Be Ready 2 Timothy 4:2 & 1 Peter 3:15: Why Do You Believe What You Believe?
by Teresa(1,457)
Freelance writer/Speaker
Good morning friends!
About a week ago, I was invited to lunch by a new-found friend. I had an idea of why she wanted to get together, because prior to the invite, she asked me what religious organization I belonged to. I'm still not sure why she asked, I had not mentioned anything about being a Christian, but gladly answered by saying I did not belong to any religious organization but that I am a Bible believing Christian.
It was an interesting lunch to say the least; however - what I did not expect was that she proceeded to tell me how she is a Jehovah's Witness and she began to drill me about my beliefs. The conversation revolved mainly around the Trinity - or as I prefer to say, the Triune Godhead.
Although I was taken back for a moment, I called on the Holy Spirit to help me and the Scriptures came. As it happened, she would not answer my questions directly, but had many of her own. The lunch ended well and we will get together again - as friends and question/answer buddies.
As a Bible teacher, I pray and study specific subjects or books of the Bible to prepare for class - I am never in the Word more than when I am teaching. Sure; I read, pray, and study when I am not teaching; but honestly, not with the same intensity. With all the changes over the past year, I have not been teaching a formal class. All this to say my personal study time has not been up to par. Am I the only teacher who is guility of this?
My point is - God spoke to my heart and taught me a great lesson; Be ready. Not only with old information that I have studied and learned, but with fresh and constant growth - adding to my knowledge as the Scriptures say.
Why do you believe the way you do? Is it from personal study and fellowship with other Christians? Or is it because it is what you were told? Do you wonder if what you were taught is true? Can you answer for yourself some of the basic doctrines of the Christian faith? The Triune Godhead - Salvation by grace through faith. What is santification, justification and redemption. What is a mediator?
In the end, respect was earned and I was taken seriously because I had biblical answers for all that was asked of me - albeit, not as sharp as I should have been.
With a renewed challenge from my Lord to be ready to give an answer for the faith, I am grateful for the convicition that filled my heart. I will study with the same intensity for my self as I do for my students . Time to pop in the CD's on my way to and from work - will you do the same?
Article submitted Thursday, February 11, 2010 & read 227 times.
Leave Your Comments:
» left by Linda DeWitt (169 days 15 hours ago.)
Thank you for a great article Teresa. I have let too many other things get ahead of my study time in God's word. I pulled out my i pod so I can start listening to podcasts by so many great teacher. Thanks for calling me up short. Linda DRespond to this comment
» left by Teresa(1,457)
Hi Linda, how are you doing? Glad to here you are spending more time in the word - This was certainly a challenge for me. I am currently studying Exodus.
Love you! T
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» left by Marijo Phelps(250)(169 days 14 hours ago.)
Whoa! Interesting time it was I am sure! Praying for you! And for your friend....the Lord can rescue her and I suspect you will be His arms reached out. MarijoRespond to this comment
» left by Teresa(1,457)
Thank you Marijo - I appreciate the prayer! Lots going on, not so much time on my hands as before. But the Lord knows what he is doing and that is more than good enough for me :-) Big hugs!
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