But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: (1 Peter 3:15 KJV)
Have you ever been asked “Why are you a Christian?” Or does the question usually sound more as “How can you possibly believe that drivel?”
I’ve placed myself in a position to hear similar questions. At one time my standard answer was that it was a matter of faith:
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1 KJV)
When the questioners respond with a bit of laughter about believing in invisibility, I would revert to:
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:17 KJV)
Both of these verses are great responses as to why I am a Christian – but don’t do much for teaching someone how to become a Christian. Romans 10:17 does give encouragement to spend time with the word of God – but doesn’t come close to explaining Who the Word of God is:
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1 KJV)
For several hundred years the majority of Americans have believed they lived in a Christian nation. From the time of John Winthrop’s writing of this new land as the ‘city on the hill,’ America worked to make it so. Churches sprang up in each new community as our nation grew.
Based on that belief, most evangelical churches have sent missionaries abroad. Most also provided missionaries in specific ministries in America. But seldom to their neighbors. Their neighbors attended church with them, or another nearby.
In today’s world that view should be reconsidered because our neighbors are atheist, Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim or simply unchurched. The very people we are sending missionaries overseas to reach for Christ.
This may change the way you look at Christianity. You may find yourself with a need to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you.
If you have that hope.
I’m certain you know learning how to do that is included in the Bible – but it’s also within yourself. How are you preparing to answer every man? You must be able to say “I don’t know, but let’s ask.”
Never hesitate to go for help in providing answers. In fact, you might start lining up your resources now, right? What verse did you choose to begin?
Just wanted to let you know I posted the link to my recipe blog that has the crock pot apple butter recipe on it. It's SOOOO easy to make in the crock pot. I prefer it to making it in the oven or on the stovetop.
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