The Truth Will Set You Free
 
Dear Calvary Chapel Flower Mound family,

I want to share with you my heart regarding the terrible murder many of us witnessed and most have heard about. It hit me really hard, and I know it did you too. It’s good to know that we are in this together—and even better to know where to find comfort. I didn’t want to make a snap statement because I’m  still processing everything, so after some time of prayer and meditation, here’s what’s on my heart.

 

The most powerful force in the world is truth. Charlie Kirk was set free in his heart by the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He lived on this earth as a free man the moment he was born again. His citizenship was in heaven. He wasn’t tied to opinions, and his worth wasn’t attached to worldly success. He was free to do what God called and gifted him to do.

 

He became fully free as he shared the truth at a gathering of young people at Utah Valley College, when a murderer’s bullet struck him. As the Bible says, “Absent from the body, present with the Lord,” and as the apostle Paul said in 2 Timothy 4:6–8:

 

“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.”

 

As we mourn, may we also reflect on the power of truth.

 

Truth is what sets us free—and that is why the devil hates it. Beginning in the garden of Eden, temptation came through a lie. Jesus was killed because they hated the truth of who He was—the Messiah. The disciples were killed because of the truth they preached. In the medieval days, many were killed simply for wanting God’s Word translated into languages people could read. Today, believers around the world are still being killed for truth. Yesterday, we saw it before our eyes with Charlie Kirk.

 
This is Satan’s mode of operation. He is a liar who deceives with lies—especially those that appeal to what people want to hear. As Jack Nicholson once said, “You can’t handle the truth.” The truth often hurts because it exposes who we really are. It puts up a mirror and says: “You are a sinner in need of salvation.”
 

It’s a lie to say we are good people who can earn God’s acceptance by our works. That lie has spread from the beginning and is protected as sacred by our sinful hearts. Lies keep people in bondage, in evil and darkness. But Jesus came to set us free.

 

Our culture thrives on lies. They are shoved down our throats through every possible means like education, media, social media, entertainment, news outlets—and even, tragically, within many churches. We must be clear;

  • It’s a lie that mankind evolved.
 
  • It’s a lie that a baby in the womb is not human.
 
  • It’s a lie that a man can be a woman or a woman can be a man.
 
  • It’s a lie that a man can get pregnant.
 
  • It’s a lie that there are many ways to heaven.
 
  • It’s a lie that a country shouldn’t have borders to protect its people, constitution, and way of life.
 
  • It’s a lie that homosexuality is not a sin.
 
  • It’s a lie that the Bible is full of errors or contradictions.
 
  • It’s a lie that the Bible is not the very Word of God.
 
  • It’s a lie that all religions are equal.
 
  • It’s a lie that truth is relative, based on feeling or that there is no absolute truth
 
  • It’s a lie that Islam is a religion of peace.
 
  • It’s a lie that Mormons or Jehovah’s Witnesses are Christians.
 
  • It’s a lie that Jesus is not eternal God who came in the flesh, died for our sins, and rose  again—the only way to heaven.
 
  • It’s a lie that love without truth is truly love.
 

These lies as well as many others have become the foundation of our nation—a foundation that cannot stand.

 

One day, Jesus will set everything back in order. In the meantime, we must walk in truth. We are free because we are no longer bound to lies. We are free to enjoy the truth that our sins are forgiven, heaven is our home, and Jesus waits to meet us face to face. Charlie Kirk is now experiencing the fullness of that truth—having paid the greatest price for proclaiming it.

 

The truth is hated by darkness. Walking in it will cause division with friends and family. But we must never compromise truth, no matter the cost, because doing so harms not only us but also those trapped in lies. They need to see the truth working in our lives.

 

When you’re tempted to take the easy path, remember: the greatest form of love is truth.

 

Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father but by Me.”

 

It is a terrible time in our country—but the darker it gets, the brighter the truth shines.

 

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

In truth,

Pastor Jon