intellect or on our power but on the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. And that doesn’t change!” – Matthew Henry

IV. TRUTH REQUIRES SELF-EXAMINATION

“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not

realize that Christ Jesus is in you – unless of course if you

fail the test?” (II Corinthians 13:4)

“We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; but the real tragedy of life is when men

are afraid of the light.”

– Plato, Greek Philosopher

“Don’t examine other people. Don’t evaluate their performance. Evaluate yourself. Because the quest for truth Always begins with oneself.” – Bob Russell

SEARCH ME O GOD Psalms 139:23, 24

V. TRUTH ALSO REQUIRES COMPASSION

“…that when I am there I will not use severity, in keeping with the authority the Lord gave me for building up and not for tearing down.” (v.10)

“… be restored, be encouraged, be of the same mind, be at peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.” (v.11)

“Greet one another with holy kiss, all the saints greet you.” (v. 12)

“Love without truth is sentimentality.

Truth without love is fanaticism,

Love balanced with truth is Christianity.”

JACKIE CHAN EXPRESSES GRIEF OVER HOSTAGE DRAMA By Thea Alberto (08-25-10)

“These kinds of things always happen around the world. It happened to Hong

Kong’s people. The whole Hong Kong is talking about it. It’s really sad.”

“IF they killed the guy sooner they will say ‘why not negotiate?’

If they negotiate first, they ask ‘why not kill the guy sooner?’ So sad.”

“In matters of faith, unity; in matters of opinion, liberty;

in all things love.” - Restoration Movement Slogan

If we combine truth with tolerance, we’ll represent well the Christ who came

not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. If

you hold to my teaching the truth will set you free.

(John 8:31, 32)