1 RICH REVERBERATING NOW QUESTION – KNOW HOW TO?

1 Rich Reverberating Now Question ascertains that from time immemorial people have been grappling with the elusive concept of truth. In the not-so-distant past, truth was taken to be objective by many. It was sought after and valued.

But not so in today’s society. In this post-modern era there are many questions and controversies. These are some of the questions posed, What is truth? Is truth subjective? Are there any objective criteria to determine truth?

The answers go something like this, “that is your truth” and “everyone has their own truth.” Also, “truth is out there somewhere.” These answers indicate that truth is indeed subjective and relative. What this is saying is that we can all live our lives based on our own opinion about truth.

And of course, truth is different from facts. Facts are easily verifiable. For example scientific facts are lauded in the learning institutions and in the society at large. We feel that we will have confidence if we can have empirical evidence to confirm truth.

Yet even though we have many questions concerning truth. We all want our significant others and friends to be credible. We want to be able to trust their words and promises. As a matter of fact, it is upon the fundamental values of credibility and trustworthiness that we build lasting relationships.

But the question now remains, Is there an objective criteria to determine truth?

1 Rich Reverberating Now Question will explore this fascinating question with the main focus on the biblical definition of truth. And it will provide the answer to the question of truth. You will understand that success and blessings are yours when you know the truth. “For you shall know the truth and the truth will set you free.” http://kenyons.org

1 Rich Reverberating Now Question: What is the Now Question?

It’s very interesting, the last conversation between Jesus and Pilate. Jesus was brought to trial before Pilate, the Roman Governor. Pilate found no fault with Jesus. But the religious leaders were pressuring him to declare Jesus guilty of their charges in order to have him crucified (Jn. 12:28). But when they discovered that Pilate was wavering in his decision, they threatened him.

Their threat was to appeal to Caesar, the Roman Emperor. This would happen if Pilate did not satisfy their demands. Pilate enjoyed great benefits and privileges based on his friendship with Caesar. The crowds said, “Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar.” Pilate said to Jesus, “So you are a king” (Jn. 19:12).

Jesus said, “You say that I am a king; I have been born for this, and I have come into the world for this, that I may testify to the truth; everyone who is of the truth, hears my voice.” Then Pilate asked this reverberating question, “What is truth?” (Jn. 18:37-38). It has echoed down through the centuries.

Curiously he did not wait for an answer.

It is uncertain whether or not Pilate asked the question in sincerity or if he was being sarcastic; or maybe to justify himself based on the actions he was about to take. What is certain is that he did not wait for an answer. But went to the religious leaders and the crowds calling for Jesus’ death and handed him over to them (Jn. 18:38-19:16).

So even though Pilate had his own self interest, commitments and concerns that kept him distracted from learning the truth, we have the truth. Jesus has spoken to us on many occasions concerning the truth.

Remember he came into the world to bear witness to the truth!

Jesus is the epitome of truth. Listen to all that he says. It is all recorded in the Bible. Then believe it and live.

But like Pilate we could allow the cares of the world to prevent us from embracing the truth. Jesus gave a parable about people’s response when the word, which is truth, is taught to them. Some of the people, will not receive it because they are distracted. Listen, “But all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is produced” from them (Mk. 4:19).

Therefore, we must be careful, so that we receive the engrafted word of truth which is able to save us (Jam. 1:21).

Certainly, the Bible brings to light the realities of life that we cannot see. It often uses contrasts to do so. Truth features strongly because God is truth. Throughout the pages it gives the reality of life. Here are some of the opposites: Truth and lie; life and death; light and darkness, sin and righteousness, Jesus and the enemy; and the visible and invisible realms.

Most assuredly, the invisible realm is just as real as the visible. As a matter of fact, from the invisible came the visible. Therefore, we must not only focus on what we can see in the visible. For then we will be serving the things that are created rather than the creator.

Consider that what is seen is temporal. That means it is subject to change. But what cannot be seen is eternal (2 Cor. 4:18). And “since the creation of the world, God’s invisible qualities, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived being understood from what he has made…” (Rm. 1:20).

So we can see that the creator God, is worthy of our worship and devotion.

Indeed, our lives are intricately interwoven with these realities. And we must know the truth to enjoy the riches of life now and in the eternal dimension.

1 Rich Reverberating Now Question: What’s the Answer?

Let’s look at some of the answers Jesus has provided for us. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life (Jn. 14:6).

Firstly, concerning his Father, Jesus said, you are the only true God. His character is truth. For it is impossible for him to lie (Heb. 6:18).

Secondly, regarding the Holy Spirit. He is the Spirit of truth. He was sent from heaven to live in the believer. And guide them into all truth. In addition, to bring back to remembrance all the truths that Jesus taught (Jn. 14:25; 15:26; 16:12). Listen, In Jesus, “you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation-having also believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise (Eph. 1:13).

Thirdly, relating to the word of God: Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth (Jn. 17:17). God’s words are trust worthy because he watches over them to bring them to pass (Jer. 1:12). And all of your commandments are truth. “Now , O Lord, you are God, and your words are truth…” (Ps. 119:151; 2 Sam. 7:28).

Finally, in regard to believers, we are people of truth. We have the second birth which makes us born of truth. We are filled with truth and should always speak truth. We are called to “be diligent to present ourselves approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15).

