But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. 1 Peter 3:14-17

The motto of the Boy Scouts is “Always Be Prepared” this principle was probably adopted from the Bible , as the Apostle Peter teaches us to “always be ready to give an answer to everyone that asks” The question or challenge for today is are you ready to give an answer about your faith in Jesus Christ?

Many Christians have this mentality its only the Pastors job to know the Bible or the Youth Pastor to teach our children, but according to the Bible we are all responsible for knowing our Bible. Part of your calling as a Christian is to be able to go out into the world and evangelize. I was talking to a Pastor who was leading multiple Churches at the time and he told me he’s not an evangelist just a Pastor. I believe the “Great Commision” (Matthew 28:19) was commanded by Christ for all of us, make disciples of everyone and baptize in the name of the Triune God

Now if you are a Christian, and someone challenges your faith, do you have an answer or reason for your faith in Christ? As the Apostle Peter says “that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you” Why are you a Christian? Why does Christ give you hope? Why should an Atheist believe? These are basic fundamental questions, however you should know how to share your faith. This is why the gospel message should be central to our teaching and preaching, because the gospel is the foundation of our hope and faith.

So how can you be prepared to always give an answer? Read your Bible daily, sounds simple but many Christians lack discipline in daily study of the Word. You can’t give an answer if you don’t know the answer, and the answers are in your Bible. Next, learn under mature Christians. Find a good Bible based Church, learn from their Pastor or elders, fellowship with other Christians, start of join a Bible study, ask alot of questions to reliable mature Christians. As the Bible says “Iron sharpens Iron” (Proverbs 27:17)

Make sure to have a strong prayer life, if we want to know more about God, we need to draw closer to God by prayer. Make prayer an essential part of your life,  not only having a personal prayer life but also praying with other Born Again believers. Another thing that is essential is to be obedient to the Holy Spirit, so many Christian have “quenched the Holy Spirit” (Ephesians 4:30) Remember that Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to be our teacher and guide (John 14:26) To neglect the Holy Spirit is to neglect the wisdom of God, lean on the Holy Spirit, the spirit of truth (John 15:26)

If an Atheist asks you why you believe in God, can you give an answer? Always be prepared to share your testimony, to share the good news of Jesus Christ, to give an honest reason why you are a disciple of Christ, Amen!