By Dr. Don Bierle, FaithSearch President

Ask any Christian who has lost a believing loved one to the tragedy of death. The resurrection of Jesus is their source of comfort and even joy. Jesus Himself assured us: “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies…” (John 11:25).

Part Four: “My INVITATION”

By Dr. Don Bierle, FaithSearch President

My INVITATION: “I invite you to become a follower of Jesus”

Several years ago a friend shared an experience which revealed the importance of this fourth step of “A 3:15 Response” [featured in the past three issues of the Paraclete]. He was trying to help an unbeliever come to faith in Jesus. Over time he had told his own story of faith; explained the Christian worldview and the reasons it is true; all of this, but without a response from his friend. 

Part Three: “My REASONS”

By Dr. Don Bierle, FaithSearch President

“Why do you believe in God?” the atheist may ask. Skeptics often challenge Christian believers with the questions, “Why do you trust the Bible?” and “Why do you believe that Jesus is God.” Even family members may ask, “How can I know there is life after death?” Your answers (or lack thereof!) to these why questions is “My Reasons.” It is part three of a series I call “A 3:15 Response,” which has appeared in recent issues of this publication. 

The True Thanksgiving Spirit

My Bible has a caption over Psalm 100, “A Psalm for Thanksgiving.” Verses four and five are familiar to many of us:

Enter His gates with thanksgiving, And His courts with praise.
Give thanks to Him; bless His name.
For the Lord is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting,
And His faithfulness to all generations.

Part Two: “My WORLDVIEW”

By Dr. Don Bierle, FaithSearch President

FaithSearch International exists to extend the Gospel with evidence to all peoples everywhere. In 1 Peter 3:15 the apostle expresses how to be an effective witness to people whose minds are shaped by secular thinking. In the last two issues of the Paraclete I began explaining the components of what I am calling “A 3:15 Response.” In this issue I will expand on the second component.

My WORLDVIEW: “These are the ingredients which help me to think like Jesus.”

Part One: “My STORY”

By Dr. Don Bierle, FaithSearch President

In the June issue of the Paraclete, I introduced the inspired instruction of the apostle Peter to first-century Christians who were facing a secular Roman culture:

Simply reverence the Lord Christ in your hearts, and always have your answer ready for people who ask you the reason for the hope that you all have. But give it with courtesy and respect and with a clear conscience…

(1 Peter 3:15, JB)

Christians in America today are confronted with a similar situation. To be effective witnesses for the Good News of Jesus we will also need to make a “3:15 Response.” There are four components of this response. In this issue, I will detail the first one. 

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