1 Peter 3:15  But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect...

While waiting for an appointment the other day I did some searching on the internet for Bible programmes: I was interested to see how different churches teach the Bible to their members. I was feeling challenged again about how well (or not so well) we Christians know our Bibles.

Just at that point the door-dogs barked in unison and I went to let the person in I was expecting, only to be faced by two Jehovah’s Witnesses. There was a time when I would do all I could to convert JW’s who came to my doorstep, short of violence! That was followed by a season of not wanting to talk at all. Nowadays I see how the initial contact is before I decide. Also I go on a tangent to try to find out what they are really like.

I found the time quite challenging. Not in terms of what I believe, but in terms of the certainty and conviction they spoke with. Now I understand the programming and the conditional nature of salvation for them, but still I could concede the amount they could communicate about their faith.

They talked about what the word of God meant to them: as I pointed out, the issue is over the Word that they have and how it’s been altered. But still their passion was evident.

I wonder why in these days so few Christians are actually ready to witness. Maybe the word needs to dwell in us richly, as Paul said, so that we are confident and motivated to speak with love about our wonderful God...