Truth – Three Minute Bible

February 17, 2025February 17, 2025

Colossians 3:9b – White Lies

Do not lie to each other …

Summary: Wondering about white lies leads us to wonder about the nature of truth as well.

The “Food for Thought” question at the end of the last meditation was, “Are ‘white lies’ okay in church?” This sparked comments that raised more questions.

The consensus in the comments was that we shouldn’t tell “white lies.” Lies are the province of the devil, the “father of lies” (John 8:44). Ergo, Christians should avoid lies of any kind. I agree, but what does that mean?

January 7, 2025January 7, 2025

Colossians 2:18a – True or False?

Do not let anyone who delights in false humility …

the arrogant pharisee and the humble tax collector in Luke 18:9-14

Summary: Paul’s warning about people who “delight” in “false humility” sounds rather general but is actually quite specific.

It is nice of Paul to warn us against people who “delight” in “false humility,” but how do we know who that is? In short, who is Paul talking about?

In Paul’s day, the church was a new thing. People had the Old Testament writings for reference, but the New Testament was still being written. The Gospel message about believing in Jesus was spreading fast. Unfortunately, there were a lot of people who tried to add their own rules to the Gospel.

The problem facing the Colossians in Paul’s day still faces us today: How do we tell who is speaking the truth?

July 4, 2024July 4, 2024

Happy 4th of July!

We hold these truths to be self-evident …

Summary: The history of the United States is both fascinating and instructive.

January 11, 2024January 11, 2024

Galatians 1:20 – The Line (Part II)

I assure you before God that what I am writing you is no lie.

Summary: We take a second look at truth-telling and telling lies.

January 10, 2024January 12, 2024

Galatians 1:20 – The Line

I assure you before God that what I am writing you is no lie.

Summary: Paul’s affirmation of truth is a statement that triggers a lot of questions. How do we know Paul is telling the truth?

December 23, 2023December 23, 2023

Galatians 1:11a – The Real Deal

I want you to know, brothers and sisters …

Summary: How we acquire knowledge is an involved process. Paul is expressing his desire that we share in knowledge that the Lord has given him.

December 13, 2023December 13, 2023

Galatians 1:6b-7a – In Search of Truth

… and are turning to a different gospel— which is really no gospel at all.

Summary: Searching for truth doesn’t have to be a long journey. In fact, the destination is probably close at hand. At worst, it is as far as the nearest bookstore or computer. Simply open the Bible and begin to read.

August 23, 2023August 24, 2023

Ephesians 5:14 – Waking Bacchus

This is why it is said:

“Wake up, sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”

Summary: Paul shares a touching little saying with us today the opens a door through time to give us a glimpse of the people in his world.

August 16, 2023August 16, 2023

Ephesians 5:9 – The Ship of State

(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)

Summary: Paul mixes metaphors and combines fruit with light. It works because the food value of this fruit is spiritual.

July 16, 2023July 17, 2023

Ephesians 4:25b – Truth Teller

… and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.

Summary: Speaking truth in love is not as easy as it sounds. Before we can speak truth, we have to know what truth is.