Why We Believe
1 Peter 3:15 ESV
“But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.”
This concept is called apologetics is quite literally defense of the faith; the Greek word apologia means “defense” All Christians need to be prepared to give an answer or defense when someone asks them the reason for the hope that they have.
Here are some suggestions:
- Love God with all your heart, let the world experience your love of God by loving people.
- Be sure you are living up to the standards and character of the life you profess. Questionable characteristics wins no one.
- Know the hope that is in you; Jesus is the Son of God that came to redeem you. Jesus taught us a better way of life and how to get back to God.
Jesus was crucified to pay the penalty for our sins. He was buried and rose again making us who believe alive because of Him. He sits at the right hand of God interceding for us.
Jesus is the only way to get to heaven, there is no other way according to John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
- Know where to find the answers to tough questions in the Bible because people will want to know you know.
- Know your audience. If they are sincere or are they just testing you.
- Be able to tell people what Jesus has done for you!
Prayer:
Lord: as in the first century, we face troubled times. Christians that truly believe in Jesus as the only way to the Father, are in question and we have to be ready to answer why we believe the way we believe. Give us wisdom, knowledge of Your Word, and understanding to perceive how we should answer. Teach us to be gentle, and respectful but firm in our beliefs, never wavering.