Answers

The bible is a truely unique text packed full of information vital to our lives, both day to day and eternally. Questions about the bible arise from both Christians and non-Christians alike, and a solid scripturally based answer is absolutely vital. For some, answers strengthen their walk with God. For others, answers may clear up misconceptions about Christianity and even lead them to make the decision to live for Christ.

This will be a multi-part study that will attempt to provide scripturally based answers for some of the most common questions about the Bible from believers and nonbelievers. Before we dive directly into the answers, I believe it is important to set the stage for apologetics by examining our roll as Christians in asking and answering questions.

Providing Answers

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; ( 1 Peter 3:15 )

We are all aware of the great commission that calls us to make disciples of the world, but in addition to outright evangelism, we need to be prepared to give reasons for our faith in Christ. An important part of the above verse is that we are to have answers ready "with meekness and fear." We must always be careful not to say anything that the bible does not say. We are speaking for God, so we should fear God as we do.

The fear of God means that whenever we have doubt or are not 100% sure of what we are about to say, we are to hold our tongues. It is always okay to say, "I don't know," and that is certainly much better than providing an answer that is against scripture. When you don't know an answer, get back to the person. Look for it in scripture and in study guides. Talk to your pastors and make sure you know and understand the source of the answer in the bible.

When someone, especially a non-believer, asks a question or makes a statement that deserves answering, we are given an opportunity to reach out to them with the word of God. When these opportunities arise, we are given the chance to be used by God. Because questions may come up at any time, we are to be ready. The first step to be prepared is to know the word of God. Read the bible regularly. I often find that verses I came across and forgot long ago come to mind at the right time, thanks to the Holy Spirit. Second, once someone shows interest in the answers of the bible, say a quiet prayer and ask the Holy Spirit to take over. None of us can speak for God without the Holy Spirit.

The Results of Your Answers

When we watch the video clips of Kirk Cameron going around and seemingly bringing people to change their minds immediately, we could get discouraged when the same thing does not happen for the people we deal with. We need to keep in mind that we are not running the show, God is. Isaiah 55:11 tells us:

So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

It is natural to want to keep track of the results of any answers you give. I believe this should be avoided at all costs for many reasons. First, any work done is by God, not ourselves. God can use us to bring people to Christ, but we cannot do it on our own. When we try to keep track, we immediately bring forth two problems. When we believe someone is lead to salvation because of our answers, we quickly become prideful. When we believe someone is uninterested in what we have to say, we get discouraged. Both situations make us less useful to God.

So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. ( Mark 4:26-27 )

God will use us to plant seeds. Sometimes the seeds do not take. Other times, sometimes years later, what we said to someone becomes meaningful. It is according to God's timing and no business of ours. I can think of two friends of mine from high school who said things about Jesus that stuck with me, though I didn't understand or accept them until almost 10 years later.

Types of Answers

There are many different types of answers to be given for different situations. Your answers should depend on the context of the question to be most effective. Listen carefully to the question or statement and make sure you understand it before you answer. Remember that the Holy Spirit is working within you, so don't panic and just try to listen.

Emotional/Personal

The root of a lot of questions are emotionally based. One of the most common questions is "how can a loving God allow evil things to happen?" Our instinct might be to start talking about the existence of good and evil and the nature of God. We could go back to the Garden of Eden and talk about original sin and its effects on the world. In some cases, this is the right way to go, but I believe more often, the question is not one of theology, but of the loving nature of God. The person may really be asking if God really does love His children.

For these types of questions, answers directed at the nature of God may be more fulfilling. The impact of Jesus' death on the cross and God's patience and mercy are probably the best answer.

Logical

Other questions are a bit more strait forward. Before I was saved, my questions revolved around the reliability of the bible. I had no interest in the love and mercy of God until I knew it was real. These types of questions often center on perceived discrepancies or contradictions in the bible, as well as its reliability.

Philisophical

Philosophical questions are often more focused on the purpose and methods of the bible. The questions may be centered on the person of God, the reason for our existence, or the nature of good and evil. Often, secular philosophy is brought in as a proof that biblical truth is relative. With these types of questions, we should focus on the proven character of God through scripture, the issue of original sin, and the absolute truth of the bible.

Hidden Questions

Some times the questions keep coming, or any answer you give just isn't enough. Often there is a hidden question or issue that is not directly brought out. Many people pose questions for the same purposes the Pharisees questioned Jesus: to test Him. Sometimes the person may not be willing to change their life and instead want to attempt to justify it. Other times the person may have had a bad experience with church and hypocrisy and simply want to try to discount Christianity through reasoning.

Try to find the root question when it is not apparent and address that. Remember, you often won't see any results of your answers and you may even feel that you were not successful. While it is important to understand the questions before giving an answer, it is also important to understand that you are not answering on your own accord, but she be lead by the Holy Spirit. If philosophy is not your thing and you have a philosophical question, to freeze up. Answer as you feel lead to do and let God handle it. Stay true to the word of God and do not compromise.

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. ( Matthew 28:19-20 )