Own It

       Do you ever feel like you read the same Bible verse over and over within a few days time?  Or maybe hear several teachings on the same topic?  Or just see a common theme in stuff you see or hear in a short time?  Coincidence?  I think not.  I find when this happens, God is trying to tell me something.

   

        Recently, I've heard many variations of "owning your faith".  I even taught somewhat on this not too long ago.  So of course I tell myself that God is trying to tell me something.  I remember the first time I was forced to learn this lesson.  It was about 6 years ago, when two Jehovah's Witnesses came to my door.  They started questioning me about what I believed and it was then that I realized my knowledge was lacking. I wasn't able "to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have" (1 Peter 3:15).  

        We live in a time where everyone thinks they know everything.  People are a lot more intellectual.  To say "I just know, I just have faith, I have a feeling, etc..." is not enough to explain why we believe what we believe.  We need to KNOW our faith.  We need to ANSWER the tough questions.  How can I believe the Bible is true?  How can I know Jesus is who He claimed to be?  

         My challenge to you: own your faith! It's not your parents' faith, it's not your pastor's faith, it's not your friend's faith. It's yours. Know it, learn it and understand it. "Always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have" (1 Peter 3:15).

- Sean Fryer