January 2017 Dinner Topics Newsletter:
Truth Matters
Dear Friends,
Welcome to Epicworld Dinner Topics!
WHAT IS TRUTH?
This question has echoed through the ages, since Pilate asked it of Jesus the Christ. This is a good question today for some who, sadly, are” ever learning, but never coming to a knowledge of the truth.”[1] We can only hope that at some point their prejudices may give way before the truth. Those seeking truth in the spacious, but specious,[2] towers of moral relativism will search in vain, because truth abides forever and ever, not subject to popular opinion, not based on trendy fads. Truth is absolute.
“Why are we here?“ Without truth, many wonder, “What is the purpose of life?” These are the ones who sincerely seek the truth, only to be kept from it, for they do not know where to find it.
So How Do We Find the Truth?
One ancient prophet said of his Creator: “He is a God of truth, and cannot lie.” Therefore, a logical place to start looking for truth is in the word of God. Saint John said “it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit [of Christ] is truth.”[3]
So, if we ask what is true, with a sincere heart, having faith in Christ, He will manifest the truth to us, by the power of the Holy Spirit. And by the power of the Holy Spirit, we may know the truth of all things.
But Why Does It Matter?
Not too long ago, Sean McDowell, Ph.D., a professor of Christian Apologetics, was speaking at a youth event. Afterwards, a student came up to him and said, “You talked about truth a lot. What’s the big deal? Why is truth even important?”
Why does truth matter? I would suggest to this young man: “At some point in time, in some real crisis, not an imagined one, perhaps you will even be faced with death. In that defining moment, real truth will be important.”
Dr. Peter Marshall, a beloved chaplain in the United States Senate in the 1940s, was invited to speak at the Naval Academy. He was prepared to address his concern about the loose morals of the young people at that time. But the Spirit gave him a different message. He felt strongly impressed to speak to them about death.
He told them about a young boy with a fatal illness. The boy 
asked his mother what it was like to die. She reminded him of those days when he had come in from play, so exhausted that he had fallen asleep on his mother’s bed, without even changing his clothes. When he awoke in the morning, he was in his own bed. Daddy had lovingly lifted him up in his strong arms and carried him to the comfort of his own bed, where he belonged.
Sailor w-Jesus by Warner Sallman
That is what death is like, his mother continued. You fall asleep and when you wake up in the morning, you find that Heavenly Father has lifted you up and brought you home to the comfort of His loving arms, where you belong. And the little boy no longer feared death.
So the Spirit prompted Dr. Marshall to tell the truth about death to those hundreds of bright young sailors at the Naval Academy. Shortly thereafter, Pearl Harbor was bombed, and many of those sailors faced death in the devastating war that followed.
Yes, truth matters. We need it to give meaning to our lives.
Saint John reminds us that the Spirit “will guide you into all truth.”[4] And Jesus Christ is that way, that truth, and life eternal. At the end of the day, through Him we can return home, where we belong.
Read this Excerpt from new novel by C.A. Davidson, Birthright:
Why the Bible Matters
Highlights
- Critical Thinking: Do we live in a “post-truth” world?
- Faith: Repentance, a Joyful Choice
- Character Education: A Constitutional School System
- History: the Story of Progressivism
Start your free Constitution 101 course today.
The U.S. Constitution is the key to securing liberty for all Americans — yet very few know exactly what it says, and what freedoms it protects. Hillsdale College is dedicating its work to educating millions of Americans about this critical document. That’s why the College is offering its most popular course, “Constitution 101” for free, when you sign up now, and receive first lesson by email. Actually, all their online courses are free. There is no better place to get an education about our heritage than at Hillsdale.edu
NEW PAGE! If you miss the newsletter, or just want an inspirational message on cultural topics, you can visit our new Inspiration Page. Topics include Moral Compass, Armor of God, History Heroes, Eternal Perspective, and more.
Stress Relief Tip: Look in the Mirror
This month is a traditional time to do this, but for best results, it is done frequently throughout the year. This is not for reasons of vanity, of course. This is a metaphor for introspection. Sometimes it is wise to simply face the truth about ourselves. Not to go around beating ourselves up, but, let’s face it. We have all done things we wish we hadn’t, and it’s always a good idea to take stock of the direction we’re headed. One time one of my sons (I am blessed that all my children live the principles of the gospel) corrected me. It opened my eyes that I needed to make an attitude adjustment. I’m so glad I did. One Christian leader calls it “Making course corrections.” The Lord’s name for it is repentance. That is His gift to us—a wonderful gift that so often goes unappreciated.
