POSTMODERNISM: The Death of Absolute Truth? Part 1

Postmodernism “A theory that involves a radical reappraisal of modern assumptions about culture, identity, history, or language” (Merriam-Webster) “Postmodernism is difficult to define, because to define it would violate the postmodernist’s premise that no definite terms, boundaries, or absolute truths exist.” (Postmodernism: What is Truth?) 2 Part 1

Postmodernism “Postmodernists are typically atheistic or agnostic while some prefer to follow eastern religion thoughts and practices. Many are naturalist including humanitarians, environmentalists, and philosophers. “They challenge the core religious and capitalistic values of the Western world and seek change for a new age of liberty within a global community. 3 Part 1 2 Pet 2:18-19

Postmodernism – Right and Wrong? “Postmodernists do not attempt to refine their thoughts about what is right or wrong, true or false, good or evil. They believe that there isn’t such a thing as absolute truth. A post- modernist views the world outside of themselves as being in error, that is, other people’s truth becomes indistinguishable from error. 4 Part 1

Postmodernism – Right and Wrong? “Therefore, no one has the authority to define truth or impose upon others his idea of moral right and wrong. Their self-rationalization of the universe and world around them pits themselves against divine revelation versus moral relativism. Many choose to believe in naturalism and evolution rather than God and creationism.” Postmodernism: What is Truth? 5 Part 1

Wisdom and Knowledged Praised “…apply your heart to understanding…” (Prov 2:1-9) “Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Prov 2:5-6) “…scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge” (Prov 1:22) “Do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Eph 5:17) 6 Part 1

Truth Absolutely Exists Truth is not relative Truth is self-sufficient Truth is complete and free of imperfection Philosophy is not truth, Col 2:8 (2-3) Knowledge of divine truth is the vehicle of life, godliness and precious promises, 2 Peter 1:2-4 7 Part 1

Truth has been made known by revelation, Eph 3:1-5 Truth is revealed in Jesus Christ, Jno 1:1-3, 14, 17-18; 14:6 – Truth is in Jesus, Eph 4:21 Guided into all truth, Jno 16:13 God revealed His plans and purposes through His Spirit to the apostles, 1 Cor 2: Part 1

God’s word is truth, Jno 17:17 God spoke in the apostles of Christ, Matt 10:19-20 Apostles spoke what God gave them to speak, 1 Cor 2:12-13 Scripture is verbally inspired of God, 2 Tim 3:16; 2 Pet 1: Part 1

Truth is not hidden and inaccessible, Deut 30:11-15 – Rom 10:6-8: The word of faith which we preach! Commanded to understand, Eph 5:17 Truth is in a word that you can know and live, Jno 8:31-32 You know the truth and abide in the Father and the Son, 1 Jno 2:21, Part 1

Purifies your soul, 1 Pet 1:22-23 Obedience brings your salvation to maturity, Phil 2:12-13 Carefully follow the “good doctrine” (the faith, the truth, the word of God), 1 Tim 4:6 (1,3,5) Entrance into the kingdom of heaven, Matt 7:21 11 Part 1

Absolute Truth Still Available Men distort the truth, 2 Pet 3:16 Men reject the truth, 2 Pet 3:17; 2 Tim 4:3-4 Man’s unbelief does not diminish the nature and availability of truth, Rom 3: Part 1

Nature of the Father, Eph 4:6 Nature of the Son, Jno 1:1-3, 14; 8:58; Col 2:9; Heb 1:3 Nature of the Holy Spirit, Acts 5:4 Truth of God is turned into lies by faithless men, Rom 1:21-23; 1 Jno 2: Psa 90:2; Acts 17:29 Part 1

Relevant and powerful, Rom 1:16; Jno 17:17 Inspired, 2 Tim 3:16 Verbally inspired, 2 Pet 1:20-21; 1 Cor 2:13 (Acts 1:16); 1 Ths 2:13 Complete, Jno 16:13; Jude 3 Incorruptible, 1 Pet 1:23-24 (Matt 24:35) 14 Hebrews 4:12 Part 1

Nature, Gen 1:26-27; 2:7 Sin, Gen 2:16-17; Rom 5:12 Reality, Rom 3:23 Identity, 1 Jno 3:4; 5:17; Jas 4:17; Rom 14:23 Effects and consequences, Isa 59:1-2; Gen 3:7, 10-11, Responsibility and accountability, Ezek 18:20; Eccl 12: Psalm 8:4 Part 1

Christ is head of His body, the church, Eph 1:22-23 There is one body, Eph 4:4 Christ saves His body, Eph 5:23 About local churches: Organization, Acts 14:23; Phil 1:1 Work: Edification, Evangelism, Relieve needy saints Divine pattern, 2 Tim 1:13 16 Matthew 16:18 Part 1

Not with idols, icons and temples, Acts 17:22-25 In spirit and truth: Singing, Eph 5:19; Col 3:16 Lord’s supper, 1 Cor 10:16 Prayers, Acts 2:42 Preaching, Acts 20:7 Giving, 1 Cor 16:2 (2 Cor 9:7) Worship is led by men, not women, 1 Tim 2:8, John 4:23-24 Part 1

For example… – Modest clothing, 1 Tim 2:9-10; 1 Pet 3:3-4 – Dancing, 1 Pet 4:3; 1 Jno 2:16 – Social drinking, 1 Pet 4:3 – MDR, Matt 19:4-6, 9 – Homosexuality, Rom 1:24-27 – Lust vs. sexual purity, 1 Cor 6:18; 1 Ths 4: Titus 2:11-12 Part 1

Truth is not Dead! Devil has convinced the world there is no absolute truth, Jno 8:43-47 Christians are being convinced to compromise their convictions toward truth In Christ we have the “full assurance of understanding” and “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col 2:2-3) 19 Part 1