Chuck Coleson reported in his BreakPoint commentary on April 19, 2001 what J.P. Moreland once said when asked the question, “Can you give me five pieces of solid circumstantial evidence that convince you Jesus rose from the dead?” J.P. Moreland answered saying, “First, there’s the evidence of the skeptics.  Some of those who were most hostile to Jesus prior to his death became his most ardent supporters afterwards.  Second, the ancient Jews had a number of immensely important religious rituals.  These included the offering of animal sacrifices, obeying the Mosaic Law, and keeping the Sabbath.  But within five weeks of Jesus’ death, more than 10,000 Jews had suddenly altered or abandoned these rituals.  Why would they relinquish rites that had long given them their national identity?  The implication is that something enormously significant had occurred.  Third, we see the emergence of new rituals: the sacraments of communion and baptism.  The early Jews baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, which meant they had elevated Jesus to the full status of God.  Fourth, we see the rapid rise of a new church, beginning shortly after the death of Jesus.  Within twenty years, this new church begun by the companions of a dead carpenter had reached Caesar’s palace in Rome, and eventually spread throughout the Roman Empire.  And fifth, there’s the most convincing circumstantial evidence of all: the fact that every one of Jesus’ disciples was willing to suffer and die for his beliefs.  These men spent the rest of their lives witnessing about Christ.  They frequently went without food; they were mocked, beaten and thrown into prison.  In the end, all but one died a painful martyr’s death.  Would they have done this for a lie?  Of course not, they did it because they were convinced beyond a doubt that they had seen the risen Christ.” 

Recently, I’ve been taking a graduate school class at Moody Bible Institute on Apologetics. Apologetics as defined by Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary is, “A branch of theology devoted to the defense of the divine origin and authority of Christianity.’’  Through apologetics one can be ready like J.P. Moreland was to answer questions about why they believe Christianity is true or that challenge the Christian faith.  There have been a lot of books written on apologetics and I’m convinced that it’s a lifelong process of learning answers to the tough questions to provide educated responses.  Even the apostles did this as they defended the faith against Gnostics, Judaizers and the Greco-Roman world. 

Kenneth Richard Samples in his book, Without a Doubt writes about three things a Christian must do to be prepared for apologetics.  First, one must “cultivate the mind to the glory of God.” Second, one must “offer thoughtful and winsome answers to people’s questions” and third, one must “focus study on the best sources for consistent, truthful and solidly biblical answers.” It’s my opinion that as we learn to share our faith better we should also learn to defend our faith as well.  When God brings us an opportunity to share our beliefs we should be prepared to be able to answer the difficult questions that may be holding one back from making a faith decision.  If one has their questions answered logically and thoroughly one can then move past what is holding them back from making a faith decision in Jesus Christ.  Remember too as you share your faith that it’s not you who need to convict but it is the Holy Spirit that does all the convicting for us.  As you educate yourself through dedicated study and also learn to share your faith through your personal testimony and the Gospel story God will bring you opportunities to share your faith and will guide your words through His Holy Spirit.  Every Christian can be a bold witness for Christ and God will open doors of communication if we’re ready to be used by Him.