Have you ever been asked a biblical question that perplexed you or caused you panic by not knowing the answer? Do you shy away from conversations about Christianity or the Bible because you are afraid of being put on the spot without anything to offer in return?
We may not be Bible scholars or experts in theology as believers. But we do not have to fear people’s questions or assume we need all the answers before talking to others about our faith.
Here are a few tips to help equip you for the times when you are caught off-guard by someone’s inquiry without knowing the answer:
Be Honest. There is nothing wrong with saying, “That is a really great question! I don’t have the answer to it, but I will do some research and get back to you as soon as possible.” Then follow through with your commitment in a reasonable amount of time.
Ask Them Questions. Respond to their difficult question with a question. For example, let’s say someone asks you, “How can a loving God send people to hell?” You can respond by saying, “What is it about that issue that bothers you?” Or you can say, “Who do you think should end up in hell and why?” You can also ask them, “Is this issue the only thing keeping you from becoming a Christian?” Asking response questions can often identify their core concern and help you present the gospel.
Arrange a Time to “Compare Notes.” You can always suggest you both research the question, then arrange a time to discuss your findings together. This approach gives you time to prepare a biblically sound answer and provide Scriptural evidence for what you discover, using the Bible as the benchmark for absolute truth.
Ultimately, the best way to prepare yourself for answering Bible questions is to familiarize yourself with the Bible in advance. Nothing replaces reading and studying God’s Word regularly. As you get into God’s Word, God’s Word gets into you, and the Holy Spirit will trigger a recall of what you have previously read when asked about it later by others.
Here is a list of helpful resources to assist you in finding answers to difficult questions:
