The Elements of a Good Defense
We must respond to anti-Christian accusations against us with a respectful, positive, and well-reasoned defense, doing all we can to represent Christ in a dignified manner.
Opposition
The Kinds of Opposition to Expect
We can expect in our day all sorts of opposition for being faithful to Christ and biblical truth, but we must remember our calling and courageously endure whatever comes our way.
Anticipating Culture’s Mob Mentality
We need wisdom to discern the larger movements of society that rise up with hostility against the gospel and the values of God, knowing the Holy Spirit is graciously at work to defend us.
When It Disrupts Our Lives
We must always regard the gospel’s power to transform lives, even while it elicits bitter rejection and hostility from others.
Enduring Slanderous Attacks
As messengers and representatives of the gospel we will experience unjust and costly opposition, in which we should continue to entrust ourselves to our powerful Savior.
Life’s Opposition
Many Christians assume that if God really loves us, he will fill our lives with good feelings, satisfied desires and things that make us happy. That may be a common assumption, but it certainly isn’t what God told us he’d do. The Bible is clear that for now…
Divine Authority
We must never forget that it is the omnipotent God who enlists each of us to serve him and advance his truth in our generation.
And Our Suffering
Being faithful and obedient to Christ in a fallen culture will always come with painful consequences for which we should be prepared and be willing to gladly endure for Christ’s sake.
Praying for Courage
We must draw together with other Christians to find strength as we ask our sovereign God to grant us courage and boldness in our evangelism.
Resolved to Keep Speaking
In view of our divine mandate to take the saving message of the gospel to our generation, we must solemnly resolve to keep speaking up for Christ regardless of the pressure to do otherwise.
Expecting Opposition
We must keep the prize of Christ’s growing and victorious church in view as we courageously incur any of the adverse consequences of engaging in the good fight of promoting the gospel in our generation.
When Our Light Shines in the Darkness
We must always remember that the biblical Jesus is an offense to the world so that we can remain joyful and resolute when our alliance and loyalty to him cause conflicts with non-Christians.
Unfazed by Sovereign Challenges
In the work of reaching people with the gospel we should expect painful betrayals and apostasies, but we should never lose heart, knowing God is working through us to advance his kingdom just as he planned.
Purpose Fulfilled
We should boldly, confidently, and prayerfully trust God is working out a good plan in utilizing our lives in a specific way for his glory regardless of how daunting the opposition might be.
Unmet Expectations
Knowing many people are interested in Christ for all the wrong reasons, we must be vigilant about maintaining a thoroughly biblical view of God and the Christian life amid all voices to the contrary.
The Ongoing Betrayal
Spiritual defection and apostasy should rightly concern and even anger us, leading us to personal vigilance and a thoughtful ministry of strong encouragement in the lives of others.
The Turbulent Intermission
We ought to expect a turbulent and hostile experience as we seek to stand with Christ and advance his cause in this world, remaining resolute, unafraid, and confident in God’s promise of ultimate deliverance.
Encountering Unjust Criticism
Because following Christ and living for him will inevitably give rise to criticism and slander, we must prayerfully discern when to respond and how to answer with wisdom and integrity.
Cynicism
We must understand some of the motives of those who react cynically and skeptically to the gospel, responding to them with gentleness and respect but never devoid of urgency.
Dealing with Objections
We need to be prepared to wisely respond to the variety of objections we are sure to face when we step out to represent Christ in our daily lives.
Trusting God When Your Back's Against the Wall
When problems, pressures or people are pitted against you and they threaten to do you harm, make sure you’re right with God, focus on him and leave your opponents for him to deal with.
Getting Over Our Feelings to Share the Good News
Feeling awkward or even scared when talking about the gospel is normal, even expected, but we have to power through the feelings to be obedient representatives of the most important message in the world.
