Elizabeth and I attended our second apologetics class today and we were both blown away with it’s content. We are finally getting mouthfuls of apologetic food and feel better equipped to deal with the fast growing number of skeptics that surround us.
It is a fact Christianity in America is not only on the decline but quickly giving way to cult like religions such as Islam, Mormonism and Jehovah’s Witnesses. Why is it that Americans are turning their backs on Jesus Christ while the Christian church is flourishing elsewhere in the world? I think it is the combination of too few Christians who are willing to speak out and defend their faith and the rise of the postmodern movement which is at the root of the obvious moral decay among Americans.
Since we are commanded by God to witness to those around us, you would think the number of faithful Christians would be growing exponentially in America however such is not the case. Did you know there are more Christians in China then in America even after religious rights were revoked more than 30 years ago? How can Christianity survive a communist regime hidden behind a wall stretching over 3,000 miles yet not flourish among a free society? Another interesting fact is there are more Christians in Africa then there are people in America. How can Christianity reach more people in third world countries than a place where wealth and opportunity reigns?
I can only speculate why Americans are letting themselves be lured by Satan and although I believe my opinion matters, I choose to quote God’s promise for those who promote evil:
“An evil man seeks only rebellion, and a cruel messenger will be sent against him. Let a man meet a she-bear robbed of her cubs, rather than a fool in his folly. If a man returns evil for good, evil will not depart from his house.” (Proverbs 17:11-13)
And, Jeremiah wrote words spoken by God: “‘Behold, I will remove you from the face of the earth. This very year you shall die, because you have uttered rebellion against the LORD.” (Jeremiah 28:16)
In an effort to keep evil at bay and help bring this country back on the right track, followers of Jesus Christ are called to witness to others as the disciples did. “And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal. And he said to them, ‘Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics. And whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. And wherever they do not receive you, when you leave that town shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them. ‘And they departed and went through the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.” (Luke 9:1-6)
When witnessing, we must expect skepticism, controversy and argument but we cannot waver from God’s truth and must prepare ourselves through applied apologetics.I call this process the three gifts of witnessing helping skeptics seek a relationship with God:
> Share a personal experience.
Since skeptics cannot deny the truth behind personal experiences, they are often sympathetic to personal experiences. If you can establish a common mind set with a skeptic, you can more effectively share your testimony and even scripture.
> Share your testimony.
By sharing your testimony and/or specific events that led you to Jesus Christ you invite skeptics to seek ultimate salvation through a relationship with God. Mentioning the eternal rewards of God’s grace might also strike a chord with skeptics.
> Share scripture.
Because ignorance of scripture is ignorance of Christ. Sharing passages of the bible may inspire skeptics to seek enlightenment from the word.
With these steps in mind and a purpose driven attitude, we can make America a better place for ourselves and most importantly, for our children. Ignore God’s calling for all His children to witness and you will contribute to evil in this country. I am confident no such endeavor will go unpunished.
Let’s pray.
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives
And for looking after us, our families and friends,
We thank you for inspiring us to serve you
Through witnessing and fellowship.
Lord we ask you to continue to guide us
and allow us to walk in your footsteps and try be more like you,
And to humble us so that we may take notice
That no service to you is insignificant.
We pray for your endless grace, for your unconditional love
For your forgiveness and your strength,
As we strive to spread your word
And plant seeds throughout this and all lands on earth.
God we love you and thank you for all that surrounds us!
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
