Decoding The Da Vinci Code (Conclusion)
“Honor Christ and let him be the Lord of your life. Always be ready to give an answer when someone asks you about your hope. Give a kind and respectful answer and keep your conscience clear. This way you will make people ashamed for saying bad things about your good conduct as a follower of Christ.” (1 Peter 3:15-16, Contemporary English Version)
As we conclude our discussion on The Da Vinci Code, now what? Let us always remember that The Da Vinci Code is neither the first nor the last attack against Christianity. So, what do we do next?
First, we need to develop the right aptitude. We need to be competent. “Always be ready to give an answer when someone asks you about your hope.” We have to know what and why we believe. Learn how to study the Bible on your own. Don’t be content with what others say about what the Bible says. Dig into the Word yourself. “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15, New Int’l Version) In view of that, after the Everyday Commandment series in our Adult Sunday School, we will start a new series called Foundations. It’s a doctrinal series from Saddleback church of Dr. Rick Warren, author of The Purpose Driven Life. I pray that you would commit to attend.
Second, we need to be careful in our approach. We need to be compassionate. “Give a kind and respectful answer and keep your conscience clear.” A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still. We must be careful not ram the Bible down the throats of people. We win hearts not by arguing but by speaking the truth in love. Our goal is not to win debates but to win souls. For people do not care how much we know unless they know much we care.
Third, we need to have the right attitude. We need to be committed. “Honor Christ and let him be the Lord of your life… This way you will make people ashamed for saying bad things about your good conduct as a follower of Christ.” We study the Bible not just to increase our knowledge but to change our lives. The Bible is not just for information but for transformation. We defend our faith to glorify God and not to impress people. And the best defense for the faith is a changed life.
On a personal note, I would like to thank all of you for praying that God would heal my youngest son, Derek. He was confined due to a viral infection. He got out of the hospital last Wednesday. Please continue praying for full recovery. Truly God is good!
As we conclude our discussion on The Da Vinci Code, now what? Let us always remember that The Da Vinci Code is neither the first nor the last attack against Christianity. So, what do we do next?
First, we need to develop the right aptitude. We need to be competent. “Always be ready to give an answer when someone asks you about your hope.” We have to know what and why we believe. Learn how to study the Bible on your own. Don’t be content with what others say about what the Bible says. Dig into the Word yourself. “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15, New Int’l Version) In view of that, after the Everyday Commandment series in our Adult Sunday School, we will start a new series called Foundations. It’s a doctrinal series from Saddleback church of Dr. Rick Warren, author of The Purpose Driven Life. I pray that you would commit to attend.
Second, we need to be careful in our approach. We need to be compassionate. “Give a kind and respectful answer and keep your conscience clear.” A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still. We must be careful not ram the Bible down the throats of people. We win hearts not by arguing but by speaking the truth in love. Our goal is not to win debates but to win souls. For people do not care how much we know unless they know much we care.
Third, we need to have the right attitude. We need to be committed. “Honor Christ and let him be the Lord of your life… This way you will make people ashamed for saying bad things about your good conduct as a follower of Christ.” We study the Bible not just to increase our knowledge but to change our lives. The Bible is not just for information but for transformation. We defend our faith to glorify God and not to impress people. And the best defense for the faith is a changed life.
On a personal note, I would like to thank all of you for praying that God would heal my youngest son, Derek. He was confined due to a viral infection. He got out of the hospital last Wednesday. Please continue praying for full recovery. Truly God is good!
