To Be Persuasive, We Must Be Believable; To Be Believable We Must Be Credible; To Be Credible, We Must Be Truthful ~ Edward R. Murrow ~ |
I am teaching a summer seminary course on Christian Apologetics where students are learning how to defend their faith. We can defend our faith defensively by explaining why we believe what we believe. We can also defend our faith offensively by asking others to explain why they believe what they believe. We all have assumptions and presuppositions. The question is - are they rational and reasonable? Do they provide an explanation for what is possible, plausible, or perhaps probable? As Jesus did, we must also be able to flex three muscles simultaneously - Compassion, Courage, and Conviction. This is what creates credibility. All of this does not take away from the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the people we are talking with. But remember, there is no premium for stupidity in the Christian faith. We are to be disciplined in our efforts to be believable and we are to be dependent on the Lord to draw people to Himself. It seems like most Christians have a goal in life of being able to sneak into heaven incognito. I trust that is not your goal. Summertime brings a change of pace and allows us to see a variety of people. Are you ready “to make a defense of the hope that is in you?” If you are not sure where to start, then let me suggest you engage in the most powerful action you as a Christian can do; pray to the Lord and ask Him to lead you and guide you to someone who needs to know Him. If you do that, do not be surprised if you find yourself busy this week! Serving Him with you until He comes for us, Fred |