WHY DO WE BELIEVEAnswering The Key Questions

Why Do We Believe Knowing that we believe is the first step. Knowing why we believe is the next step. Being able to explain our faith is essential

to a good witness. Peter expected his church to be able to

defend its teachings (I Peter 3.15) We may not have all the answers but we

do have John 9.25

Why Do We Believe Before we look at the most common

questions nonchristians ask, we should look at the end of verse 15, I Peter 3. Answer with gentleness.

This means that we should think of our faith in a serious way. Not eveyone should study at a bible college, but we can all develop good answers to real questions.

We shouldn’t fear questions– the Gospel has survived 2000 years of challenge.

Why Do We Believe The second thing to recall is what we

discussed last week. Answers won’t bring conversion– but we are teamed up with Jesus and the Holy Spirit– already enthroned and already bringing all into subjection.

How can we fear a witness when that’s our partners?

Why Do We Believe Now, when we witness, people ask

questions. Usually, they are sincere. We need to

treat these questions as sincere– and answer to the best of our ability.

John Stott- rector of All Souls (1921-2011) once said we don’t pander to intellectual arrogance but we must respond to intellectual integrity or curiosity.

Why Do We Believe So, what questions will we likely get?

They aren’t what you think. The most common question is: what

about a person who never heard of Jesus? How can God hold them accountable? How would you answer? Does the Bible address this? Trick question.

Why Do We Believe The second question: Is Jesus the only

way? What about those who believe in Buddha or

Mohammed? Faith, even sincere faith– isn’t the key. Faith in

the truth is. Truth has had a bad time lately. Relativism is running its course– and people

want truth

Why Do We Believe People often ask about miracles. How are

they possible? What they are asking is whether science and

the Bible can coexist. The question misrepresents science. Non-repeatable, unique events exist all the

time. Ask if Jesus is “liar, lunatic or legend” The right question

Why Do We Believe Isn’t the Bible full of errors?

The short answer is No. The longer answer is that you need specifics–

which one does your person mean? Most people have no real example. And there are great books addressing these

“errors.”

Why Do We Believe Isn’t your faith just psychological?

The modern view is that Christ is real– for me. Many teens hold this view. Some polls show people hold more negative

views of Christians than of gays. The resurrection is the answer. Not fables–

which the Bible addresses. I Tim 1.4; Jude

Why Do We Believe The best question– doesn’t being moral

get me credit with God? This is the real psychological faith question. This opens the door for a discussion of God’s

character. Holiness. Justice. Love

Why Do We Believe Nonbelievers aren’t going to ask about

deep theology. They will ask about what they know. Start there– and let them find the path. Remember– you are working with a net–

Jesus the crucified. That makes witnessing easy– or easier.