Evangelism to Skeptics: Present Scripture as Authoritative

I remember my good friend Mark’s quote in our senior yearbook as if it were published yesterday. Though we attended a public school, he didn’t shy away from sharing his beliefs. Under his senior picture he placed this verse; “the grass withers and the flower fades but the Word of our God will stand forever” (is 40:8).

I’m not even sure where I’ve stored my senior yearbook, but one thing is certain: God’s Word will still remain long after my high school memorabilia is gone. This book that you’re reading will one day rot away. The paper it is printed on will deteriorate. But God’s Word will not. Not only is it lasting, it is sharper than a two-edged sword (Heb 4:12). So, as you share with skeptics, don’t relegate Scripture to obscurity or even to peer status among other sources. it will outlive your arguments, resources and evidences. don’t neglect, deny or seek to alter it.

You are not God’s editor. You’re more like a publicist. God is not waiting for your revisions. He’s already gone to press.

This is not to say that every argument must be a sermon or a Bible commentary. But you should not compromise the trustworthiness of the Bible in word or attitude in order to placate a skeptic’s objections. As you evangelize, you must consider where your authority is found.

If you’re like most, you likely came to faith by someone opening their Bible and sharing a simple presentation of the gospel. Don’t doubt that the gospel’s power, on the authority of God’s revelation, can do the same for those to whom you minister.

This post is an excerpt from the Guide to Evangelism edited by Southern Seminary. It is used with permission. You can purchase this resource in its entirety here.