BIBLE BULLETS – 36

Genesis 1:1

When the Apostle Peter wrote to the persecuted churches spread broadly around the Roman empire, he included this statement. “If you should suffer for righteousness, you are blessed. Do not fear them or be intimidated … but (be) ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:14-15). Peter wanted those in his generation, and in ours, to have a ready response for those who would question our allegiance. Be ready to give an answer!

If you are asked to defend your faith, are you ready?

Suppose a coworker asks you to explain how you can hope and trust in something you can’t see or touch. Maybe your friend demands, “prove the existence of your invisible deity!”

In the opening line of Holy Scripture, we read: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). The Bible doesn’t seek to prove what is obvious, undeniable, self-evident! “In the beginning God…”

Paul argued: “What can be known about God is evident among them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, that is, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen since the creation of the world, being understood through what he has made. As a result, people are without excuse” (Romans 1:19–20).

When the leaves are rustling in the trees, we know that the wind is blowing. We can’t see the wind, but we don’t doubt its existence.

Consider a beautiful painting. The paint doesn’t just jump onto the canvas! The art requires the existence of an artist. It’s disingenuous for anyone to say, “There is no God.” Creation proves the existence of a Creator.

So, be ready to “give a defense.” Remember the opening line. “In the beginning God…”

“… think on these things” (Philippians 4:8, KJV).