1 Peter 3:15 tells us, “But in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.” The word defense is translated from the greek word ἀπολογία which is apologia. According to Vines Dictionary, apologia simply means a verbal defense; a speech in defense. In short, to give a verbal defense for what you believe. Each Sunday we have classes called “Equip” classes. Many of the classes are designed and selected to help believers give a defense or answer for what they believe. Sadly, because of the American Gospel, we have been conditioned to desire the show of Sunday and the blessing of the American dream. The American Gospel is what we find on most Christian television or radio. It is the message of health, wealth and prosperity. In fact, it is the American Dream with a little Jesus sprinkled on top of it. It does not include a dying to self, Lordship of Christ, or true biblical salvation.
The result of this message has shipwrecked the faith of many. It has left many with no answers when they face the hardship of living as a follower of Christ in this world. When confronted by a cult teaching, instead of a reason response, they buckle under the pressure of the false teacher. Sadly, there are some, and I would argue, that probably weren’t saved in the first place, who leave the faith all together to join cults. Cult groups such as the Hebrew Israelites are infecting many with their racist, pseudo biblical doctrine that can’t stand up to the weight of the truth of Scripture or biblical history. Yet, they are growing and targeting African American Christians who have never been equipped to know what they believe and give an apologia! I am no Kirk Franklin fan, but he hit it on the nail here in his song, The Process. He says, “Church taught me how to shout and speak in tongues, Preacher teach me how to live when the tongue is done.”
I would argue in this time we live in, that people of God must and need to be radically equipped with the truth of what they believe, armed with the Love of God, and be ready to give an answer for the hope we have. This is not just for scholars or seminary students, but the believer in the pew. Yes, the believer who has family getting sucked into cults of Satan such as Hebrew Israelite, Jehovah Witness, NOI and Five Percenters.
In 1890, Charles Octavius Boothe, an African American pastor, loved his congregation enough to write a handbook that laid out basic theology. We are people of the Book and should not only know, but stand and defend what we believe. The reality is, the burden of proof is on those who stand against the truth. This truth has stood and will stand until Jesus Christ returns. Frankly, as Jesus stated, the gates of hell will not prevail against His church. Some have tried: Gnostics, Montanus, Arius & even Copeland. They can pervert the truth, but it can never be overcome.
So what are some things believers can practically do to equip ourselves to give an answer to what we believe?
- Catechize yourself and children
To catechize, is to instruct in the principles of Christian religion by means of question and answer. Baptists used this tradition of question and answer for years to equip Christians to know what they believe in a very succinct way. We have begun this process with our kids. In fact, I am more serious than ever when I think of the world they will have to face. We have enjoyed this Catechism from Desiring God.
2. Read and Study the Scripture
Often, it is easy to just read through the Scripture, but we are also called to study. What I mean is taking time to dig deeper into the text or doctrine that you may not understand fully. The reality is, a disciple is a learner. In fact, you will learn until you meet Jesus face to face. It is okay not to know something. However, it is not okay to know that you don’t know something and remain unlearned. Give yourself grace and rely upon the Holy Spirit to teach you as you study and grow.
3. Walk in Love
We share the love of Christ because we have actually experienced His love. 1 John 3:16 tells us we know that love because He laid down His life for us. Understand, we are not called to win an argument, but people. We can’t argue anyone into the kingdom of God. In fact, we don’t even have the power to save anyone. Yet, God has called us to proclaim the truth and be faithful to do that. We go, we share, and we proclaim because of the love of Christ.
4. Transparency with other Believers
When was the last time you got with other believers that encouraged you to grow, pray and share your faith? When was the last time you shared your fear of sharing the Gospel and were encouraged by a brother or sister in Christ to pray and trust God? As we continue to fellowship with other followers of Christ, we receive encouragement and strength to continue on. We need one another to grow in the Lord. To read more about that, see the article The Joy of Christian Relationship.
5. Fervently Pray
I saw a picture of my little ones the other day and my heart swelled with joy, but I was also moved to pray. I prayed specifically for each one of them to come to faith in Christ at an early age. If I am honest, I didn’t just pray, but I PRAYED! Fervent prayer is affixed on the Lord and is earnest as well. You know if I am honest, I always PRAY for the lost, but I have not been as diligent to PRAY for my lost neighbor that has eaten at my house. We can pray and ask God to help us pray fervently for those in close proximity to our serving hands.
If you are wondering is now the time to be equipped, yes! We don’t have to know everything, but we do need to know what we believe. We can also pray for God to use us and equip us to go and be laborers. So, START!
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