Speaking the Truth in Love
27/01/08 16:39 Filed in: Abortion
Speaking the Truth in Love
Pastor David Lenz
27 January 2008
Text: Ephesians 4:14-16
“But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way …….”
Back to that night……a tense dialogue about truth. John 18:37-38
Communion’s words of institution; “On the night on which he was betrayed…..”
Pilate: “Are you king of the Jews?”
……………….
Jesus: “You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”
Pilate: “What is truth?”
What is truth?
The world has struggled for centuries to answer this question.
“Truth is Stranger Than it Used to Be” by Middleton and Walsh
To declare truth in today’s culture seems; presumptuous, arrogant, and even offensive.
What is truth? Roe v. Wade 1973
None of David’s pastor friends are speaking on this topic.
Please don’t ask what I think. Because I will tell you and someone will be offended.
So Pilates question goes un-answered.
The way forward: Ephesians 4:15
Speak the truth. What does that mean?
Metanarrative or overriding principle around which we organize our lives.
How do we speak a (the) truth about abortion; 1) Turn to the Bible. 2) Commit to study. 3) Commit to pray. 4) Come together for discernment. 4) Acknowledge that the word “abortion” does not appear in the Bible. 5) God speaks about life being a gift, being precious, and valued by God in the womb.
Hope Church’s declaration on abortion from 1983
Know that not everyone comes from the same metanarrative. Not everyone agrees.
Call to Action: Speak the truth in love
Don’t clobber people with the truth or berate people with the truth. Don’t make them so uncomfortable they won’t hear a word you say. Not an information dump…..listen.
“The purpose of a sermon is not to get something said but to get something heard.” Craddock
Romans 8:1 – “There is no condemnation……
I Cor 13: - Love is patient, kind, not rude, not easily angered…..
Not just in word but in deed. Not just declared but demonstrated. (ARISE, Loaves & Fishes, Vines & Branches)
Does it make a difference?
Steve Chapman in 26Jan2008 Star Tribune
25% drop in abortions since peak in 1990. Lowest since 1976
2003 Gallup Poll: 72% of teenagers believe abortion is wrong.
Movie: Juno – A pregnant 16 year old changes her mind after hearing from a teenage protester.
The prevailing view used to be: Abortion may be evil but it is necessary. Increasingly the sentiment is: Abortion may be necessary but it is evil.
Pastor David Lenz
27 January 2008
Text: Ephesians 4:14-16
“But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way …….”
Back to that night……a tense dialogue about truth. John 18:37-38
Communion’s words of institution; “On the night on which he was betrayed…..”
Pilate: “Are you king of the Jews?”
……………….
Jesus: “You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”
Pilate: “What is truth?”
What is truth?
The world has struggled for centuries to answer this question.
“Truth is Stranger Than it Used to Be” by Middleton and Walsh
To declare truth in today’s culture seems; presumptuous, arrogant, and even offensive.
What is truth? Roe v. Wade 1973
None of David’s pastor friends are speaking on this topic.
Please don’t ask what I think. Because I will tell you and someone will be offended.
So Pilates question goes un-answered.
The way forward: Ephesians 4:15
Speak the truth. What does that mean?
Metanarrative or overriding principle around which we organize our lives.
How do we speak a (the) truth about abortion; 1) Turn to the Bible. 2) Commit to study. 3) Commit to pray. 4) Come together for discernment. 4) Acknowledge that the word “abortion” does not appear in the Bible. 5) God speaks about life being a gift, being precious, and valued by God in the womb.
Hope Church’s declaration on abortion from 1983
Know that not everyone comes from the same metanarrative. Not everyone agrees.
Call to Action: Speak the truth in love
Don’t clobber people with the truth or berate people with the truth. Don’t make them so uncomfortable they won’t hear a word you say. Not an information dump…..listen.
“The purpose of a sermon is not to get something said but to get something heard.” Craddock
Romans 8:1 – “There is no condemnation……
I Cor 13: - Love is patient, kind, not rude, not easily angered…..
Not just in word but in deed. Not just declared but demonstrated. (ARISE, Loaves & Fishes, Vines & Branches)
Does it make a difference?
Steve Chapman in 26Jan2008 Star Tribune
25% drop in abortions since peak in 1990. Lowest since 1976
2003 Gallup Poll: 72% of teenagers believe abortion is wrong.
Movie: Juno – A pregnant 16 year old changes her mind after hearing from a teenage protester.
The prevailing view used to be: Abortion may be evil but it is necessary. Increasingly the sentiment is: Abortion may be necessary but it is evil.