Lifestyle Evangelism is . . . Truthful (Part 3).

When Jesus was on trial before Pilate, He said, “Everyone on the side of truth listens to me” (John 19:37b). Pilate asked, “What is truth?” (John 19:38). As we discuss truth in our society today, it is important to go back to the Truth. Earlier, during His earthly walk, Jesus, speaking to Thomas and His disciples said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6a) (emphasis added). If we ever wonder what happened to truth, the fact of the matter is that, apart from Jesus, there is and can be no truth.

Truth, Jesus Himself, was standing before Pilate, and Pilate did not recognize Him. Jesus is Truth (the Truth). Apart from Jesus, we cannot recognize truth. Truth has become relative (for some) in our society; yet, if you see who it is who is having trouble with truth, you may recognize that those who are having trouble with truth are those who have set themselves apart from the truth. Thus, if one does not know or believe in Jesus, then s/he will not know nor believe in truth; thus, truth, for that person, will be relative. Truth will be what they “feel” it to be.

Even earlier in the Gospel of John, when speaking to the Jews, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31b-32) (emphasis added). Here again we see the importance of faith in Jesus, especially when it comes to knowing, understanding and believing the truth. Apart from Jesus, there is no truth, only relativity. But, if we hold to His teachings, we are His disciples, and we do know the truth, and that truth frees us from uncertainty.

The freedom of the truth is freedom from sin and its eternal judgement. The freedom of the truth is freedom to trust and believe. The freedom of the truth is a peace which passes all understanding. Yes, we know the truth because we know Jesus. What a joy and privilege to be able to give an answer of that truth to others who do not know Jesus, the Truth.

11 of 52 © Rev. Ronald A. Bogs