Huntington Church of Christ

"Sanctify in your hearts Christ as Lord: being ready always to give answer to every man that asketh you a reason concerning the hope that is in you." (1 Peter 3:15)

Why do you believe what you believe? According to Peter, the Christian is resonsible to "give answer to every man that asketh you a reason concerning the hope that is in you." Sadly, few people can do so. It's not because they don't know WHAT they believe, but rather because they don't know why they believe.

Most people know what they believe. They are quite firm and adamant on their particular "brand of Christianity". They believe in their particular way of salvation. Why? One reason is that religious doctrine is passed from generation to generation. They hold true to Mom and Dad's faith. Jesus condemned this manner of faith (Matthew 15;1-9). Other people just "feel" their way through life. They "feel" or "think" something is right or wrong. When they find a denomination that "feels right" they join up. These people already have a system of belief (although it is apt to change from day to day). But still, they cannot tell you WHY they believe it.

The true Christian knows why he believes Jesus is the Son of God, and has the hope of eternal salvation. He believes because of the evidence and promsies, which are presented throughout the Bible. Paul wrote, "Belief cometh of hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ" (Romans 10:17). John wrote his entire gospel for only one purpose: Evidence. "These are written that ye may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye may have life in his name" (John 20;30,31). This is the major reason why many "religious people" are afraid to discuss and defend their faith -- their belief has no substance; no authority. Are you ready and willing to stand up and defend that which you believe? Can you give the reason why you have hope? Can you confirm that reason within God's book, the Bible? Truth has nothing to fear.

Daniel S. Dow
Huntington Church of Christ