How well do you know your Bible? This week I had to question how well I know the Bible.

One of the events I judged at the National Christian Forensics and Communications Association Region 3 competition was Apologetics. Each competitor is allowed to have one small 4x6 card file with the references they have collected. In the room where the judging took place, twenty-one strips of paper were laid on a table. The student selected three slips and after reading them, chose one on which to speak. He or she then had four minutes to prepare a six-minute speech including scriptural and resource references. The competitors I judged spoke on the following topics: Explain the meaning and significance of the depravity of man. Explain the meaning and significance of the sin nature. Explain the meaning and significance of repentance. If man is inherently sinful, why do most men lead relatively good lives? What is the essential duty of man? What is meant by the “fall of man?” Evaluate and respond to the following statement, “When man dies, he simply ceases to exist. There is no immortality or eternal life.” One young man did his speech with no notes and no reference box. I would like to believe I have as good a reference system and present the gospel as well. When the Lord gives me the words, I can present the gospel, but I need to work on having a significantly better reference system.