“But in your hearts, set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15 [NIV]).
These Scriptural directives from 1 Peter 3:15 have been the driving force and inspiration for us in writing this Bible Study. Following the verse’s intent, we desire to share some of the background information about the truth and strength of the Christian faith, and to help Christians learn to ardently and honestly share their faith with others, all with an attitude of gentleness and respect. Author and college professor John Powell remarked, “The genius of communication is the ability to be both totally honest and totally kind at the same time.” It is this “genius” that we would like to strive for: to be “totally honest” about what God and the Bible has to say to us as Christians, while remembering to be “totally kind” at the same time.
Bible studies differ as to intent, content, format, tone, and style. Some are topical studies, searching Scripture for information and enlightenment on one particular subject, while others are more broad-reaching studies, delving into Scripture to help provide an overview of the general essence of the Word that God desires to write on our hearts. Several authors have written books which utilize this second type of study in a wonderful way, and we hope to join their efforts by making this Be Ready to Give an Answer Bible study available to you.
As any small-group leader knows, selecting thought-provoking, relevant study material for a group can be daunting. We found that no study book was available that approached our topic in the way we desired to explore it. After much prayer and thought, we decided to do our best to publish and deliver an intensely engaging, workbook-style study book which could be used by small-group Bible studies, regardless of gender, Christian denomination, or stages of the individuals’ faith. The goal of our study is to bring Christians to a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ, to broaden each student’s understanding of the reasons behind their faith, and to encourage them to broaden their witness to the world.
As Christians, we long to be ready to give the reason for the hope that we have. Yet, regardless of time and experience in our faith, we too often feel inadequate or even defeated by a perceived lack of ability to put our faith and reasons for belief into words to share with others. Various study groups who have already completed the Be Ready to Give an Answer study book continue to express their appreciation for the powerful impact it has had on their lives, and their dialogue continues with God as each student digs deeper and deeper into the reasons behind their faith. Equally encouraging, the students are becoming increasingly confident in their witness to each other and to the world!
Please see the Study Format for further details regarding the Be Ready to Give an Answer study, or return to Be Ready to Give an Answer.