Text: Matthew 16:6
Their Teaching – Matthew 16:12
Their Hypocrisy – Matthew 23:3
They Loved the Praise of Men – Matthew 23:5-7
They Neglected the “Weightier Matters” – Matthew 23:23
Danger in Overextending the Application – Often someone is labeled as a “Pharisee” if they oppose departures from Scripture and will refute false teaching. The Pharisees were never condemned for this.
Peter issued this challenge to all Christians: “But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence” (1 Peter 3:15). However, many Christians feel unprepared to do this; therefore, many conversations that could potentially lead people to the truth never get started.
This book will help equip all Christians to start engaging in spiritual conversations with those around them by providing simple answers to some basic Bible questions. Being ready to give an answer does not mean having an answer to every possible question at the drop of a hat. Instead, it means being able to give a ready answer to questions that are fundamental to our faith that can open the door to further discussions and studies with those who are interested. By studying the material in this book and becoming familiar with the Scriptures cited in each answer, Christians will be better prepared and have more confidence when they discuss their faith with others.