Episode 244: Are You Walking in Truth?: Jonathan Youssef

Join Jonathan Youssef to navigate the complexities of truth and love. In this episode of Candid, Jonathan will examine the challenges of understanding these concepts, including whether absolute truth exists and the multifaceted nature of love.

The conversation touches on the Christian perspective of being salt and light to a dying world that lacks an understanding of truth and love. It highlights the importance of living out the truth of our faith with love and patience in the community.

Further, we explore the apostle John's transformation from a zealous youth to a wise elder who embodies truth and love. Through his letter to Gaius, we uncover the joys of faithfulness to the Gospel, the significance of hospitality, and how to discern true from false teachings. 

This episode aims to inspire a deeper understanding and practice of truth and love in listeners' lives. It encourages reflection on personal beliefs and actions in light of these foundational principles. Join us to explore how these ancient virtues remain relevant and transformative today.

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This transcript recounts Candid Conversations with Jonathan Youssef Episode 244, Are You Walking in Truth?:

Today I want to talk to you about Truth and love. These are two words with many different definitions. When I say truth and love, you don’t even know what I could say next. I could say anything. Is it my truth? Is it your truth? Is it his truth, her truth, their truth? It’s almost as if it’s just a subjective topic, a subjective term. Is there anything like absolute truth?

And love, my goodness, are we talking about romantic love, brotherly love, or agape love? Are we talking about love that is just tolerance and acceptance? Do we love each other only as long as we agree with each other? Or is it just a feeling or an emotion? Is love self-defined? Love is love.

The world today is tied up into knots over these two terms. Can a person have truth and not love? Can a person have love but not truth? Here’s the reality: I don’t expect the world to get this right. I don’t have a great hope that things will get a lot better at any point in time because this is not our home. But at the same time, I have not been called to run out into the hills and build a bunker and stock up on ammunition. We have been called to look at a dying world that does not know the truth and does not understand love, and we are called to be salt, and we are called to be light to them. 

We are called to encourage one another, to gather and praise God's name together, and to go out and witness to the world together because our message is far greater than any message they will ever hear. No matter your age or stage of life, if you put your saving trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, then your calling is to be obedient to the truth and to walk the truth out in love. 

A. W. Pink was a reformed theologian who wrote several great books and many fantastic sermons. His writing is so helpful; I’ve used several of his writings in research that I’ve done for other sermons. Martin Lloyd-Jones, who was succeeded by our dear friend R. T. Kendall at Westminster Chapel said, “Don’t waste your time reading these other theologians,” like Karl Barth and Bruner. He said, “Go and read Arthur Pink. Read Pink.” 

Pink would tour around America