Knowing God’s Word

“It’s nice to see a Christian who knows the Bible.” Those were the words I heard mid-conversation when two Jehovah’s Witnesses came to my door the other week.

When I answered the knock, two kind women stood there and asked if they could talk to me about Jesus. “Absolutely,” I said. Immediately, they turned their reading device toward me and began pointing to a passage in the Gospel of John. “Wait a minute,” I said, “let me go get my Bible.” I know that some groups use their own translation or version of Scripture, and while many passages may appear similar, others are rendered or framed in ways that shape interpretation according to their doctrinal system.

Over the next ten to fifteen minutes, we stood on my front porch going through Scripture. And while the conversation was respectful and we made the effort to listen to each other’s position, it was clear we were not going to land this plane. I finally said, “Ladies, I perceive that you are women of faith pursuing a holy God. How about this, the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth. Let’s all pray that the Spirit of truth leads us into truth in this hour.” They thanked me and left.

The next day, my daughter came back from a run and mentioned that Mormon missionaries were at my elderly neighbor’s house. She said they were there when she left and still there when she returned. I just sighed deeply.

Open the Door

I used to quickly say, “No thanks,” and move on from these types of visits. Now I see them through a different lens.

These groups are out there going door to door, often showing up when people are home, in a season where statistics show loneliness is widespread and on epidemic proportions, and fear about the future is at an all-time high. People are searching for answers. They’re searching for hope. And these groups are stepping into that space offering answers, and they are often making headway.

When they come to my door, yes, it becomes an opportunity to speak the truth of Christ with them, but I learned that it also sharpens me. It reminds me to be familiar with what I believe, and why I believe it. It also helps me familiarize myself with their talking points and what they are sharing with others, so if I ever have a conversation with a neighbor who has been visited, I can speak truth into what they’ve heard.

Know What You Believe and Why

“It’s nice to see a Christian who knows the Bible.” I’ll be honest, that comment stung a bit. Partly because she’s right, but also because I know many believers who do know what God’s Word says. Obviously, she must have experience with the former.

Groups like Jehovah’s Witnesses, and Mormon missionaries for example, are well trained when they go door to door. They know how to start conversations. They’ve visited countless homes. They know the common objections and the usual verses Christians turn to, and they are prepared to respond. This shouldn’t intimidate us; rather, it should stir us and convict us. We cannot afford to be unfamiliar with the Word of God. We must know what we believe, and why, and be comfortable having a conversation about it. Jesus, after all, called us His witnesses.

So I want to encourage you, open your Bible again. Spend time in it. Seek Him in it. Study it. Meditate on it. Wrestle through it. Know what you believe and why you believe it. Let the Word dwell in you deeply so that when opportunity comes, whether on your porch or in everyday life, you are ready, not with argument, but with clarity, conviction, and the Spirit of truth guiding your words.

I leave you with these words from Peter:

In your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil (1 Peter 3:15-17 ESV).

God Bless You Today,

Carole