THE VERDICT

THE VERDICT: Very Important Questions to Think About: If you were on trial for being a Christian, how difficult would it be to prove your guilt? Would you be convicted? And does it matter? Being a Christian today comes with a reputation, there’s no way around that. To many who don’t understand God’s Word, gospel posts sound like nonsense or emotional rambling. I get it. I used to think the same way. I used to call people “Jesus freaks” without having a clue. It wasn’t until I became one myself that I finally understood the passion. “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.” (2 Corinthians 5:20) “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20) “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God unto salvation.” (Romans 1:16) What’s the Motivation? “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13) The motivation is love. Not condemnation. Not judgment. Not shock value. Not guilt. It’s about exposing a way of thinking that has become culturally normal, and showing that it doesn’t hold up when examined honestly. Christianity isn’t just another lifestyle. It’s the only one that actually explains reality, purpose, morality, repentance, and hope. Scripture calls repentance metanoia, a change of mind. A complete reorientation of how you see truth. Some people prefer the dark because it’s easier. But no one can live on the fence forever. “Because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.” (Revelation 3:16) For those who begin to question, those God nudges, life doesn’t get more complicated. It gets clearer. Purpose sharpens. Truth becomes logical. “When I became a man, I put away childish things.” (1 Corinthians 13:11) Ask yourself honestly: Why am I here? What is my purpose? Why am I still unfulfilled after getting what I thought I wanted? If you follow those questions far enough, they lead to Jesus. To design. To a Designer. And to the reality that He knows you, loves you, and has a plan. “Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28 through 30) The Designer & the Depth: Christians use the word apologetics, not as an apology, but as a defense. Scripture commands it. “Always be ready to give an answer for the hope that you have, with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15) The Bible is deep, 66 books, 40 authors, written across centuries, yet unified, alive, and precise. Nearly 27% of it is prophecy written before the events occurred. Understanding the Creator of heaven and earth is not a surface-level pursuit. Astronomy, biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, follow any of them far enough and you’ll run headlong into design. But design alone does not save. “Christ did not send me to preach with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.” (1 Corinthians 1:17) Believing facts is not faith. What Is Faith? “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1) “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” (Hebrews 11:6) “By grace you have been saved through faith, it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8 through 9) Faith comes from hearing God’s Word. Faith trusts God even when understanding falls short. Faith produces works, not to earn salvation, but because salvation is real. What Faith Is Rooted In: Jesus did not merely teach love, He demonstrated it. “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) “He was pierced for our transgressions.” (Isaiah 53:5) “He bore our sins in His body on the cross.” (1 Peter 2:24) “He gave His life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45) This is not mythology. This is the center of history. This is the Gospel. A Hard Truth: Becoming a Christian does not make life easier. In many ways, it makes it harder. It paints a target on your back. Scripture is honest about that. “We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil.” (Ephesians 6:12) “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Trials refine. Discipline proves sonship. Suffering produces endurance. And through it all, you already have victory. Closing Scripture, The Verdict “This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.” (John 3:19) One day, every one of us will stand before God. Not on opinions. Not on intentions. But on truth. If you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? The Verdict is coming. More Joy Ministries, Tony Campbell