ON CHRISTIANITY

DEAR REV. GRAHAM: How can I prove to my college roommates that the Bible is the Word of God? Whenever I try to tell them what the Bible says about Jesus, they say that’s just my opinion because the Bible is just another book.

— J. K.

DEAR J. K.: If any of your roommates have sincere questions about the Bible, your local Christian bookstore probably can suggest some helpful books that deal with the trustworthiness of the Bible. They could help you also. The Bible says, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” ( 1 Peter 3: 15).

But people are seldom won to Christ only through arguments or debates ( although they may have a place). They are instead won by discovering who Jesus Christ really is, and what difference He can make in their lives. They may never have thought much about Him, or they’ve been turned off by people who claimed to be Christians but didn’t act like it. But when they discover Jesus as He really is, they are drawn to Him.

How does this happen? First of all through the Bible — especially through the four Gospels ( since they tell us about Jesus’ life). Challenge your roommates to read through John ( or one of the other Gospels) with an open heart and mind.

People also discover Jesus by seeing Him in our lives. Do your roommates see Jesus in you — in your love, your patience, your joy, your faith? Pray for your roommates ( and others you meet who don’t know Christ). But pray too for yourself, that Christ will change you from within and make you His witness. “But you, man of God … pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness” ( 1 Timothy 6: 11).