“Ready Always to Give an Answer...”

As a member of God’s Church, it is only a matter of time be­­fore you are asked a question like this: “What is the name of the Church you attend?”

This is a simple question, but a query of this sort can open the door to an exciting conversation. How would you react in this situation? Do you dread the prospect or look forward to it?

The Bible specifically instructs us to be prepared for these scenarios. We are to “be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (I Pet. 3:15). But how do we become ready?

We will go over a basic primer to help you make the most of this opportunity when it presents itself.

Discerning the Motive

The first step toward being prepared to answer is determining why a person is asking questions. Is the interest sincere? Or is there an ulterior motive? Has natural curiosity been sparked by something you have said or done, generating a sincere desire to learn more about you and the Church you attend? Or does the person have a negative tone from the start?

It is essential to evaluate the demeanor and history of the person bringing the question. Has your relationship been cordial? Or is he someone known for debate—behavior God condemns (Rom. 1:29)?

If the interest seems positive, the stage is set for you to act as a representative—an ambassador (II Cor. 5:20)—for Jesus Christ, the Church, and God’s Kingdom.

On the other hand, if you detect a negative attitude in the questioner, you are faced with another decision. It is best framed by two proverbs that could, on their surface, appear contradictory: “Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like unto him. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit” (Prov. 26:4-5).

When questioned by a “fool,” a judgment must be made. Would answering him lower you to his level and reduce the conversation to a heated argument? If so, an answer is not necessary. It is best to end the conversation and move on.

However, if the individual is smug and believes an obviously wrong position is correct, a polite yet clear and resolute answer is in order.

The key is knowing how to correctly identify which circumstance applies. It can be challenging to tell.

In Matthew 7:6, Jesus stated, “Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast you your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.”

When asking a question, one must determine whether a man or woman has such an attitude—which the Bible likens to that of a “dog” or a “swine.”

Christ also instructed, “be you therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves” (Matt. 10:16). Wisdom is critically important in all interactions with other human beings, but perhaps most of all when we represent God’s Church in a direct way. Be sure to ask God for more wisdom in your prayers (Jms. 1:5).

Counsel for Wise Answers

Next, recognize that it is not your responsibility to convert someone who has merely asked a question. Only those called by God can understand spiritual knowledge (John 6:44). Trying to force more of the truth down someone’s throat than they are ready to receive is never productive!

Recognize that a simple question about your beliefs or clarification on a Church teaching is not an invitation to pour out an impromptu sermon or Bible study. It is best to focus on the question asked rather than adding other information that could confuse the individual or take them beyond their level of interest. Simply answering the question allows the conversation to develop naturally. A measured response may lead to additional questions.

Also, recognize that the tone of the conversation can begin well but may eventually take a turn for the worse. If this occurs, do not allow it to turn into an argument. If communication breaks down, you should “agree to disagree” and let the person know you answered his question to the best of your ability, and there is no value in discussing the matter further.

No matter how wrong the person’s beliefs may be, never intentionally provoke them to anger. Many proverbs are instructive on this topic. For example, “A soft answer turns away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger” (Prov. 15:1).

Realize that many of those who came into God’s Church in the past did so because of the examples of family members, friends, or co-workers. Consider the well-known saying: “You may be the only Bible some people ever read.” In other words, your conduct may be the only exposure some have to God’s true way of life.

Proverbs 11 states, “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that wins souls is wise” (vs. 30). Allow both these principles to direct your actions.

The apostle Paul expanded on the same theme: “For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; to them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some” (I Cor. 9:19-22).

While these verses primarily apply to the ministry, we all have a part to play in setting the right example for the people we interact with. We may or may not be used as a tool in God’s hands as He calls a particular person, but we must be sure not to hinder the process in any way. We should always strive to “win” or “gain” the respect of others through our wise answers and conduct.

Paul added, “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without…Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man” (Col. 4:5-6).

Common Questions

Questions can arise on many topics, but some subjects or doctrines are common gateways to a conversation about God’s Way. We will go over some sample questions and answers.

What follows should be used as a guide to help you answer these or similar questions. The goal is to be familiar enough with these answers to allow you to respond to a person in a relaxed and comfortable manner. (You should not, of course, memorize these answers and recite them verbatim.)

What is your religion? I am a member of The Restored Church of God, which is Christian.

What denomination is your Church? We trace our roots back to the first-century New Testament Church and are not affiliated with any denomination. We are the Church of God and simply call ourselves Christian.

What do you believe? We believe in the authority of the Bible, both the Old and New Testaments, and that Christians must live by every word of Scripture. We also believe that Jesus Christ came as our Savior and that we should follow His example.

If a person asks further questions about Old Testament laws, you may offer more information: Some civil and sacrificial laws in the Old Testament do not apply in the same way today. But even the apostle Paul stated that the ‘holy scriptures’—and he was referring to the Old Testament—can make us “wise unto salvation” (II Tim. 3:15).

