26-0426p - Detailed Summary

John read from the Gospel of John chapter 8 verse 44. He declared, "You are of your father, the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and a father of lies." John concluded the reading with "Amen."

Preacher Tom greeted the congregation and welcomed them back. He mentioned taking inspiration from Scott to prepare a shorter sermon for the evening service. Tom explained that the title of the sermon is "The Father of Lies vs The Spirit of Truth," which connects to the morning sermon about truth on trial in Pilate’s courtroom. In the morning message, they learned that truth is not a feeling, opinion, or social construct but is a person named Jesus. Tonight the focus shifts to the enemy of truth, as lies always follow closely where truth is present. Jesus provided a sobering description of the devil in the verse just read: he was a murderer from the beginning, does not stand in the truth, has no truth in him, and when he lies he speaks from his own character.

Tom emphasized that the devil is a liar and the father of lies, constantly attempting to deceive people. However, Jesus promised that when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide believers into all the truth from John 16:13. Christians live daily in the conflict between the father of lies and the Spirit of truth. Satan’s oldest trick, used in the Garden of Eden, involved subtly questioning God’s command rather than openly denying it: "Did God really say?" from Genesis 3:1. He twisted the truth and made sin appear better than obedience. This same subtle strategy remains effective today and appears in culture, social media, anxious thoughts, and even some pulpits claiming to be Christian. Tom then introduced five dangerous lies faced today.

Lie number one is "Live your truth" or "Your truth isn’t my truth." The countering truth is that there is only one truth, and His name is Jesus, as declared in John 14:6: "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." This was also the theme of the morning sermon.

Lie number two claims "You are not that bad. God understands. A loving God wouldn’t send anybody to hell." The truth is that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Sin is serious, yet grace is greater; if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us (1 John 1:9).

Lie number three states that the Bible is outdated on marriage, sexuality, and gender because times have changed. Tom affirmed that it is still wrong.

Continuing lie number three, Tom countered that heaven and earth will pass away but God’s words will never pass away (Matthew 24:35). Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). God’s design for these issues has never changed from the Old Testament to now, including opposition to homosexuality, abortion, and similar matters.

Lie number four is "You’ve gone too far this time. God could never forgive you." The truth is there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). No sin is greater than the blood of Jesus, and anyone can still be forgiven no matter what they have done.

Lie number five claims "You don’t need the church. You can be a Christian by yourself." Many people express this view, believing they can maintain a relationship with God alone without attending church.

Tom stressed that worshiping together is important. The truth is that the church is the pillar and foundation of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15). Believers were never meant to fight this battle alone. The church is Jesus' body with Him as the head, and it is His kingdom. Jesus is coming back for His church, making participation in the church essential. One cannot fully please God by worshiping or serving alone.

Tom explained how Jesus overcame every lie when Satan tempted Him in the wilderness using the same three-part strategy from the Garden of Eden: physical temptation (turning stones into bread, like the fruit to Eve), twisting scripture (misquoting Psalm 91, as with God’s words to Eve), and promising power and glory (kingdoms of the world, like "you will be like God"). Even today, Satan tempts people by suggesting sin will provide something good, such as pleasure, that God is withholding. The key difference was that Jesus refused to listen to the lie. Three times He responded with authority: "It is written." Jesus did not debate or negotiate but answered every lie with the unchanging truth of God’s word.

To overcome Satan’s lies, Paul instructs in Ephesians 6 to put on the full armor of God to stand against the devil’s schemes. Every piece of armor is defensive except one: the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Ephesians 6:17). Jesus demonstrated its use by answering lies with Scripture. Believers defeat the father of lies the same way: by knowing the truth and hiding God’s word in their hearts daily (Psalm 119:11), believing the truth even when lies feel louder (Romans 10:17), speaking the truth to themselves, the enemy, and the world (2 Corinthians 10:5), and living the truth in church fellowship and daily obedience (James 1:22). The best news is that the Spirit of truth lives inside every believer to help recognize lies and stand firm in God’s word.

Tom recalled the morning sermon where truth was on trial. Tonight, believers can declare with confidence that truth has already won. The devil is a defeated foe but still whispers lies.

The only way to silence the devil’s voice is to stand firmly in Jesus, the living truth. If the lies have worn anyone down, if guilt, doubt, or confusion have caused exhaustion, Jesus is calling tonight.

Jesus is the truth. He is greater than every lie and offers real freedom.

As the congregation stands to sing, Tom invited anyone with a need to come forward. This includes those needing baptism for the forgiveness of sins or prayers from the congregation. For Christians who have been listening to lies and need to recommit to walking in the truth, this is their moment.