Main | Is it right to evangelize with Tsunami relief? »
January 13, 2005
What is truth?
There are a lot of sources for information in the world today. Generations ago, not long after presses would roll out the hotest news stories, news boys would stand on the street corners peddling the latest edition. Then came the radio, and FDR used it well with his famous fireside chats. In the 50s TV began to capture our attention. Today, while TV cameras transport us to scenes of disaster within hours of when calamity strikes, and we hear reports on the radio within the hour, we can still read a full report in the newspapers. But Dan Rather has reminded us that everything we see, hear, and read is filtered through a bias. Someone decides what is worth reporting, and what slant should be given to the story. Too often, good news is left out, because it does not sell, or someone feels it is not news worthy. Too often, the facts are twisted to make a point, and a skeptical audience is left wondering what, really, is the truth.
Today the internet provides many more sources for stories, as well as an opportunity to dig out the facts. But with so many sources coming from the left and the right and everywhere inbetween, we are still left wondering where to search for something black and white, something that will not change from generation to generation. Jesus said that is why He came. Standing before Pilate, Jesus testified, "In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me." Pilate, evidently, was not convinced. It was at this time that he asked his familiar question, "What is truth?" (John 18:37-38).
The Pilates of our day will argue that there is no abolute truth, and cannot be, for each of us must determine for himself what is truth. But after exploring the claims of Christ, I became convinced that He is who He claims to be, the Creator of all, who came to deliver us from darkness, and bring us into His light. If it is true that He formed our universe and established the laws of nature, and created each one of us for a purpose, He alone can reveal to us the absolutes because He established them. I believe they have been revealed to us in Scripture.
A careful study of the gospels demonstrates that Jesus clearly believed the Scriptures were without error, and that what the Scriptures said, God said. Whenever Jesus was questioned about what he was doing, He appealed to the Scriptures: "Have you not read?" For Jesus, the Scriptures provided the foundation of truth upon which we must base our lives. Having accepted Christ as my Savior and Lord, I want to look at our world through Christ's eyes, and live consistently with His ways. But how can we do this?
Our responsibility is to keep in touch with what is happening in our world, by watching TV, listening to the radio, reading the papers and checking the internet, gathering the opinions of the day. But then we must open the Scriptures, and determine what God's Word has to say about what we see and hear, and then apply the principles of Scripture to life in the world today. This will be my challenge.
Posted by Pastorkeith at January 13, 2005 11:54 AM
Comments
I'm glad to see you're using technology, Pop. I just thought I should leave you the first comment.
Posted by: Josh at January 13, 2005 12:44 PM
You became what I told Grandma Schnell I wanted to be. A Minister of the Word. Congratulations on your site. I pray that it reaches the hearts of many and is productive in worthwhile converation. God's blessing to you and your family.
Posted by: Mark at January 14, 2005 06:50 PM
Go to the Jan. 14th letter !!===Fred===
Posted by: Fred Hunholz at January 18, 2005 11:50 AM
Go to the Jan. 14th letter !!===Fred===
Posted by: Fred Hunholz at January 18, 2005 11:51 AM
Your last paragraph addresses the key point of "worldview." It's critical to have a biblically-based worldview as the lens through which we see and interpret contemporary events, culture, etc. I like the stuff Colson et al are doing in this regard on Breakpoint. Also the folks at Boundless. And the Christian Counterculture. Check 'em out.
Nice to see you blogging, Keith. (good job, Josh!)
Posted by: Fred Schott at March 3, 2005 12:50 AM