List of Issues with the Message: Difference between revisions

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==What does the Bible say about sincere questions?==
==What does the Bible say about sincere questions?==


[[Reason and the Message#Jesus' reaction to someone who questioned him|What did Jesus say about asking questions?]]
Read our article on [[Reason and the Message#Jesus' reaction to someone who questioned him|What Jesus had to say about asking questions?]]


The Book of Acts contains numerous examples of Paul reasoning with the Jews in their synagogues about the Messiah. Paul was dealing with tough questions being put to him by Jews that did not believe the message of Christ.
The Book of Acts contains numerous examples of Paul reasoning with the Jews in their synagogues about the Messiah. Paul was dealing with tough questions being put to him by Jews that did not believe the message of Christ.


When someone comes to us with a tough question, how are we supposed to respond?
When someone comes to us with a tough question, how are we supposed to respond? Peter gives us the answer in 1 Peter 3:15 (shown below from several translations):


:''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...<ref>1 Peter 3:15-16 (KJV)</ref>
:KJV - ''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...<ref>1 Peter 3:15-16 (KJV)</ref>




:''...but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, '''always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you''', yet with gentleness and reverence...<ref>1 Peter 3:15-16 (NASB)</ref>
:''NASB - ...but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, '''always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you''', yet with gentleness and reverence...<ref>1 Peter 3:15-16 (NASB)</ref>




:''Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And '''if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it'''.  But do this in a gentle and respectful way.<ref>1 Peter 3:15-16 (NLT)</ref>
:NLT - ''Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And '''if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it'''.  But do this in a gentle and respectful way.<ref>1 Peter 3:15-16 (NLT)</ref>


I am not sure why those in our church did not seem to believe or practice this verse, but we have found this attitude through out the message - message believers refuse to answer, or even discuss, our questions in an open and honest manner.
I am not sure why those in our church did not seem to believe or practice this verse, but we have found this attitude through out the message - message believers refuse to answer, or even discuss, our questions in an open and honest manner.