In C 30 A.D. Pontius Pilate asked the question, "What Is Truth?" We still are asking that same question today!

The action movie, "The Bourne Identity" illustrates one scenario involving truth: After an incident causing amnesia Jason Bourne (played by Matt Damon) tries to find out who he is. Why was he found in the ocean floating unconscious? Why are assassins trying to kill him? How does he suddenly react with precise split-second defences when under attack? Why does he instinctively observe important security related details normal people would miss? Who should he trust while searching for the truth about his real identity?

In another movie called, "The Conspiracy Theory", Julia Roberts' character "Alice" initially sees Mel Gibson's character "Jerry" as an excessively paranoid, seemingly mentally unstable individual obsessed with conspiracy theories. As she learns the truth through the reality of her experiences with Jerry as compared with the plausible but untrue explanations given to her by the authority figure in charge, the way she views Jerry and her life changes.

Illusionists often use smoke, lights and mirrors to divert our attention while they perform the part of the trick that they do not want us to see. We either believe the illusion was real or at least wonder how they did it. Now here is a haunting question, "Do you really believe that what you believe is really real?"

What is truth? How can we know truth? Is truth "Absolute" or "Relative"? Can truth be found in Law, Philosophy, Ethics, Science, History, Labour, the Arts and Media? Who can we trust to tell us the truth? What should we allow ourselves to believe? What are the consequences of believing a lie? Can a person's life be ruined by believing something important about themselves or others that is really untrue?

Whether we realize it or not, each of us has a certain "view of the world around us" that we were taught through education, life's experiences and the influences of our parents, teachers, employers, religious leaders, and peers. One's "World View" determines how one will decide what details of life to believe.

Focus on the Family's "The Truth Project" is a 13 hour DVD based study that practically and personally introduces viewers to the truth claims of God during an "In-Depth Christian World View Experience" that may challenge our present world view and thereby change our life. It investigates "Truth" (reality) versus "Lie" (Illusion). Who is God? Who is Man? Why did Jesus come into the world? Is there a direction you can travel where God has not spoken?

In the movies mentioned Jason Bourne had to decide who he could trust to tell him the truth. Alice and Jerry had to diligently search for and believe the truth they uncovered to recognize the bad guy and his lies that would have ruined their lives.

In this article I have raised many questions that can be studied and discussed for hours. A "Christian World View" begins with believing that a Supreme Being (God) exists and that this invisible Entity has revealed Himself to mankind. The Bible begins without apology by simply stating "In the beginning God . . ." (Genesis 1:1) and Hebrews 11:6 expands the thought with the words, "And without faith it is impossible to please Him. For whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him." (RSV)

God has given us many infallible proofs for the existence of a Supreme Being but ultimately it comes down to believing or disbelieving the presentation. Do you know and understand the facts? A person who seeks the God of truth with an open mind and heart will find Him! A trustworthy God has already revealed Himself to man and will reward an individual's pursuit of Him with answers the person can believe and stake his or her life on. I hope this article has challenged you to search for the answers that God has claimed to be truth that will save your life.

"Focus on the Family" is a well known Christian organization dedicated to preserving the family in an era when the values of family are under attack. More information about Focus on the Family's interdenominational study about truth called "The Truth Project" can be found at www.thetruthproject. org.

Visit www.bethelshelburne. com for details about joining upcoming Bethel Bible Chapel organized local small group "open minded discussion sessions" that present the 13 week Truth Project DVD studies we're hoping to begin in April.