Being an apologist.

A dear friend left, today, to travel to her home country of Poland. She has not been a disciple of Jesus for a very long time, and has asked friends to pray that she might be: "... an example with my behavior, my words and my deeds, for His glory. My deep desire and hope is that I can be and remain a great witness of what Jesus did in me and how He has changed me ..."

That, of course, should be the prayer of every disciple of Jesus, whoever they are; wherever they are; and regardless of how long they have been walking the Christian way.

So what is the best reason we can give to anyone who asks why we have accepted the Lord Jesus as our Saviour? How may we, most persuasively, bear witness to our faith? "Always be ready", urged the apostle Peter, "to give an answer to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you,    ..." (I Peter 3:15). The Greek word translated "answer" in that quotation, is the word "apologian" - "apology"! However, this is not a weak-kneed excuse from a quivering person who merely wants to keep out of trouble! The word refers to a convincing argument in support of the position that one holds. 

For a long time, I have found it interesting that while "evangelist" is a gift of the Lord Jesus to the church (see Eph.4:11), we are all called to be witnesses! It is not a gift - it is a direct command! (see  Acts 1:8). The only option I have is to be a good witness - or a bad one! Of course, as I witness "with my behaviour, my words and my deeds,", I am being an apologist for the Faith! Please don't think that you have to be a member of the clergy; a theologian; a Bible teacher; or whatever in order "... to give an answer to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, ..." You can bear witness to the the truth and power of the Gospel message. Your own life can be the best argument in support of your faith in the Lord Jesus, the Christ, to anyone who asks why you believe what you believe. You can share how He has changed you; how He continues to guide you; how He walks with you.

One word of warning! The Greek word translated "witness" in Acts 1:8 is the word "martures" - from which we get the English language word "martyr". Yes, as our brothers and sisters in the persecuted church in some sixty countries who suffer for the Gospel in ways that I am unable to comprehend, do so, it is because of their constant witness!

Are you a good witness for Jesus? Am I? we may not be preachers, or teachers, or evangelists. We are witnesses!