Discovering Truth

It is estimated that there are 4,200 different religions in the world.  It is presently uncertain exactly the number of religions in the United States.  It is estimated to be somewhere around between 1500-1600 in the U.S. and Canada.  Regardless of the number we know it is far more than the Lord ever intended.  The Lord came to build His church (Matthew 16:18).  Along with all these religions comes diversity of doctrines none of which are the same.  If all these religions are all right, then God is the author of confusion which is contrary to 1 Corinthians 14:33.  It also suggests that truth is relative rather than absolute, which means that whatever a person wants to believe constitutes truth there there are not lies that can exist in religion.  This is contrary to 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 and 1 Timothy 4:1-2.  The bible clearly informs us that there is one body of truth, it is identified as the faith which was once and for all delivered unto the saints (Jude 3).  To tamper with it results in condemnation from God (Galatians 1:8-9).  

How can we discover the truth?  The same way you discover the truth about anything else!  You research, you study, diligently and prayerfully.  Most people are perfectly content to learn things the same way they think they know what is going on in the world, by what they hear.  Do you really think you will find the truth out about what is really transpiring in our country and abroad by listening to the main stream news?  If you do, you are dreadfully deceived.  Do your own research and you will find that what is really going on is not what is being reported by the main stream media.   Where do you get your religious information, from television, internet, religious section of the newspaper or some commentary or preacher?  Truth lies in the bible (John 17:17).  We are admonished to try the spirits whether they be of God (1 John 4:1).  

The truth can be known, if we are willing to look for it.  Your soul is too valuable (Matthew 16:26) to take a chance with it.  Be like the people of Berea who searched the scriptures daily to see if the things told them were true (Acts 17:11).  Notice what they searched to see if what they were told was true, they searched the scriptures.  That is exactly how you can find the truth.  The apostle John said that “ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).  Is it not a matter of if you can find it, it is a matter of do you want to find it.  It is not a matter of how difficult it is to find?  It is a matter of how much time you are willing to invest to find it.  It is sad to say but far too many preachers study just enough to get their lessons together.  They know hardly anything about doctrinal issues, cultural issues, the work of a preacher, the responsibilities of elders, how to ascertain bible authority, how to see the direction certain are headed because they are too busy in other interests or just too lazy to do their homework.  Whatever the excuse, examination should be made and commitment reinstated.  

We can know the truth and we can tell it to others, this is the commission given us and truth is in the gospel to be preached!  Preachers, youth ministers, Elders, Deacons, bible class teachers and members not only should, but must search and find the truth.  There is a lot at stake.  

Bill Cantrell