Sermons

Jeremiah's question highlights God's focus on practical truthfulness in people's lives. The prophet depicted a society riddled with deceit, leading to broken trust, infidelity, and denial of God's hand. In contrast, God values and approves of sincerity and genuine faith. Truthful individuals, though sometimes hidden, have a powerful influence, capable of securing God's favor and even impacting communities. Hypocrisy is futile and harmful, while truthfulness is essential for genuine connection with God and others.

C.S. Lewis admired his wife's desire for truth above all else, highlighting its crucial importance. Modern society increasingly bends truth to fit desires, a dangerous trend Lewis prophetically warned against. The story of the Magi exemplifies humanity's inherent quest for objective truth, a delightful pursuit leading to Christ, the source of truth. We must prioritize truth over personal desires to avoid the "abolition of man" and embrace reality.

This reflection explores the underlying reasons for humanity's desire to explore space, drawing parallels between President Trump's Mars ambition and President Kennedy's moon landing announcement. It posits that space exploration is a fundamentally human endeavor driven by a desire to encounter the inherent goodness of creation and to contemplate the Creator--i.e. the pursuit of truth. The reflection highlights the historical connection between astronomy and Christian theology, suggesting that studying the cosmos is a way to understand God's work and our place within it.

The traditional "three kings" visiting Jesus are actually "magi," likely Zoroastrian priests from the East, skilled in astronomy. Their journey, guided by a celestial event, led them to Jerusalem, surprising Herod. The gospel highlights their scholarly observation and contrasts it with Herod's political motives, suggesting a harmony between faith and reason in seeking truth.

Imagine a virtual reality machine offering a perfect, personalized dream life. Imagine, however, entering means never leaving. The preaching questions whether one would choose this permanent virtual existence, suggesting a fundamental human desire for truth, even in an imperfect world.  The biblical character of Bartimaeus exemplifies this desire for truth.

The modern emphasis on freedom can sometimes sideline the importance of shared truth and lead to fragmented, individualistic worldviews. Drawing on Jesus' words from the Gospel (John 8:31-42), particularly "The truth will set you free," the preaching highlights that authentic freedom is inseparable from a commitment to truth.