Hunger Conference I Martin Sedra
- fccreative
- 6 days ago
- 10 min read
The Battle for Truth and Family
Today, we find ourselves in a world where truth is no longer anchored in God’s Word, but is instead shaped by personal preference, identity, and cultural trends. The prevailing spirit of the age is one of offense, where even the most basic biblical truths—such as marriage being between a man and a woman—are met with outrage. Yet, Jesus did not say, “I am a truth” or “your truth,” but declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Truth is not subjective; it is found in Christ and in the Scriptures, regardless of how it makes us feel or what our opinions may be.
A dangerous shift has occurred in the church and culture: we have reduced Jesus from Lord and King to “my friend” or “my homeboy.” While God graciously calls us friends, nowhere in Scripture do we see man calling God “friend” as a way to lower His authority. This casual familiarity has eroded the fear of God, leading many to treat His commands as mere suggestions. When God speaks, our response should be obedience, not debate. Our opinions, no matter how passionately held, are absent from the pages of Scripture; what matters is God’s Word and His design.
We are in the midst of a spiritual war—a war on family, faith, and freedom. The enemy seeks to dismantle the family by confusing gender roles, emasculating men, and promoting ideologies that undermine biblical masculinity and femininity. Men are called to lead their families in the ways of the Lord, and women are called to embrace their God-given roles with humility and strength. Children are not a burden but a blessing, and the attack on the unborn is a direct assault on God’s creative purpose.
This war extends beyond the family to our very faith. The rise of universalism and syncretism, even within religious institutions, threatens the exclusivity of Christ. There is only one way to God—Jesus Christ. Other religions, including Islam, may claim to honor Jesus, but they deny His divinity, crucifixion, and resurrection. The contrast between Jesus and the founders of other faiths is stark: Jesus laid down His life for His enemies, while others conquered by the sword.
Finally, the battle is for our freedom. In many nations, Christians are persecuted for proclaiming the truth. Yet, God is faithful to protect and empower those who stand for Him. The call is clear: do not cower in fear or compromise with culture. Stand firm, even if it costs you everything, for Jesus is worthy of our lives and our loyalty.
Key Takeaways
Truth is not subjective or defined by personal experience; it is found solely in Jesus Christ and the Scriptures.
When we allow culture or our own feelings to dictate truth, we drift from the anchor that holds us steady. The authority of God’s Word must supersede our opinions, preferences, and even our deepest convictions. To follow Christ is to submit to His truth, regardless of the cost.
The fear of God is foundational to a life of obedience.
When we reduce Jesus to a mere friend, we lose the reverence and awe that compels us to obey His commands. God’s Word is not a negotiation; it is a call to surrender. True friendship with God is always initiated by Him, but our response must be one of humility, worship, and submission to His lordship.
The family is under spiritual attack, with the enemy seeking to blur gender distinctions, undermine parental authority, and devalue children.
Biblical masculinity and femininity are not cultural constructs but divine designs. Men are called to lead with courage and faithfulness, and women are called to nurture and bring life. Children are a blessing, not a burden, and the church must champion the sanctity of life and the beauty of God’s order.
The exclusivity of Christ is non-negotiable.
While the world promotes religious pluralism and syncretism, the gospel proclaims that Jesus alone is the way to the Father. Other religions may offer moral teachings or spiritual experiences, but only Christ offers salvation through His death and resurrection. To compromise on this truth is to abandon the very heart of the Christian faith.
Courage in the face of persecution is the mark of true discipleship.
The call to follow Jesus is a call to lay down our lives, whether through social rejection, loss of freedom, or even martyrdom. God’s Spirit empowers us not to shrink back in fear, but to stand boldly for truth, knowing that our reward is eternal. The world may rage against the light, but the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it.
Bible Study Guide
John 14:6 (ESV) — > Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
2. Proverbs 9:10 (ESV)
> The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
3. Romans 1:21-28 (ESV)
> For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error. And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done.
Observation Questions
According to John 14:6, what does Jesus claim about Himself, and how does this contrast with the idea of “my truth” or “your truth”?
In Proverbs 9:10, what is described as the beginning of wisdom? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on the fear of God?
What are some of the consequences listed in Romans 1:21-28 for people who reject God’s truth?
The sermon mentions that “truth is no longer found in scripture and God but is found in your skin color and your preference and personality and your sin and your addiction.” What examples did the preacher give to illustrate this shift?
Interpretation Questions
Why is it significant that Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life,” rather than “a way” or “a truth”? How does this shape a Christian’s understanding of salvation and truth?
The preacher argues that reducing Jesus to “my friend” instead of Lord leads to a loss of the fear of God. What does it mean to have a healthy fear of God, and why is it foundational for obedience?
