How Important is the Truth?

We are rightly perplexed by many of the maladies that face our society in these days. The foundational truths that have long served us so well, have been jettisoned and replaced by the whim of popular opinion. Consequently, we find ourselves in a situation like that in the book of Judges, "everyone did what was right in his own eyes." (Judges 17:6)

Ironically, this trend is also invading the church. From all appearances Christianity is thriving. Mega churches are springing up everywhere. Christian music and book sales seem to be booming. Christian political groups are being heard all the way to the White House. Yet, the evangelical church seems largely to be a white-washed tomb. Truth in the church is also in danger, being replaced by a rather subtle fascination with gathering a crowd any way you can. Hence, we look for ways to be market-driven.

In reality, there are no new remedies for old problems. The best answers are still found by coming back to the old paths. We must capture again the centrality of the Biblical truth. We must remain faithful to its reliability. Rather than be market-driven, let us remain Word-centered, God-exalting, Christ-centered, and Spirit-empowered. This commitment must originate in our pulpits.

Charles H. Spurgeon witnessed first hand the decline of dynamic Biblical preaching. He issued the following plea: "When the good old truth is once again preached by men whose lips are touched as with a live coal from off the altar (Isaiah 6), this shall be the instrument in the hand of the Spirit for bringing about a great and thorough revival of religion in the land... I do not look for any other means of converting men beyond the simple preaching of the gospel and the opening of men's ears to hear it. The moment the church of God shall despise the pulpit, God will despise her. It has been through the ministry that the Lord has always been pleased to revive and bless His churches."

Truth,, especially Biblical truth is of utmost importance to us in these days. "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32)