I. Signs of “Truth decay” in our Culture

1. Immaturity

Ephesians 4:14 (NLT) Then we will no longer be like children, forever changing our minds about what we believe because someone has told us something different or because someone has cleverly lied to us and made the lie sound like the truth.

Q: When do I act childish? When do I tend to be irresponsible?

2. Immorality

Ephesians 4:19 (NLT) They don't care anymore about right and wrong, and they have given themselves over to immoral ways. Their lives are filled with all kinds of impurity and greed.

Proverbs 14:9 (MSG) The stupid ridicule right and wrong, but a moral life is a favored life.

Q: What am I trying to rationalize in my life?

3. Illusion

2 Thessalonians 2:12 (MSG) Since they refuse to trust truth, they're banished to their chosen world of lies and illusions.

Q: Where or what am I pretending is real?

4. Idolatry

Romans 1:25 (NLT) Instead of believing what they knew was the truth about God, they deliberately chose to believe lies. So they worshiped the things God made but not the Creator himself

Q: What have I idolized?

5. Injustice

Isaiah 59:14 (NLT) Our courts oppose people who are righteous, and justice is nowhere to be found. Truth falls dead in the streets, and fairness has been outlawed.

II. How do I know what’s true?

1. through CREATION

Romans 1:20 (NIV) For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--His eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

2. through CONSCIENCE.

Romans 2:14-15 (CEV) “Some people naturally obey God’s commands, even though they don't have the Law. This proves that the conscience is like a law written in the human heart. And it will show whether we are forgiven or condemned.”

3. through CONSIDERATION.

Proverbs 4:26 (KJV) Ponder the path of thy feet

4. through (GOD’S) COMMANDMENTS.

2 Timothy 3:16 (NCV) All Scripture is given by God and is useful for teaching, for showing people what is wrong in their lives, for correcting faults, and for teaching how to live right.

5. through CHRIST.

John 14:6 (NIV) Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Titus 2:7 (TLB) Let everything you do reflect your love of the truth and the fact that you are in dead earnest about it.

Going Deeper: Read Chpts 6-10 in “The Good Life” by Chuck Colson. Thinking you’d like to be in on a discussion group but don’t want to sign up for anything – just come out Tuesday night’s at 7pm. Bring paper and pencil (if you like to take notes).

Daily Doses: For those with extremely busy schedules: Take just a minute a day to start out with a Word from the Lord. Read it! Listen Again! Write down how it applies to you. Finally pray about it.

qMon. Prov. 14:9	qWed. Prov. 4:26	qFri. John 14:6
qTue. Rom 1:20	qThr. 2 Tim. 3:16	qSat. Titus 2:7

Through the Bible in One Year "Parson Larsen's Quiet Time Notebook" or “Through the Bible In 1 Year” brochure study guides are available in the lobby of the church. This free resource should help you to develop a Bible reading plan that will certainly bless your week.