According to the sermon, how does the enemy attack the family, and what are the biblical roles for men, women, and children?
The sermon draws a sharp distinction between Christianity and other religions, especially Islam. What are the key differences highlighted, and why does the preacher insist that the exclusivity of Christ is “non-negotiable”?
Application Questions
The sermon challenges the idea of “subjective truth.” Are there areas in your life where you have let personal feelings or cultural trends shape your beliefs more than Scripture? What would it look like to realign those areas with God’s Word?
The preacher says, “We have lost the fear of God in the church.” How do you personally respond to God’s commands? Do you tend to debate, ignore, or obey them? What is one command of God you struggle to obey, and what would help you grow in reverence and obedience?
The sermon describes a “war on family” and calls men to lead and women to embrace their God-given roles. For those who are married or have families, what are some practical ways you can lead, serve, or nurture your family according to biblical principles this week?
The preacher says, “Children are a blessing, not a burden.” How does your attitude toward children—whether your own, in your family, or in the church—reflect this truth? Are there ways you can better support or value children in your life or community?
The sermon warns against compromising the exclusivity of Christ. Have you ever felt pressure to downplay or hide your faith in Jesus as the only way to God? How did you respond, and what would courage look like in those situations?
The preacher shares stories of persecution and calls for courage, even if it costs us everything. What fears or risks hold you back from standing for truth? Is there a specific situation where you need to ask God for boldness this week?
The sermon says, “When God speaks, our response should be obedience, not debate.” Is there an area where you know what God is asking of you, but you’ve been debating or delaying? What step of obedience can you take this week?
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus Is the Only Way, Truth, and Life
In a world where everyone claims their own version of truth, it is vital to remember that Jesus did not say He is "a way" or "a truth," but boldly declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." There is only one truth, and it is not found in our preferences, opinions, or cultural trends, but in the person and words of Jesus Christ. No matter how much society tries to redefine morality or spirituality, the exclusive claim of Christ stands unshaken: salvation and true life are found in Him alone.
John 14:6 (ESV)Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Reflection: Where in your life have you been tempted to accept or promote “your truth” or “my truth” over the truth of Jesus? What would it look like to realign your thinking and actions to His exclusive claim today?
Day 2: The War on Family and God’s Design
The enemy seeks to destroy the family by distorting God’s design for men, women, and children, promoting confusion and rebellion in the name of progress. God created men and women with distinct roles and purposes, and the health of a nation and church depends on families that honor these roles—men leading in godliness, women embracing their calling, and children being raised in the ways of the Lord. When the family structure is attacked, society unravels, but when we return to God’s blueprint, blessing and order are restored.
Genesis 1:27-28 (ESV)So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
Reflection: What is one practical way you can honor God’s design for your role in your family or community today, even if it goes against cultural trends?
Day 3: The Power and Necessity of Repentance
When a nation or individual turns away from God’s truth, embracing pride and suppressing the Word, the result is confusion, brokenness, and judgment. Yet, God’s promise remains: if we repent of our pride and return to Him, He will heal and restore. Repentance is not condemnation but an invitation to freedom, forgiveness, and blessing. No matter your past, including the deepest regrets, God’s mercy is available when you humble yourself and turn back to Him.
2 Chronicles 7:14 (ESV)If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
Reflection: Is there an area of pride or sin you need to repent of today? What step can you take right now to humble yourself before God and seek His healing?
Day 4: Courage to Stand Firm in the Face of Persecution
Following Jesus in a world hostile to truth requires courage, not cowardice. The Spirit of God empowers believers not to shrink back in fear or silence, but to stand boldly for Christ, even when it costs relationships, reputation, or safety. True discipleship means being willing to lose everything for the sake of the gospel, knowing that Jesus laid down His life for us first. The call is not to meow like a cat in the face of opposition, but to roar like a lion with the truth of God.
Acts 4:29-31 (ESV) And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.
Reflection: What is one area where you have been silent or fearful about your faith? How can you ask God for boldness to speak and act for Him today?
Day 5: Blessing Comes from Serving the God of the Bible
Nations and individuals are not blessed because of their power, wealth, or culture, but because they serve the Lord. True peace and prosperity are found only in relationship with the God of the Bible, not in any other religion, ideology, or human effort. When we honor God as Lord, He brings blessing, protection, and purpose; when we turn away, we forfeit His favor. The call is to declare and live out that our lives, families, and nation belong to God alone.
Psalm 33:12 (ESV) Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!
Reflection: In what specific way can you publicly or privately declare that your life and household belong to the Lord today?
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