Tired of the Lies

No More Fake News – Predetermine to Seek Truth at All Costs

Scripture References

Primary text

• John 3:1
• John 3:16
• John 7:50
• John 19:39

Other references

• John 8:32
• 1 Corinthians 13:12

Overview

Pastor Sam continued the “Think Ahead” series by challenging the church to pre-decide, “I will seek truth no matter the cost.” Using Nicodemus’s three appearances in John’s Gospel, he showed that real truth may confuse us, confront us and cost us—but it always brings freedom. The message exposed the “fake news” we often believe about ourselves, our relationships and our eternity, then pointed us to the person of Jesus as the only trustworthy source of truth.

Main Points

1. Identity — Who are you becoming?

• What you believe today determines who you become tomorrow.
• Nicodemus, though trained as a Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin, had to face Jesus’s statement: “You must be born again.”
• Pastor Sam’s mirror moment: years of secret sin and self-hatred (“I hate you…you’re a hypocrite”) showed how lies can forge a false identity.

• Key line: “If you want to change what you see, you have to change what you say.”

• Declarations only transform when they are based on God’s Word, not on self-made mantras.
• Common lies (“I’m a loser,” “I’m unlovable,” “God can’t use me”) are “fake news”; Scripture calls believers forgiven, loved and more than conquerors.

• Resource mention: The church QR code pointing to “Words to Live By” biblical declarations.

2. Community — Where are you belonging?

• Second appearance: Nicodemus risks reputation by questioning the plan to arrest Jesus (John 7:50).
• His simple question exposed his peers’ unwillingness to pursue truth.
• “Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future.” The wrong crowd—negative, toxic, complacent or secretive—pulls us from truth.
• Proverbs (chapter not cited) warns that walking with the wise brings wisdom; hanging with fools brings ruin.
• Application checks:
  • Dead life group that hasn’t met in months?
  • Online communities filled with hate?
  • Dating relationship you already know you should end?
  • Marriage that needs honest conversation?

3. Eternity — Which master are you serving?

• Final appearance: after Jesus’s death, Nicodemus brings about 75 lbs. of myrrh and aloes (a burial fit for royalty) and publicly allies with Joseph of Arimathea (John 19:39).
• This costly act signaled, “Jesus is my King,” even when it looked like Jesus had lost.
• Chasing money, fame or popularity defines the wrong master; surrender to Jesus secures eternal life.

“Truth was never a place to arrive, nor a thing to possess, but a person to believe in—and His name is Jesus.”

Key Truths

• Truth doesn’t always make sense or feel good, but it always sets people free.
• Knowing facts about God differs from believing in the Son of God; the latter changes eternity.
• Any declaration not grounded in Scripture will eventually leave you empty.
• The people closest to you either clarify or cloud your pursuit of truth.
• Seeking truth may cost you status, comfort or resources, but never costs more than believing a lie.

Response

• Examine the self-talk you repeat and replace every lie with a Scripture-based declaration.
• Audit your circles; step out of harmful groups and step into life-giving community.
• Identify the “master” you currently serve and deliberately place Jesus first in every priority.
• Predetermine a daily rhythm—Bible reading, prayer, accountable relationships—that keeps you seeking truth.
• When culture, media or inner doubts shout a lie, answer immediately: “Fake news—God’s Word says…”

Closing

Pastor Sam invited the church to raise hands in commitment: “I will seek truth at all costs.” He then led those far from God to surrender to Jesus, emphasizing that anyone who calls on His name is born again—free from guilt, shame and fake news forever. Celebration followed as many entered God’s family.

Prayer

The congregation prayed corporately, thanking God for truth, asking for new eyes to see identity, community and eternity His way, and welcoming new believers into the kingdom.