What Truth Is

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D. Leading the Way

Over 2,000 years ago, Jesus told a Roman governor named Pontius Pilate, “In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me,” to which Pilate retorted, “What is truth?” (John 18:37-38).

Like Pilate, our culture also questions—and outright rejects—the notion of verifiable Truth. This postmodern thinking asserts that any claim to know the Truth is just a product of our social, historical, or political context. Postmodernists contend, “You have your truth, and I have my truth. Who are you to say what is right or wrong for me?” Dismissing the existence of absolute Truth, they do what is right in their own eyes—regardless of whether their “truth” is consistent with reality. 

God’s Word says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death” (Proverbs 14:12, ESV). There are consequences to living by only what we feel is right. When we refuse to submit to God’s design, we abandon a life of beauty for a life of self-inflicted bondage and desolation. Our attempts to be God and define good and evil for ourselves always end in fig leaves and regret (see Genesis 3:1-13). 

But it’s not too late to seek Truth and live by it. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10). God is the source of reality and thus the source of all Truth, so when we seek Him, we seek Truth. And in His kindness, He has revealed Himself to us through His Son and His Word.

So, when we look to Jesus, who said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me,” and believe His testimony with its unparalleled, ancient, historical evidence, we find Truth (John 14:6). That is why we must commit ourselves to passionately seeking His face. God has given us all we need to know the Truth—His Son, His Spirit, His Word—so that we can live godly lives in the midst of this post-Truth world.

In a world that echoes the disdain of Pilate when he jeered, “What is truth?” we must stand firm on God’s Word. Seek Truth—follow Christ—“and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). 

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the Truth of Your Word. Thank You for freeing me from the bondage of sin and from the snares of worldly thinking through Your Son. Help me share Your Truth with others, that they might know the love and freedom found only in You, our loving Creator. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me” (John 18:37).

Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon series Truth: The Most Endangered Species: LISTEN NOW

Check out more from Dr. Michael Youssef, here!

About The Author

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

Even before he was born, it is clear that God had a vision for Michael Youssef. His mother was in poor health when she became pregnant with Michael, and because his life was in danger at the time of birth, the doctor recommended terminating the pregnancy. An abortion was scheduled. But God intervened and sent the family pastor to reassure them that God was involved in this pregnancy. He told them not to be afraid and that the child would be "born to serve the Lord." Michael's parents accepted the pastor's message as a message from God and obeyed. His mother gave birth, and lived to see him give his life to the Lord at the age of sixteen.


Believing that God had called him out of Egypt, Michael sought an exit visa in a time in which no university student was allowed to have a passport or leave the country. God intervened again, and miraculously he managed to acquire a visa. He immigrated to Australia, where he studied at Moore Theological College in Sydney, was ordained as a pastor, and met Elizabeth who became his wife.


The Youssefs came to America in 1977, and in 1978 Michael received a master's degree in theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in California. Then he earned a doctorate in social anthropology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Michael served nearly ten years in the Haggai Institute, traveling around the world more than 32 times, teaching courses in evangelism and leadership. He rose to the position of Managing Director at the age of 31 years. The family settled in Atlanta, and in 1984, Michael became a citizen of the United States, making his dream of many years come true.


He founded The Church of The Apostles in 1987 with fewer than 40 adults with the mission of "Equipping the Saints and Searching for the Lost". The church has since grown to be a congregation of over 3,000 people today. This church has driven the international ministry of Leading the Way. While it is heard by millions at home and abroad, behind every message preached through radio waves, is the heart of a pastor, willing to nurture and care for these people. Clearly God has uniquely equipped Dr. Youssef to speak to a global audience. The path he has taken has given him an understanding and firm grasp of the Scriptures that transcend cultures. He preaches, teaches and calls with a sincere, based on the authority of the inerrant, inspired Word of God. With his personal knowledge of the Holy Land, its history and culture, Dr. Michael Youssef transmits life to listeners all over the world.

More Posts by Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.:

  1. Asking for God’s Vision
  2. Praying the Will of God
  3. He Can Open Your Eyes
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