Apologetically Hopeful

December 17th, 2024

Apologetically hopeful? What do we mean by that? Well, biblically speaking, apologetics (from the Greek word, apologia) means "a defense of the faith." In this blog, Carl Kerby reflects on the origins of Reasons for Hope and shares how training others to defend their faith brings lasting hope―a firm assurance in God's faithfulness―in an uncertain world.

Our humble beginnings

January 8, 2011, a day that will live in . . . No, it’s not that big! But, it is a huge day of remembrance for me personally! We recently celebrated Thanksgiving and, in full transparency, that is one of my favorite holidays. Our family comes together and just does life with each other. As I look at my wife, our children, their spouses, and our grandchildren, I’m constantly humbled by God’s grace. I could never have imagined the life we have today. We’re truly blessed.

A huge part of that blessing is also tied to . . . you guessed it, January 8, 2011! That’s the day that Reasons for Hope* (RforH) officially began. We have VERY humble beginnings, trust me. Initially, it was just Wade, Randy, Paul (all Board Members), Candace, and myself.

When RforH started, our board had numerous discussions about “WHY” we were starting a new ministry. The economy was NOT very good at the time, and from a physical perspective, it just didn’t make sense to leave something that was so successful to start something new―especially to put an emphasis on the younger generation! I was told we wouldn’t survive financially: “Young people don’t tithe, and they don’t buy books!”

Over the years, I’ve learned that that was a very true statement. But, I’ve also learned that God provides in ways that I never could’ve imagined. I believe a part of the reason that we’re still here is because of that early foundation.

We also talked for quite a while about what to call the ministry. After much discussion, one of the board members suggested that we call ourselves “Reasons for Hope.” That was because of 1 Peter 3:15, where believers are commanded to be prepared to give an “answer/reason” for why they believe what they say they believe.

We settled on “Reasons” plural instead of singular as it is in the Bible because I wanted to make a point. In our finite minds, many of us have myriad “reasons” for our hope, for instance, money in the bank, good looks, popularity, etc. Unfortunately, too many place their hope in these fleeting gifts that God may or may not provide. They unwittingly think their value is based on these gifts. I tell folks that if they “sell out” for what the “world” can offer, it can always be taken away. But, if they “sell out” for what only God gives us, no one can ever take it away (Isaiah 41:10–13).

Isaiah 41:10–13

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Behold, all who are incensed against you shall be put to shame and confounded; those who strive against you shall be as nothing and shall perish.

You shall seek those who contend with you, but you shall not find them; those who war against you shall be as nothing at all.

For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, "Fear not, I am the one who helps you."

So, the asterisk [*] after the name “Reasons for Hope*” came into existence for the purpose of fleshing out the point that I wanted to make. Typically, an asterisk indicates a further explanation or answer; for us, that singular answer or reason is Jesus! I have to give a shout-out to Bub Kuns for this idea (of the asterisk representing Jesus) because he had a huge part in coming up with it.

After 13 years on the road (183 days being the lowest number on the road in a given year with the exception of 2020 due to COVID-19), it seems that hope is lacking, especially in the culture, and even in the Church. Why is that? In my humble opinion, it’s because we don’t have BIBLICAL hope. We’ve let the world infiltrate and unwittingly redefine hope for us. So, what is biblical hope and how does it make a difference?

What is the meaning of "hope," really?

There are at least five distinct terms used for “hope” in the Bible, and not one of those terms is defined as “wishful thinking or blind optimism.” For example, the Greek word for hope, elpis, primarily denotes a confident expectation or trust in God's promises. It is not merely wishful thinking but a firm assurance based on the character and faithfulness of God. This hope is often linked with faith and love, forming a triad of Christian virtues (1 Corinthians 13:13).”

This kind of hope is founded on God’s unchanging character and His promises, which were fulfilled in Jesus Christ. A perfect example of this kind of hope is found in Psalm 42:11:

“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him, my salvation and my God.”

Even when in the depth of despair, the psalmist chose to place his trust in the unchanging nature of God.

True hope for the future

So, how can we as Christians have this kind of hope today? While many issues contribute to this kind of faith, a major reason is that our HOPE is anchored in God’s Promises given to us in His trustworthy Word! Without that, we truly have no HOPE! I put it like this, “If God is not who He said that He is. If He did not do the things that He said He did, the way He said He did them, we are to be pitied because we’ve placed our hope in . . . nothing. But, if He is who is said He is and did what He said He did the way He said He did it, we have everything!”

Truly, the greatest source of encouragement for us as Christians is knowing that God’s promises are sure. The Bible is very clear, God IS faithful:

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11).

“God is not man, that He should lie, or a son of man, that He should change His mind. Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not fulfill it?” (Numbers 23:19).

These verses assure believers that even when everything seems out of control, God’s promises are trustworthy (Romans 8:28). In difficult times, turn to the Bible and the God of hope. He will sustain you, He will strengthen you, and He will fill you with joy and peace. Let this hope give you the courage to stand firm and allow His light to shine through you in a dark world.

We’re still here, almost 14 years later. There have been many ups and downs over the years. Our team has grown, and we’re reaching out in ways that I never could’ve imagined. Yet, our mission has not changed. We’re here to encourage, equip, and exhort the Body of Christ to be bold in their faith and to challenge non-believers with the truth of a loving Savior who desires nothing but the best for them.

THANK YOU for standing with us over these years―I pray for many more to come.

Stay Bold!

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