The Moment of Truth

by Steven J. Lawson

“What is truth?” Pilate turned to Jesus and asked a profound question. It is a question that continues to be debated in our day. But it is one that God has definitively answered in His written Word and ultimately revealed in the incarnate Word, Jesus Christ. It has been the duty and privilege of each successive generation of Christians to proclaim the truth of the gospel to a world that desperately needs to hear it. In this collection of sermons, Dr. Steven J. Lawson speaks into our cultural moment, helping Christians and skeptics alike to answer Pilate’s age-old question.

Genres: Christian, Theology

238 pages, Hardcover

Published February 22, 2018

About the author

Dr. Steven J. Lawson is the Senior Pastor of Christ Fellowship Baptist Church in Mobile, Alabama, having served as a pastor in Arkansas and Alabama for the past twenty-nine years. He is a graduate of Texas Tech University (B.B.A.), Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M.), and Reformed Theological Seminary (D. Min.)

Reviews

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

First sentence: “Does absolute truth exist?” The question is often asked by many today. We live in a generation that denies any such notion of truth. The only absolute seems to be there are no absolutes, and the only truth that there is no truth.

Steven Lawson's newest book, The Moment of Truth, is a wonderful read that I highly recommend. The topic is TRUTH and the fundamental importance of it in our lives. He begins by defining what truth is: " Truth is not how things may appear to be. Nor is it how we want things to be. Neither is it what opinion polls say something is. To the contrary, truth is the way things really are."

The book has three parts: "The Reality of Truth," "The Rejection of Truth," and "The Reign of Truth."

Lawson's book is clear, logical, practical, persuasive, compelling, but most of all biblical. Every chapter is packed with Scripture and he seeks to unpack the meaning of the Word of God clearly and carefully for readers.

Each chapter is a gem. For example, in chapter one Lawson shares EIGHT reference points to help believers distinguish "true truth" from "pretenders to the truth." 1) Truth is divine. All truth originates with God. 2) Truth is absolute and reigns as the highest authority. " Truth has the first word and the final say in every matter." 3) Truth is objective. "Truth speaks with specific words that have a definite meaning. It is concrete, black and white, and narrowly defined. It never blurs the lines of distinction." 4) Truth is singular. "Truth is never true for one person, but not true for someone else. Truth is always truth for every individual." 5) Truth is unchanging. "What is truth today never becomes untrue tomorrow. Right is always right, and wrong is always wrong." 6) Truth is authoritative. "Truth has the right to make assertive demands upon our lives. Truth necessitates something from us. When the Bible speaks, God Himself speaks and summons us by His truth." 7) Truth is powerful. "Truth cuts to the bone. When we are pierced by the truth, it opens us up and allows us to see ourselves as God sees us. Truth is so powerful, that it alone can save us from the wrath to come. Truth can sanctify us into the image of Jesus Christ. Truth has the power to strengthen the weak. It encourages the downcast. It guides the lost. It challenges the sluggish. It comforts the discouraged. Truth does what only God can do because it is the truth of God Himself." 8) Truth is determinative. "Your relationship to the truth charts the course of your life in this world. Ultimately, truth will have the say on whether you spend eternity in heaven or in hell."

In Chapter five, Lawson examines Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and the fall of mankind. He argues, "The war on the truth that began thousands of years ago in the garden of Eden continues to be carried out today against God Himself. First, the devil began this combat by casting doubt upon the Word of God. A careful study of Genesis 3 reveals a clear progression in Satan’s strategic attack against the truth in which the first attack was meant to create doubt in the mind of Eve."

Not only is every chapter a gem, the chapters just seem to get better and better. There isn't a weak link in the book. From cover to cover, this one is worth your time and effort. It should be read and reread.

[Brenton · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is the truth? Is there such a thing as absolute truth? Find out by diving into this book!
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Tom Parks.

[Coalición por el Evangelio]

«El momento de la verdad» te enciende e incentiva a profundizar en las Escrituras. Es un libro confrontador y retador que conduce a los predicadores a reconsiderar la gran responsabilidad que se nos ha encomendado. Es un libro atrapante, pero al mismo tiempo te impele a dejarlo y correr a tu Biblia. Este libro será una bendición para todo cristiano que necesite recordar el valor y poder de las Escrituras.