Other answers to keep in mind when someone asks how the Church compares to other organizations: We keep the seventh-day Sabbath, but we are not Seventh-day Adventists. We practice tithing, but we are not Mormons. We do not observe traditional holidays like Christmas or Easter, but we are not Jehovah’s Witnesses. We keep the biblical Holy Days, such as those included in the Passover season, but we are not Jewish.

Can I visit your congregation? We always welcome new people attending with us, but the ministry of the Church asks that those interested first contact the Church and read some basic literature. This ensures that everyone attending is on the same page with fundamental understanding.

What do you believe the future holds? Our primary mission is to preach the gospel of God’s coming Kingdom. The word “gospel” means good news. We believe the entire world will soon experience peace and prosperity, and problems like disease, famine and corruption will be eliminated.

Approximately one-third of the Bible is prophecy. Some prophecies describe difficult times, yet a great many others contain fantastic news for all nations on Earth! (Note: This answer is especially effective for those who may erroneously believe we teach a “doomsday” message.)

Do you believe you go to heaven when you die? Jesus talked about eternal life throughout His teachings, but it will be on Earth. For example, in the gospels, He said, “The meek shall inherit the Earth.”

Why don’t you keep Christmas/Easter/Halloween? These days are not based on Scripture. For example, the single reference to “Easter” in the Bible is a mistranslation of the word Pascha or Passover. The customs involved with these holidays are rooted in nature worship and superstition and are forbidden by the God of the Bible.

Do you believe Jesus Christ is God? Yes, we do. Many verses, such as those in John 1, Hebrews 1, and elsewhere, plainly refer to Jesus as “God.” Even one of Christ’s names, Emmanuel, means “God with us.”

Why don’t you eat certain foods? Does this mean you are Jewish? We keep the dietary laws found in the Old Testament, which were never done away with. In addition, the health benefits of avoiding animals that the Bible calls “unclean” have been thoroughly documented by modern science. However, we do not practice all the added requirements involved with kosher food, as do many who practice the Jewish religion.

Do you believe in the trinity? We are not trinitarian. This doctrine did not appear until several hundred years after the New Testament Church was founded. The “proof texts” put forward in support of the trinity do not at all support this teaching when understood in their proper context.

Are you part of the Jehovah’s Witnesses or Latter-Day Saints (Mormons)? Though we have a doctrine or two similar to what these groups teach, we are vastly different from them and all other religious organizations—even those who also have the phrase “Church of God” in their corporate names. We are not affiliated with any other group.

Is your Church a cult? Note: Whenever someone asks this question, it is helpful to have them clarify what is meant by the term “cult.” People often use this word when they do not understand certain aspects of our beliefs. Once they identify what makes them think you are in a cult, address that specific concern.

You could add that even the first-century Church established by Christ would be considered a cult because religious authorities did not formally recognize it (see Acts 24:14).

In addition, you could state: I understand that some will not agree with my beliefs, but I strive to simply believe what Jesus Christ taught and follow what God teaches through His Word.

For every answer to the above questions, knowing the doctrines of the Church is critical to providing sound answers. Being asked about our beliefs can serve as a type of pop quiz.

Take a moment to reflect on your past experiences answering these types of questions. How have you performed so far?

Rising to the Challenge

Effectively answering these questions requires being close to God: “The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord” (Prov. 16:1).

Ask God to inspire the answers you give. You can make this a regular part of your prayers, but you can also silently cry out to him during any unexpected difficult conversation that may arise. Also, if you know ahead of time that you will be speaking to a family member or co-worker who is likely to ask about your beliefs, ask Him to guide those interactions. It is also helpful to review the basics of certain doctrines before entering a situation where specific topics will likely arise (e.g., funerals and visiting family around the holidays).

We can also be thankful for a tremendous advantage in this age: the ability to direct interested people to a massive archive of literature, audio, and video material on the Church’s website! If a person is genuinely interested, it may be natural at a certain point to say something like, “If you would like to learn more about this, you should visit rcg.org. You will find an extensive library of free literature, as well as The Real Truth magazine and The World to Come video program. These provide far more detail on virtually any Bible topic you can think of than I can explain in conversation.”

Understand that, ultimately, much of what we believe will not be well-received by those not being called by God. (Read Romans 8:7.) A desire for popularity and acceptance should never drive your thinking. However, consider the example of Christ Himself: “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52).

The word translated “favor” can also be defined as graciousness. Though He was continually in Satan’s crosshairs and would eventually be hated and crucified, Jesus did earn favor with human beings for a time, allowing Him to finish the work that the Father gave Him to do.

That said, we should never be apologetic about what we believe! This puts us in danger of falling into the following category: “Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of Me and of My words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of Man be ashamed, when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels” (Mark 8:38). Instead, those who cling to error are the ones who should be apologizing!

Solomon described giving the right words at the right time in a beautifully picturesque way: “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver” (Prov. 25:11). Could you be used as a vessel to present these precious gifts to another person? Will you be “ready always to give an answer”?

With preparation and God’s help, you can be!