What? Me Apologize?

I spent yesterday morning being trained in CPR. We were also trained in the use of an AED (Automated External Defibrillator). The training, taught by a well qualified instructor, was sponsored by the American Heart Association. It was solid instruction and all of us in the class learned much. Hopefully we will never have to apply what we learned - but if we are ever confronted with a person in need of CPR - we are now qualified to administer it!

As I thought about my training yesterday, the Boy Scout motto, "Be Prepared" came to mind. Going through this CPR training has prepared me just in case I ever find myself in a situation in which a person is in need of CPR. As a follower of Jesus, all of us are called upon to "be prepared." In 1 Peter 3:15 we are told, "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect." Regrettably, many Christians are NOT prepared to "give an answer" (the Greek word translated here is the word apologia which means "to give a defense). The biblical illiteracy rate among believers is growing at a truly alarming rate. So what can the average believer do to reverse this trend toward biblical illiteracy and become better prepared to apologize (defend) one's faith?


For starters, get into the Word of God. My guess is that most Christians spend far more time in watching TV or cruising the Internet than digging into the Bible. So come up with a plan to get into Scripture and then work the plan. If you need help with this - fire me off an email (jsmith@gracewv.org). I will be glad to help. Secondly, pick up a book on apologetics and read it. There are many, many good books in this area. Stop by Berean bookstore here in Lancaster or go to christianbook. com and check out the apologetics section.


Friends, if we are to be obedient to God, we MUST be prepared to apologize. This is not an option. Your neighbor next door, your colleagues at the office or your classmates at school need YOU to be prepared to answer any question they might have about YOUR faith!


Thanks for stopping by. . .


pj