In season and out, the Bible says we should always be prepared to give a reason for the hope we have in Christ. First, what does that mean? My hope in Christ means that I believe what the Bible says about Jesus of Nazareth: that He was born to a virgin (Mary), that He lived a sinless life, He performed miracles, He taught about loving and serving our fellow man, He was crucified, He died, and He rose again. Furthermore, no one "took" His life, but He freely gave it as the ultimate and complete sacrifice for our sins. In doing so, Christ paid the price of sin (death) so that we could be reconciled to God the Father. Put simply, this means He made it so that we can enjoy eternal life in Heaven rather than be separated from God for all eternity...paying for our own sins in the torment of Hell.

And so, this gift of Salvation is free. Yes, it's free to anyone who wishes to accept it. Nothing complicated about that. We simply choose to believe that Jesus was and is the Son of God, that He did these things to purchase our Salvation for us, because we cannot earn it on our own. In believing this, we not only accept His free gift of eternal life, we also show our faith outwardly by doing our best to live according to His Word. This doesn't mean we never sin, but it does mean that we should try to avoid sin. The trap of sin is to lure us in a little at a time, and before we know it, sin has taken over our lives. This is where sinful acts turn into a sinful lifestyle. We are to resist the power of sin, not allowing it to take control. Christ gives us the power to overcome the sinful nature of our flesh...all we must do is ask. In accepting Him as our Saviour, we take on that power and are no longer to be slaves to sin. Plus, we know that if we stumble and commit a sin, Jesus is in our corner and ready to forgive us when we simply turn from that sin and ask Him for help.

This is the "Good News" of Christianity. Some people want to make it a more complicated issue. It's really not. This is "the hope we have in Christ" that we, as Christians, are supposed to always be ready to give reason for. So, why do I believe? Why Christianity rather than Buddhism or Islam or any other religion? Let's examine the question, and then I'll give you MY answer...

First, let me say that Christianity is NOT a "religion." What? Yep, that's exactly right. Instead, Christianity is a relationship. It's all about being created by God, then falling from His Grace (when Adam sinned in the garden), and needing a Saviour to get us back in good standing with God. He's a holy God, righteous to the end. When man first sinned, he became separated from God. Mankind could no longer "walk with Him" because sin cannot stand in the presence of a holy God. That's why Jesus came, to restore the relationship between God and man. Other "religions" focus on man needing to earn his way into paradise. No other faith is based in Salvation being a "gift" to be accepted, but rather as something to be attained somehow. That's one thing that makes Christianity different from any of the religions out there. Again, it's all about our relationship with God...being able to speak with Him anytime, which He encourages us to do.

Secondly, no religion on this planet has been able to do what Christianity has. Look at countries of the world whose nations are predominantly Buddhist...or Islamic...or Hindu...or whatever. Think about how those places compare to ours in freedom. How do they compare to the US economically? How do they compare to England or other nations which are predominantly Christian? Indeed, America was founded on Godly principles found in the Bible. More than 200 years later, she still stands. Things may have gotten shaky here some in recent years, but I submit that this has only happened because our country has strayed from its Christian foundation. No other nation has weathered the storms that ours has and survived. I believe this is due to the majority of Americans remaining firm in their faith in God.

Now, if this isn't enough, would you still like to know why I believe in Christ? While some believe in "fate," I choose to believe in God. Fate indicates that no one is really in control, and things will just happen at random. I find it comforting to know that God is in control, and that He loves me so much He sent His Son to die for my sins. Comfort...there's one reason. I know that my Creator cares for me. In this sinful world where terrible things can happen, my faith in Him brings me the comfort of knowing that He's in control. If His will is to protect me, I'm safe from any and all harm. If His will is to take me home to Heaven, then so be it. I'm assured eternal life after this body dies. Yeah, that IS comforting. But, this is not a "blind faith." There's more to it than that.

I also have very real and tangible reasons for my faith. As if that peace of mind thing resulting from the aformentioned "comfort" factor wasn't enough either. No, another reason I believe is because of my own experiences with Him. These range from personal healing to times when I felt His presence. Nothing short of a miracle, I was healed a few years back of a lump in my neck. The growth was inside my neck and protruding out one side. It had been getting bigger for two or three weeks, and I was very concerned that it might be cancerous. One Wednesday night, my brother had the people of our church pray for me. The following Sunday morning, I went to church and was able to rejoice at being completely healed! The growth was just GONE. Then there are the numerous occasions when I have been worshipping the Lord and felt His awesome presence. More than just some fit of emotionalism, those times I've spent in His midst are simply more incredible than I know how to put into words.

A wise old preacher once said, "The man with an experience is never at the mercy of the man with an argument." This is so true. Because of my own experience with Jesus, I can never be swayed by the arguments of those who would try to disprove, discredit, or deny Him. These and other more personal reasons are why I believe and have my hope in Christ. Have you ever stopped to think about what you believe...and why? I don't ask this out of haughtiness, but out of sincerity. I'm by no means perfect. I'm not gonna win any awards for being the most righteous man in my town. I'm probably not even that great a Christian. But I understand that, in my imperfection, I will fail...but I have that promise of Salvation, that gift from Jesus, and all I must do is ask His forgiveness and turn from my sin...He is always faithful to do what He promised. Perhaps the best reason I have for my faith in God is that He has never let me down. Man will fail you, so don't place all your trust in a man. Jesus never fails, so my trust is in Him.

Know Jesus, Know Peace.
No Jesus, No Peace.

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