What is Truth?

Changing Churches: News & Views       

A Newsletter for Christians Concerned About Changing Churches  

- On this rock I will build my church. Matt. 16:18

What is Truth?

Church Awakening: An Urgent Call for Renewal, by Chuck Swindoll, is one of the most passionate and hopeful books on the church I have read. His thoughts and beliefs on the Truth of God's Word resonate with mine. Dr. Swindoll, a well known pastor, theologian and author, is also known for his Insight for Living radio broadcast. 

Swindoll addresses this book to serious churchgoers and church leaders, urging that the Word of God be central in church worship. He describes erosion that has taken place in the church over the years, a gradual slide from its past historical foundations. We live in a postmodern world in which many no longer believe in absolute truth. Quoting from Isaiah 12:32, "Men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do," Swindoll says the church needs discernment and clear heads in turning the tide of postmodernism that has caused the church to slide "into the murky waters of a post-Christian swamp."

"Men who understood the times..."

A sermon series on this very subject, and citing this same scripture, alerted me to the inroads of postmodernism into the church. We are in an age of skepticism which says you cannot know truth; it's not universal, not absolute. According to post moderns, truth is not discovered; it is created by the prevailing community. There are no timeless truths. There are no absolutes. This thinking is prevalent in the church as well as outside it. Rob Bell, pastor of Mars Hill Church, says you really can't interpret the Bible accurately and correctly because you and I were not there at the time. "We are making it true as we live it out today." 

No absolute truth? No absolute right and wrong? Lord, help us! I believe all Scripture is inspired. The Bible says so. "All Scripture is God breathed..." (2 Tim. 3:16) We try to understand the words in historical context. But we know there is something unique that sets Scripture apart from other literature. The truth of the Word is timeless and universal because it is from God. It is God's Word.

Church: We must guard the truth of the Word in order to know Him and be true to Him. No truth? Know Truth: He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Guard the Word that was entrusted to you.

Blessings, Dottie

  

Dottie Parish