We can trust God and wait upon him to fulfill his promises to us. For we know that he cannot lie. There is no deceit in him (1 Pet. 2:22). He is our loving , compassionate Father, who only tells us the truth.

On the other hand, there is an enemy. He is a real personality and he is a liar. Jesus said, that the enemy has been lying from the beginning. And there is no truth in him. When he lies its from his own nature for he is the father of lies. There is no truth in him (Jn. 8:44).

The adversary has been sinning from the beginning. Sin is missing the mark of God’s holy standards. He instigates all disobedience against God and his words. Jesus came to earth to destroy the enemy’s power and influence over people (1 Jn. 3:8). So we now have the ability to resist his lies and wholeheartedly embrace the truth.

It is written, that people “suppress the truth in unrighteousness…and they exchanged the truth of God for a lie (Rm. 1:18-32). And when they do this it will not go well for them.

God hates lies. It is one of the seven things that he hates (Prov. 6:16-19). This is because it is so opposed to his character which is truth. He puts a high premium on truth.

Surely their is punishment for rejecting truth and embracing lies. Jesus said, “There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day. For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken. I know that his commands lead to eternal life” (Jn. 12:47-50).

1 Rich Reverberating Now Question: How will it Benefit Me

Here’s a list of the benefits to add value to your life:

• 1. Strong Relationships: The truth benefits us in our daily relationships. This include with our spouses, children, extended family, and friends. Strong and healthy relationships are built on the foundation of truth which garners trust.
• 2. Spiritually: The truth benefits us spiritually. God loves truth. It is his nature. It builds strong, trusting relationship with our heavenly Father. God desires truth in the heart or spirit which is called the inner man (Ps. 51:6). For from the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. If your heart is filled with truth, truth will come forth from your lips” For a good person brings good things out of the good store up in his heart…for the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. (Lk. 6:45).
• 3. Good Health: The truth enhances our mental health; we are less likely to be worried, frustrated and depressed when we know we are on the side of truth. And we are set free from the enemy’s oppression and affliction.
• 4. Stress Reduction: Truth removes us from being controlled by anxiety thinking. We are not afraid that we could be found out at any time for not telling the truth.
• 5. Credible: We are considered trustworthy when we uphold the truth; we can easily be called into others confidence. It is stated that “a man’s words is his bond” which means that honest, truthful people keep their words.
• 6. Freedom: Truth sets you free (Jn. 8:31-32). Free to live and love God and people. It is for freedom that Jesus has set us free. There is no condemnation, judgement or punishment awaiting you. “There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Rm. 8:1).
• 7. Salvation: The word is near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart. That is the word of truth. “That If you confess with your mouth “Jesus is Lord” and believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead you will be saved. For with the heart people believe unto righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Rom. 10:8-10).
• 8. Guidance: The Holy spirit named the Spirit of Truth is sent from Heaven to guide us into all the truth. And bring back to remembrance all the truths that Jesus taught.
• 9. Prevents Deception: The truth keeps us from being deceived. Deception is believing a lie. The enemy is very active in trying to deceive us in believing his lies. But we must resist him by consistently upholding the truth. For strong delusion will be given to those who reject the truth (2 Thess. 2:11-12). But loving and embracing the truth leads to salvation and life.
• 10. Wisdom and Understanding; Jesus who is truth, has all knowledge, wisdom and understanding. In fact, in Jesus is hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. And on him is the spirit of understanding (Col. 2:3; Isa. 11:2). It is critical for us to have these virtues to live victorious and successfully in the world.
• 11. Ambassador: As ambassadors represent their countries in an official capacity, likewise we represent Christ and heaven in a formal way. “Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God” (2 Cor. 5:20). As ambassadors we are on a divine mission to bring, hope, love and reconciliation to individuals and people groups all over the world.
• 12. Blessed Life: You are blessed when you know the truth. When you believe the truth. And when you consistently speak the truth. Listen, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies” (1 Pet. 3:10). The mouth is given to declare and decree God’s truth with authority and power. For it is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak” the words of God. (2 Cor. 4:13).
• 13. Eternal Security: It is truth that gives us eternal security. Truth about God, his Son Jesus and Holy Spirit. When we believe his truth we are born from above. We are declared a new creation in Christ Jesus; the righteousness of God in Christ. And a child of God (2 Cor. 5:17, 21; Jn. 1:12).

1 Rich Reverberating Now Question: Conclusion

1 Rich Reverberating Now Question concludes with the knowledge that truth is a person. Jesus has indeed testify to the truth. And because he is alive, he continues to do so. Jesus answered Pilate’s question on many occasions and so we know the truth.

There are many facts but there is only one objective truth. That truth is Jesus. He is utterly and completely, truthful and trustworthy.

Although there are many questions concerning truth, yet we build relationships with truth. We want spouses and others to be credible and worthy of our trust.

Truth is divine. God is truth, Jesus is truth and Holy Spirit is truth. Also the word of God is truth. It gives meaning to everything in life. Believers are people of the truth and should be known as such. Therefore, we should pursue truth to fill our hears and guide our actions.

There is also a real enemy who is the father of lies. He opposes truth and instigates people to believe lies. We must resist his influence.

We receive many benefits from embracing the truth. These include relational, spiritual, health, guidance, blessing, success, and eternal security. In addition, we are prevented from deception and have the responsibility of being an ambassador. In this role we take the message of reconciliation with God to the world.