Minister’s Message

BARTON ON SEA

METHODIST CHURCH

From the Manse.

 

Dear Friends

Text Box: Jesus commands us to proclaim the gospel and make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:19). So most Christians are aware of their responsibility to try to reach the people around them with God's message. However, there is another dimension often neglected in evangelism; namely, the defence of the gospel. The gospel urges us to contend for the faith as well, just as the first Christians consistently offered reasoned defences of their faith before unbelievers. Giving reasons for our faith (apologetics) is not an option. Rather, it is an essential element of our Christian witness. In the first century world, Peter told believers to "always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have...with gentleness and respect" (1 Pet. 3:15). Only by meeting honest objections with faith answers can we take fulfil the call of Christ. Paul, too, vigorously defended the gospel charging others to do the same (2 Tim. 2:23-26). The need for apologetics today is crucial – oh and never think that an apologetic is someone who apologizes for their faith. We are most certainly not called to do that! Let us remember that we are living in a post-Christian era with a host of worldviews vying continuously for people's commitments and, indeed, for their very lives. We must face these challenges head-on and then the Holy Spirit will use apologetic arguments as vehicles for clarifying the truth of God's Word. Not everyone finds sharing their faith easy in daily life but just as the Scout Motto is: BE PREPARED (being in a state of readiness in mind and body to do your duty). We too have a duty to be prepared to share the Good News of the Gospel and that might mean we have to plan a sentence or two ready to use at a God-given opportunity. If sometimes you get tongue-tied then I suggest you have a little rehearsal before going out and then when someone asks you about your faith you have a straightforward reply ready. Don’t try to make it complicated and clever, just genuine and heart-felt. God asks us to be faithful to His call, then the Holy Spirit will do the rest. God bless you, Ros