I WILL STAND STRONG 30 DAY CHALLENGESample

Give an Answer  

As Christians, we should always be asking questions and welcoming them at the same time. 

Yet, nowadays, it’s hard finding a Christian willing to be challenged. 

I (Jason Jimenez) often hear Christians give the excuse that they’re just not smart enough. When I hear this, I always encourage that Christian not to let fear, embarrassment or any other excuse prevent them from sharing God’s truth with someone. It’s OK to say, I don’t know the answer, but let me go find out. Trust me, I’ve had to say that more times than I can remember. 

Peter championed the persecuted church, “In your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer (apologia) to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But 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” (1 Peter 3:15-16).

Anytime you give an “answer” about your faith, you are (in some way) providing legitimate facts about what you believe and why. This is what we call apologetics. When someone has questions about Christianity or strongly opposes it, you are called by God to give a verbal defense for the Christian faith. This is something the apostle Paul did several times in his ministry (Acts 22:1; 1 Corinthians 9:3; Philippians 1:7; 2 Timothy 4:16). 

However, a prerequisite to defending the faith is not always about winning the argument. What is necessary, and what makes apologetics so effective is when your character complements, not contradicts the clear teachings of the Bible. Your task isn’t setting up barriers for the skeptic. It’s about removing obstacles that might be preventing people from coming to Christ. The aim is to offer a reasonable defense of Christianity and provide an opportunity for people to receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. 

So, the next time someone asks you a question about Christianity, don’t avoid them—engage them! It may be intimidating—at first—but the more you “give an answer”—the more exhilarating it becomes!