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Print all In new window Evangelism Challenge # 6: Defend the Truth
A stranger asked a preacher what the church of Christ believes. The preacher said that the congregation where he attends is a group that simply tries to follow the Bible without adding to it or taking away from it.
The man said, “In other words, you’re Orthodox” (he was Greek Orthodox), to which the preacher responded patiently and with a smile, “Well, I like to think that we’re just Scriptural.” He explained that churches of Christ have no headquarters and that he couldn’t speak for what other churches of Christ do or believe.
The gentleman respectfully inquired whether people in the church of Christ are “Campbellites.” The preacher said no and again tried to help him understand that the Bible is their sole guide.
The man said that his aunt that was “church o’ Christ” and that she believed that the only real Christians are in that church. The preacher responded that God is the judge and that it wasn’t her place to flatly condemn everybody else. That’s as far as the conversation progressed.
There is no perfect response in these kinds of situations. The goal is to explain the truth with a balance of boldness and humility.
So here’s your new evangelism challenge: next time your faith is challenged, DEFEND THE TRUTH. Do it with “gentleness and respect” (1 Pet. 3:15) and without being pushy — but do it. If you’re afraid, that’s normal. But don’t let that stop you. Remember that God will be with you because you’re doing His will.
Bible Quiz
1. What judge defeated the Midianites with an army of only 300 men?
a. Shamgar
b. Gideon
c. Samson
d. Abimelech
2. What Old Testament book prophesies Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem?
a. Micah
b. Malachi
c. Isaiah
d. Zechariah
3. “But when the ________ of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might ________ those who were under the Law, that we might receive the ________ as sons.”
Scrambled answer key:
3. fullness, redeem, adoption (Gal. 4:4). 1. b. (Jgs. 6). 2. a. (Mic. 5:2)