Truth Matters Theme Quotes
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. ~3 John 1:4
Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. ~John 8:32
It is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. ~1 John 5:6
Remember—it is error only, and not truth, that shrinks from inquiry. ~Thomas Paine
Freedom had been hunted round the globe; reason was considered as rebellion; and the slavery of fear had made men afraid to think. But such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks, and all it wants, is the liberty of appearing. ~Thomas Paine
“Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts.” ~Daniel Patrick Moynihan
During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act. ~George Orwell
Woe unto them that call aevil bgood, and good evil; that put cdarkness for dlight, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! ~Isaiah 5:20
¶Beware of afalse prophets, which come to you in bsheep’s clothing, but cinwardly they are ravening dwolves. Ye shall aknow them by their bfruits. ~Matthew 7:15-16
You don’t have to believe in God for him to exist. ~Rush Limbaugh
“You must have eyes that know what to look for.” Gandalf, Lord of the Rings
Those who don’t know history are destined to repeat it. ~Edmund Burke
Therefore my people are gone into captivity because they have no knowledge.~Isaiah 5:13
Take heed that no man deceive you. And many false prophets shall arise, and shall deceive many; And whoso treasureth up my word, shall not be deceived. ~Matthew 1:5,9,37 JST
Featured articles
The Parenting Value for this month: Loyalty
Famous Birthdays: Cicero, de Medici, Tolkien, Edmund Burke, Alexander Hamilton, Benjamin Franklin, Schubert
Culture: 11 Great Quotes by Thomas Sowell
Defining Moment: Are we living in a “post-truth” world?
Faith: Repentance, a Joyful Choice
- The Case for Intelligent Design
History: Series on history of progressive movement
- Socialism Fail: 3 Lessons on the 25th anniversary of Soviet Union fall
- Disinformation: the massive Soviet spy network
- The history of Israel and Palestine
Moral Support: finding hope for the new year
And as always—current events, updates, and analysis
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Ongoing
1. Let Us Educate Ourselves
Start your free Constitution 101 course today.
The U.S. Constitution is the key to securing liberty for all Americans — yet very few know exactly what it says, and what freedoms it protects. Hillsdale College is dedicating this year to educating millions of Americans about this critical document. That’s why the College is offering its most popular course, “Constitution 101” for free, when you sign up now, and receive first lesson by email.
2. Home Education—Let’s Teach our Children!
NEW PAGE! If you miss the newsletter, or just want an inspirational message on cultural topics, you can visit our new Inspiration Page. Topics include Moral Compass, Armor of God, History Heroes, Eternal Perspective, and more.
“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.”–Ronald Reagan
Seeing the widespread injury done in any given week, (many incidents go unreported), stay aware of important news and insights at Epicworld Dinner Topics.
Traditional Bible-believing parents may have to consider withdrawing their children from public schools to protect your family spiritually and financially from the rising tide of persecution and ruinous lawsuits by anti-Christian fascists.
If it is not possible for you to home school, try to teach your children Judeo-Christian values at home. The easiest way to do this is to tell stories and discuss principles at the family dinner table. I hope these dinner topics help you with this vital effort. Just don’t give up! Our precious children are worth fighting for!
3. Study the U.S. Constitution!
It is the last remaining safeguard of our precious freedoms! A good way to do this is to study the monthly Constitution series from The 5,000 Year Leap. To access this series of posts, type US Constitution Series in this site’s search bar. Also, look for posts that refer to the Constitution in current events.
Thanks for all you do,
C.A. Davidson
Parents’ Resources
New! A novel by C.A. Davidson—Christian fiction on Cultural Heritage. A historical novel so relevant it pops like today’s news! Available on Amazon January 18.
New Categories! National Security, Patriotism, Moral Solutions. It is hoped that with these more specific categories, it will be easier for you to access our vast and growing archives of valuable information.
Our Mission to Rescue the Birthright: Support Character Education for Young Adults
Now you can support the Culture of Liberty and help us reach and train more of the rising generation in our cherished Judeo-Christian values. Be a Patron; Please See our Donate Page
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Do you enjoy this web site? If you do, please click here or vote at the link in the right-hand sidebar beneath the Follow button. If we can be listed in the Top Sites at “Christians Unite!”—we can reach more people who think like you do. Thank you for your support.
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Critical Thinking: Defining Moments updated
Updated: The most powerful weapon in the world—work for victory for American liberty: how to fight evil effectively
Bringing History Lessons to Life
Unleash a love of learning in your child with hands-on history materials!
Featuring timelines, maps, Lap Books™, and history studies designed for your child to live the lessons!
http://homeschoolinthewoods.com/
Epic Heroes Quest
Plus—Empowering keys found in each dinner topic; Preparing for the Epic Journey of Life;
Epic Heroes in Training
Parent Resources
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[1] 2 Timothy 3:7
[2] specious—false, erroneous, unsound, wrong, deceptive, delusory, misleading
[3] 1 John 5:6
[4] St. John 16:13
Thank you!
Christine, this is beautifully BRILLIANT! Thanks for all you do for all of us