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How Would You Answer?

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In 1 Peter 3:15 the apostle Peter encourages us to "be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you" (King James Version). This can be a challenging aspect of our Christian calling, but it is a part that we cannot neglect. I am reminded of this on a regular basis, but more so during camp. I was asked to assist in one of the question-and-answer sessions, and here are some of the questions the teens asked:

• How do you know when you're ready for baptism? I feel as though I'll never be worthy enough.

• I feel really nervous when I pray out loud for meals and stuff. I asked my family if I could keep my prayers to myself for a while, and they said, "There is nothing wrong with praying out loud, so, no, you can't." I feel frustrated about this. What should I do?

• When someone who is in the Church and has not yet been baptized commits suicide, what happens to them when Christ returns? Will they be with us for eternity or will they never be with us ever again?

• Is there a proper form for praying?

• When Christ says He has come to fulfill the Law and the Prophets, what specifically is He referring to?

• In 2 Corinthians 11:8, Paul says that he "robbed other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you." If the tithe is holy, was Paul sinning by not collecting the tithe? Were the Corinthian brethren also sinning?

How would you answer these questions? Many times we think of being prepared to answer people in the world around us, but what about being able to answer properly those among us who have questions—especially our youth? If they see that we can't give a good, succinct answer, then why should they bother to listen to us about the rest of what we say we believe?

In Deuteronomy 6:7 Moses recorded God's directive for us to teach our children: "You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up." Much of this involves creating the moments when our children are comfortable listening to us and asking us questions. This is a serious responsibility that God gives to every parent.

So, how would you answer the above questions? UN