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Ready to Give an Answer
by Pastor Bill Pevlor

     In I Peter 3:15, we are admonished to, “always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you...”

     As we approach the end of yet another school year, students are beginning to think about final exams. They will get one final shot at proving how much they have learned over the last few months. What if you were given a final exam of faith? What if you had one chance to explain what you know about Christ? Do you know what you believe? Do you know why you believe it?

     It is important to know the answers to these questions for two reasons. First of all, you will never be able to convince someone else of something you are not sure of. Secondly, it brings great peace of mind and security to know that what you believe is true. When you know that your foundation of faith is strong, you will not be easily shaken when temptations and trials come your way.

     Often, we grow up holding certain notions to be true. We may not recall when or how we learned these things. We may not even be able to explain them; we simply accept them. Many times, upon taking a closer look at what we believe, one of two results occurs. A more careful examination of the facts in some cases proves that we have been misinformed. Other times further investigation only serves to strengthen and solidify our views.

     The idea of questioning our beliefs is frightening to some, but consider the options. If what we believe is true, what is the harm in being more thoroughly convinced? If what we believe is false, what is the harm in learning the truth?

     Jesus said two very important things about truth. First He told the Jews who had believed in Him, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free,” (John 8:32). Later He told His disciples, “I am the way, the truth and the life...” (John 14:6). Truth sets us free, and the most reliable source of truth in the universe is Jesus Christ. He not only tells the truth, He is the truth. The more we know Jesus, the more we know truth, and the freer we become.

     So how do we get to know Jesus? How do we get to know the truth? The two-part answer is found in John 5:39-40. The way to meet Jesus is to come to Him in faith, accepting Him as the Lord and Savior He claimed to be. Then we learn more about Him and grow in our relationship with Him by continuing to study the scriptures and communing with the Lord through prayer.

     We are so blessed in this nation to have such free access to the Word of God. Very few homes in America are without at least one copy of the Bible, even if it is nothing more than a coffee table adornment. Nothing hinders us from knowing the Word of God except our own lack of desire. Yet if we want to be free, if we want the confidence that comes from knowing what we believe and why we believe it, we will make the effort to find out.

     Perhaps you have been taught that the Bible is not for everyone to read and understand. The Bible itself admonishes us to study the Word of God. In II Timothy 2:15 we are instructed to diligently study until we are able to understand and explain the Word of truth.

     Going to church is another important way to learn more of the truth of Jesus Christ, but it does not replace personal study. The writer of the book of Acts commended the members of the church in Berea because they listened eagerly to Paul’s preaching and then, “examined the scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true,” (Acts 17:11).

     Another issue that discourages many people from studying the scriptures is the difficult language. Let me share a secret with you. Jesus and the apostles did not speak English! The Bible was originally written in the languages of its human writers, Greek and Hebrew. The most common translation, the King James Version of the Bible, was written several hundred years ago. The Word of God has not changed since then, but the English language surely has. We don’t say “thee” and “thou” anymore. In recent years, scholars have worked to update the English translations of the Bible. Versions such as the New King James or the New International Version faithfully convey the message of the Bible in a more readable format.

     So, do you know what you believe? Are you ready to give an answer to someone who asks you why you believe it? If not, crack the Book and start studying! You never know when you will get a pop quiz of faith!

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Victorious Faith Ministries
219 State Street, Algoma, WI 54201
Phone: 920-487-5775