Seeking Truth in a World of Competing Voices
A Pastoral Message on Proverbs 18:17, Charlie Kirk, and Christian Discernment
Dear Franklin Hill Presbyterian Family,
We live in a time when voices compete for our attention, especially on matters of faith, culture, and truth. It appears that there is increasing public awareness of how truth is challenged by widespread deception at the national level. Recently, Charlie Kirk—a public Christian leader—was in the spotlight for his outspoken commitment to biblical truth, even when facing strong opposition. His willingness to engage differing viewpoints offered us a timely example as we consider how we, too, can navigate truth in our own lives.
Scripture Focus
Let’s consider Proverbs 18:17 (ESV): “The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.”
Point 1: The Importance of Hearing Both Sides
The proverb reminds us that the first story we hear might sound convincing—until it’s held up to honest scrutiny. Charlie Kirk’s ministry often involved engaging with people who saw the world very differently than he did. He listened, responded, and encouraged open conversation, modeling what it meant to be “quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger” (James 1:19). This is a biblical approach: before forming opinions, Christians are called to thoughtfully consider different sides, seeking understanding rather than rushing to judgment.
Point 2: The Role of Questioning and Discernment
We are living in the age of social media, where everyone has a platform and the loudest voices often get the most attention. It’s easy to be swayed by the first thing we read, like a jury hearing only the prosecution before the defense has spoken. Think of our daily news feeds as a kind of courtroom: the prosecuting attorney presents one side, the defense attorney presents another, and the jury (that’s us—and sometimes the whole online world!) must discern the truth. As it says in (2Timothy 4:3-4); “For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.”
Modern Christians are called to a higher standard of discernment. We are not to believe everything we hear, nor to dismiss every claim that challenges us. Instead, we are to “test everything; hold fast what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Just as in a courtroom, truth becomes clearer when all perspectives are thoughtfully considered in the light of Scripture.
Point 3: God as the Final Judge
Ultimately, God is the judge who sees every heart and knows every motive. In the “courtroom” of life, social media may act as the jury, and the world may present arguments for and against us, but only God’s verdict matters. He alone holds the standard of absolute truth. When we feel misunderstood or unfairly judged—like Charlie Kirk sometimes was—it is comforting to remember that our lives are lived before an audience of One. God’s justice is perfect, and His wisdom is trustworthy.
Practical Application
Listen carefully: Before forming an opinion, seek out more information. Ask questions and listen to others’ perspectives, even when it’s uncomfortable. “All a man’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord.” (Proverbs 16: 2)
Discern wisely: Don’t be swayed by the loudest voices or the most persuasive arguments alone. Compare what you hear to God’s Word. “The naive believes everything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.” (Proverbs 14:15)
Speak truth graciously: When you do share your convictions, do so with humility and love, remembering that everyone is on a journey toward understanding. “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:6)
Trust God’s judgment: When you face criticism or misunderstanding, rest in the assurance that God sees and knows the truth. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Conclusion
In a world overflowing with opinions and heated debates, let’s be people of the Word—committed to seeking truth, listening well, and reflecting the grace and discernment of Christ. Pray for leaders who boldly share truth in challenging times, and pray that we, too, will have courage and wisdom to do the same. May our hearts be open to God’s examination, (Psalm 139:23-24) and may His truth be our final authority and guide.
In Christ’s love,
Pastor John
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October is Pastor Appreciation Month—a time to recognize and encourage those who faithfully shepherd our churches. But if you’ve ever asked a pastor how to show your gratitude, the answer probably isn’t a plaque or applause. More often than not, it’s simple: “Pray for me.”
Even the Apostle Paul didn’t ask for much personally, except for the prayers of fellow believers. In his letter to the Romans, he wrote: “Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me, that I may be rescued from those who are disobedient in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may prove acceptable to the saints; so that I may come to you in joy by the will of God and relax in your company” (Romans 15:30–32, NASB).
This October—and every month—encourage your pastor by offering your prayers, support, and kind words. Ministry can be demanding, but knowing the church is lifting them up makes all the difference.
Thank you Pastor John Inglin for your dedication and faithfulness in sharing the word of God with us. You are in our prayers!
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Bible Memory Verse
Week 37 – Matthew 5:14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” – Matthew 5:14, ESV
Week 38 – Matthew 5:16 “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”- Matthew 5:16, NIV
Week 39 – Matthew 6:33 “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” – Matthew 6:33, KJV
Week 40 – Colossians 3:16 “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom…” – Colossians 3:16, KJV
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“My God, how wonderful thou art, thou everlasting friend!” (hymn writer Frederick Faber, 1849). Thank you, Lord, for always being there for me. Amen.
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From Knowing to Becoming
Get to know Jesus well because the more you know him, the more you’ll love him. And the more you love him, the more you’ll want to follow him. And the more you follow him, the more you’ll become like him. And the more you become like him, the more you become yourself.
—Ned Erickson
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
Bible Study Wednesday Evenings – 6pm in the Community Building
Choir Practice – Thursday’s at 1pm
You may reach Pastor John at #607-651-4760 or at his.ship@gmail.com
E-Mail Carolyn White with any praises, joys, or prayer requests (whisperpines@frontiernet.net) throughout the week.
Saturday, October 4 & Sunday, October 5 – Cumberland Presbyterian Church members will be joining us for a picnic get- together and worship service
Sunday, October 5th– World Communion Sunday
Wednesday, October 8th – Mid-Week Bible study at 6pm in the church hall
Thursday, October 9th – Presbyterian Women meeting – 11am
Thursday, October 9th – Choir Practice – 1pm
Sunday, October 12th– Barnes Kasson Service – 3pm
Tuesday, October 14th – Session Meeting – 6pm
Wednesday, October 15th – Men’s Breakfast, 8am
The Montrose Bible Conference is having a Ladies Retreat (October 17-19, 2025)Speaker: Amy Fata, Musicians: Patrick & Amy Fata For more information: http://www.montrosebible.org
Friday, October 24th – 6pm – Halloween Party for all children. See Vickie Franchak for further info.
Tuesday, October 28th – Newsletter Deadline
Saturday, November 1st – Presbyterian Women will be having their annual Soup and Bake Sale from 9am to 3pm. If anyone from the congregation would like to make soup or baked goods, please let Cindy, Bonne or Carolyn know. Thank you!!!
Our church is currently seeking a new treasurer, as Julie has expressed her desire to step away, when a replacement is available. Any interested persons should inform Pastor John or a Session member.
Sunday, November 2nd – Daylight Savings Time Ends
Our church is currently seeking a new treasurer, as Julie has expressed her desire to step away, when a replacement is available. Any interested persons should inform Pastor John or a Session member.
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Pumpkin Pancakes
2 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups milk
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 egg
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons vinegar
In a separate bowl, mix together the milk, pumpkin, egg, oil and vinegar. Combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, allspice, cinnamon, ginger and salt, stir into the pumpkin mixture just enough to combine.
Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Brown on both sides and serve hot.
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If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.
—Mother Teresa
No peace, No God, Know peace, Know God. –Unknown