Lee la reseña completa en Coalición por el Evangelio.

[Dr. David Steele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing is more important than contemplating the truth. Each person has a specific way of approaching the truth. For example, the Sophists did not believe in absolute truth - they were relativists. Protagoras said, “Man is the measure of all things.” Socrates believed that everyone could find the truth by looking within. “Know thyself,” was his mantra. Plato struggled in his quest for the truth is reported to have said, “It may be that someday there will come forth from God a Word (λόγος) who will reveal all mysteries and make everything plain. In our day, many people influenced by postmodern thought reject the very notion of absolute truth: “Nothing is certain, nothing is absolute,” they reason, failing to realize the built-in contradiction they suppose.

Jesus Christ was born to bear witness to the truth. “Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice“ (John 18:37). Even though Pilate stood face-to-face with the Truth, he willingly suppressed the truth (Rom. 1:18). He exchanged the truth of God for a lie (Rom. 1:25). And he refused to listen to the truth (John 8:43, 47).

Steven Lawson unveils the importance of this vital subject in his new book, The Moment of Truth. Lawson invites readers to examine Pilate’s repudiation of the truth and contrasts his hostility with the crisis of truth in our generation. “The downward spiral always begins with the rejection of the truth,” writes Lawson. He continues, “This all-out refusal to recognize truth is hitting our society like a tsunami, and its breakers have submerged the majority of modern minds.” So the stage is set for what will prove to be a very important book.

Part One: The Reality of Truth

The first section contains foundational aspects of truth including eight distinguishing marks of truth:

Truth is divine
Truth is absolute
Truth is objective
Truth is singular
Truth is immutable
Truth is authoritative
Truth is powerful
Truth is determinative

The author underscores the reality of truth in the inerrant Word, which builds the confidence of people and demands total submission to a truth-telling God. Aspects of biblical revelation are explored and readers are drawn into an important discussion to focuses on the reliability and historicity of Scripture and the important dimensions of the cross.

Part Two: The Rejection of the Truth

The second section is a sobering look at the widespread repudiation of the truth, beginning with Adam and Eve. Lawson also reveals how truth is rejected by atheists and compromised by the church.

In what proves to be one of the most helpful chapters is a discussion on how truth is marginalized. Lawson writes, “Any disobedience to the truth of God’s Word must be treated as a serious encroachment against His holy name.” But in a unexpected turn, the author focusses on seemingly unimportant sins that prove to be devastating, in the final analysis. The sin of discontentment, impatience, envy, and the sin of the tongue are presented and readers are urged to mortify these sins by the power of the Spirit.

Part Three: The Reign of Truth

In the final section, Dr. Lawson presents four powerful expressions of truth - preaching the truth, living the truth, truth in worship, and the reign of truth in the final judgment. Each of these chapters are packed with God-centeredness as the truth of God’s Word comes to light. Readers will walk away humbled and encouraged as they are affirmed in the truth.

Summary and Commendation

The Moment of Truth is an explosive book that will encourage Christians from all walks of life and backgrounds. Pastors who have been beaten down and discouraged will walk away from this book with new resolve and energy. Teachers of God’s Word will be motivated to remain faithful. Compromisers will be encouraged to repent. And unbelievers will come face-to-face with the truth of God’s Word. Like Pilate, each reader will be forced to rejoice in the truth or reject Him. My prayer is that every reader will choose the former; that many will be compelled to live the truth, proclaim the truth, and defend the truth.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.

[Dianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Moment of Truth - Steven J Lawson
In this book, author Steven Lawson considers the importance of the concept if truth to our Christian faith.
He begins by seeing how absolute truth is understood in our world today and juxtaposes this with Jesus as truth incarnate. He talks us through Jesus' trial with Pilate, whilst explaining the importance of truth as an aspect of God and our faith.
He looks at the standards of truth claimed by different philosophers, again comparing this to Jesus claims.
Next the author defines absolute truth as divine and originating in God. He then goes slowly through the characteristics of God's truth, explaining each point carefully and clearly. Truth is shown to be absolute, objective, singular, immutable, authoritative, powerful, and determinative.
He then moves to truth as it applies to the Bible. He looks at the reliability of translations, the arguments of Martin Luther and Sola Scriptura. He also discusses the inerrancy of the Bible, its authority and the argument that it was written by divine inspiration.
He looks at what the Bible claims about itself, where the Bible truths stand with reference to modern archaeology and science, and looks at the fulfilment of Old Testament prophesies.
He now moves on to the power of the truth of the cross and walks us through the doctrine of Jesus sacrifice, and considers how we should respond.
This book is broken into 3 parts. The 2nd part being the war on the truth, which involves 'the fall', spiritual warfare and the general war between good and evil.
The final section considers our response to the truth. First he talks of the importance of preaching truth, reminding us of the preacher's accountability. He explains the importance of teaching, instruction and discipline within the church, always used in patience and love.
Next the author talks of hoe the truth applies to believers in their daily walk and how the Bible calls us to sacrifice and discipleship.
Worship is considered, the various forms of church worship and how they relate to the challenge to worship in spirit and truth. He expounds on worship as shown in Revelation, and explains the concept of the fear of the lord, praise and submission in worship. He talks of the aim of recreating heaven upon earth in our worship.
Finally, the author looks at the role of truth in the final judgement. He expounds the biblical references and explains what will happen to both believers and non-believers. Lastly, we are challenged to respond and realise the role truth has in our own life.
I found this book very interesting and challenging. It contains much difficult theology and some philosophy but it is explained clearly and carefully so it is simple to follow and understand. I loved the book and read it quickly, then went back and read it again savouring the detail. I would recommend all readers to do this to gain a greater benefit from the book.
I would recommend this book to any reader, but particularly to those who desire to understand theology, moving beyond a more basic understanding. There is much to glean from the information Mr Lawson provides in this book.

[Rick Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truth and the Cross

This is a great book. Dr. Lawson presents the many facets of Truth as they converge and flow from the Cross.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book on what is Truth.

[Emily K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lawson never disappoints. His high view of God is seen on each page as he discusses truth.

[Wesley Ralph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read, very clear, and I found it at a crucial time of life. I appreciate the brevity and clarity.

[Sarah Carper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own. In a world that seemingly denies "truth," this book is a must read. Steven Lawson does a great job at showing us the real truth as it comes from the cross. Full of self-examination and moments of questioning...this book is just what I needed at the time I read it.

[Greg Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, Dr. Lawson defines truth, discusses the modern breakdown of truth, and encourages believers of the Truth to not only live a truth-led life, and to exhort others to do so as well.

Re-read 5/31/23: It's good to re-read this book every couple of years to be reminded of the tactics of the enemy in his war against Christ.

[Trevor Kane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book to review courtesy of NetGalley.

What a book this is, in an age where truth is relative and to be debated, Steven Lawson reminds us that there is only one standard of truth and that is God's word the bible. When we remember that all of the other truth claims are put into perspective.

This book is split into three equal helpful sections with the first stating the reality of truth, reminding us of the truth of God's word. The second entitled the rejection of truth which helps us understand how we got to where we are today and the final one entitled the reign of truth.

The book is worth reading for the last chapter alone speaking of the final judgement day when others books will be opened, a truly wonderful chapter.

[Kate Ellis]

A thorough indepth book on what constitutes Truth. A very challenging read prompting self examination.

[Evalina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned of this author within the last 18 months when I heard a presentation he delivered at a conference. What I enjoyed most were his clear communication style and excellent development of the topic. This style is also present in his writings. In this book, Mr. Lawson handles the question: What is truth? His answer is clear and well-developed. In our current environment where many will seek to manipulate their version of truth and form a “new truth”.
The author develops the topic of truth so well that the serious reader will be able to dissect what they are being told and discern what is true.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and the thoughts expressed are my own