3 Takeaways from the AMP Conference

Last weekend from Feb 26-27, CCV hosted the 2017 AMP (Apologetics, Mission, Purpose) Conference, co-sponsored by a number of organizations, including Reasons to Believe and Biola University. What a blessing it was to attend this impactful conference of apologetics - here are some takeaways I had from attending the event.

Part I: This Word is LIFE

Do you remember the first time you ever heard the gospel? What did it feel like to finally understand the true forgiveness that comes from the sacrifice of Jesus at the Cross? Often, we lose sight of the fact that we have had God’s word in our heart for so long that we forget there are people around the world who have yet to hear the Gospel. And when they do hear it, they can be revived and rejuvenated. As in John 6:63, Jesus tells the disciples:

“The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.”

Part II. When the skeptics come, LISTEN.

Think of the spectrum of faith on a scale of A to Z. A is somewhere around “There is no God” and Z is “I put my trust in Christ.” How can we bridge this gap? The most important thing we can do when talking to a non-believer or skeptic of Christianity is to listen. Remember James 1:19, “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry…”

In this way, we must also seek to meet people where they are at in their journey to find Christ, and listen to them as we also try to encourage their seeking without being too harsh or critical.

Part III: God is in charge - and yet, He asks for your help

So what happens after we have placed our trust in Christ? Strangely enough, though God’s sovereign hand is over us, though He knows the beginning and the end of the age, still He asks us to disciple our friends, family, even strangers. As the Great Commission tells us in Matthew 28 18-20:

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Think about that for a second. God does not need you. Yet not only does He fiercely crave relationship with you, but also asks for your willingness to make disciples across the world. Not necessarily a command, but an invitation. What an opportunity that is! We are called to not only have great relationships with others, but try our best to bring them closer to the Lord. It may in fact be the greatest way we can partner with God and show Him how truly grateful we are for the incredible gift of salvation. How are you fulfilling the Great Commission? My prayer for all of us is that we would take heart and be courageous - for our world is in need of the Gospel’s light now more than ever, and it is up to us as the church to disciple and fulfill this commission. May we through its fulfillment bring a new hope in Christ to many all around the world.