HIRAM KEMP

There have always been those who have been interested in Christianity and who have questioned its practitioners (Acts 17:18-20, 25:22, 26:1). We should not be surprised when people question our faith today. When it comes to answering questions about our faith and why we believe what we believe we must be careful and wise. We should be careful because many will not hesitate to “fact check” us and wise because if we are dishonest or inaccurate we may further their skepticism and doubt. Christians are told to be ready to give an answer for the reason we possess our hope (1 Pet. 3:15). How can we do this? Allow me to offer three simple responses that we can adopt to answer those who have questions about our faith.

“I don’t know”- It may be the case that we are asked something that is beyond our ability to know (Job 11:7). God has revealed himself in the Bible but there are some things we do not know (Deut. 29:29). This answer shows humility on the part of Christians and lets unbelievers know we do not have all the answers, but we know the one who does. It may be the case that we can say we do not know the answer now, but we will research it and study and come back better informed.
“The Bible Says…”- By answering questions with the “Bible says” or “It is written” we move things out of the realm of opinion and into the factual. By answering with Scripture, we let God do the talking instead of us (1 Pet. 4:11). Please do not say “churches of Christ believe” or “my preacher said”. Point people to Bible passages and if they want to argue let them argue with God. This response will show that we believe the Bible is the only authority in Christianity (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Point them to the text because it is there that they will encounter God.
“With gracious speech”- Be sure not to be harsh, rude, or sarcastic in answering people’s religious questions (2 Tim. 2:24-26). Be firm, be bold, be convicted, but do not be unkind. Responses like, “I cannot believe you believe that!” or “How could you not know that?” may sound clever in our minds but they do not sound inviting to the lost. If we are the salt of the earth (Matt. 5:13), let us keep our speech seasoned with salt (Col. 4:5-6). If we answer with gracious speech they may inquire further and desire to take hold of the eternal grace extended to everyone (Eph. 2:4-9).