heard

How will we respond to those who doubt? 

What should we say to those with uncertainties, or to those who ask, "Is Jesus really the answer?"

We could begin with how the Bible is the true Word of God: "A collection of 66 books written by many different authors, during a 1500 year time period, and all with the same message." We could discuss the Old Testament prophesies which were fulfilled with Jesus. We could show where Micah said the Savior would be born in Bethlehem Micah 5:2 and where Isaiah stated He would be born of a virgin Isaiah 7:14. We could point to Zechariah who prophesied that our King would enter Jerusalem "gentle and riding on a donkey" Zechariah 9:9, how David said He would be crucified, "they have pierced My hands and My feet" Psalm 22:16, and how Isaiah said He would die for our sin; "He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors" Isaiah 53:12.

These are all good truths to share at the appropriate time, but when someone is doubting or searching, it's usually best to follow the example of Jesus. John the Baptist had sent messengers to ask Jesus, "Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?" Luke 7:19.

"At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. So He replied to the messengers, 'Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard.'" Luke 7:21-22

While it's good to be able to defend our faith, we will never convince anyone to believe by presenting Biblical "facts." The most convincing argument as to the truth of God's Word is to share how we have seen His Word come alive in our own life; how we have seen Jesus calm the seas and rebuke the storms, heal broken lives and answer prayers. 

We ought to share how we have heard Him call us to test the waters of faith and seen the waters become solid as we stepped; how we have experienced "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding" Philippians 4:7. When God's truths become real in our daily life, they cannot be argued against!

If His truths have not yet become absolute and unquestionably real, then we need to press VERY close into His presence and allow His light to shine in and through you each and every day. There can be no better preparation for sharing the truth than to live the truth and watch God work in a multitude of ways. Let's prepare to share the gospel; and when the opportunity arises, let's simply report what we have seen and heard.

-steve troxel