Young or mature Christians will be presented with opportunities to give reasons why they believe in Jesus Christ. They are opportunities for those who prepared. Opportunities to share the gospel in a logical, respectful, and convincing manner. For those who may be unprepared, these situations may leave a sour taste in their mouth at best or make them question their beliefs at worst. Remember it is out of the abundance of the heart that we speak. So, we must let the word of God dwell in s richly that our response will be based on the accurate word of God and not based on man’s philosophies.
There are benefits in knowing the word and then preparing to respond in a loving, wise, reconciliatory manner. Firstly, adequate preparation benefits you. Secondly, you will be ready to share what you believe. Lastly, to give wise answers to the new atheists that are evangelizing and training an army of atheists, agnostics and skeptics who are willing to question your faith. Above all, we know and rest on the Holy Spirit to give us an answer that no man can gain say at the right moment.
“You Prepare for Battle during peace time!”
We are called to be ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20) of Jesus Christ and should act likewise. True representatives of our kingdom should spend time learning about the realities of the kingdom. An ambassador has an insider’s view, experience, insight, and revelation about his country and must be able to defend and further its interest anywhere he or she is posted. An ambassador is unequivocal and unapologetic about his king, country, government, culture, laws, and principles. We cannot be effective ambassadors of Christ without knowing Jesus and His Word and presenting Him knowledgeably in wisdom, power and with character. The need to be an effective ambassador for Christ today is vital. It is a mandate that no true believer can sidestep. The Master expects it and we will be rewarded for it.
So, gain knowledge and understanding for the harvest is ripe. Study the Bible and develop a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit. Use good Christian resources and the examples in the Bible to prepare. A very good example is Jesus with the Samaritan woman (John 4). No excuse is acceptable to the King. He instructs us to “Always be ready to give a [logical] defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope and confident assurance (elicited by faith) that is within you, yet (do it) with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15 AMPC) Yet, to effectively defend the kingdom, you must be in the kingdom. To be in the kingdom, you must be born again.
Culled from – Being Born Again 101: Called to Inherit a Blessing
Photo by Jexo on Unsplash
