Every person, either an atheist, a Jew or a Christian — all people have a DESIRE to know the truth. So where does that quest originate? Regardless of our childhood, education or ethnicity, the big question “Why am I here?” eventually rises up into our consciousness. Recently a group of friends watched “The Truth Project” and afterwards, over a meal, we enter into the depth of our personal heart ponderings. Jesus said He came to “Testify to the truth” and even secular scholars agree that Jesus was a real person who walked the earth and said many important things. So if Jesus came to testify to the truth, that fact should lead us to another important question “Does God exist?”

There is an intrinsic desire in everyone — to know the truth — Humanity is compelled from within to consider who made DNA,? The stars, and how does a caterpillar become a butterfly? Who exactly was this truth testifying man named Jesus? Seems that the “Truth” really matters to most people. “God loves you and has chosen you–when you heard the Good News, it was not only with words but also with power, for the Holy Spirit gave you full assurance that what we said was true….and now the word of the Lord is ringing out from you to people everywhere. You now look forward to the coming of God’s Son from heaven — Jesus, whom God raised from the dead. He is the One who has rescued us from the terrors of the coming judgement.” 1 Thessalonians 1:4-10 NLT

“Why believe” was written for Ivy league intellectuals. The authors target audience are students in college. The common objection by intellectuals or hard-working, ordinary folks is —-why would a loving God allow evil?

The universe exists to display God’s glory and God definitely hates evil, but evil cannot diminish His glory. God’s perfect plan of salvation provided the Way for the wickedness of man’s heart —to be purified, and made holy. Our holy Father let all the pain, evil and suffering in this world fall on Jesus, that His justified wrath — would be satisfied. Jesus took our deserved punishment so that we could stand right before our holy Creator.

Dr. Neil Shenvi, is a chemist, dad and author of “Why Believe” – After Neil read CS Lewis “Screwtape Letters” over 10 times as a non Christian — Neil was fascinated how CS Lewis understood the pride, impatience, insecurity and posturing that he felt. Neil went to church because he loved the girl who invited him. He met people of strong faith. After Neil heard the gospel, he could not avoid it. “I had to accept the Truth, even though I did not like it.”

We all behave badly. When we are honest, we know that we lie or stretch the truth. If you ever took a pen from a hotel, you stole. People don’t like the wrath of God, but real history reveals that our pride, envy and pleasure seeking results in the heaviness of guilt. Is the account of history in the Bible true or false? Neil, the chemist was humbled, and surrendered to the Truth and accepted that Jesus is Lord. The false narrative in education is “people are not that bad,” Dr. Shenvi explains that the gospel itself is the strongest evidence for why Christianity is actually true.

1 Peter 3:14-17 “Even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats ; do not be frightened.” In your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. Do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.” Be encouraged by your obedience to share Jesus with your neighbors, or whenever you silently pass out a trak. “My words will not return to Me void” In whatever way we deliver the truth, it matters — and it will be fruitful, even though we may never know the extent of the word we said, or what resulted in the trak we left with that waiter. What is Truth? Is the Bible 100% correct? Ask God to show you if He is real. Then stop outside in nature.

“We have confidence in a better Hope ( than a new president, monarch, or prime minister) through which we draw near to God.” Hebrews 7:19 — “Come close to God and God will come close to you.” James 4:8 —Seek the Lord Jesus, call out to Him, and He will run to greet you wherever you are.  Romans 11:33-34 “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of GOD! How unsearchable HIS judgements, and HIS paths beyond tracing out.” ❤️ AMEN