Wishing You Could Answer that Tough Question?

October 1, 2009

At the beginning of every month, you receive a short mentoring letter from me, a vignette focusing on a simple idea, reflection, or skill that I think will help you as a disciple of Christ and an ambassador for the Gospel.

But why wait for me to drop you a line about what’s on my mind when you may be struggling with something else?  Did you know that there are over a thousand articles and other resources just a click away that may be perfectly crafted for your concern?

You may be like many others who’ve given STR’s homepage a quick “drive by” without realizing the incredible resources just beneath the surface.  Even if you visit frequently, there’s a lot of content there, so let me tell you how I’d explore the site.

  First, answer this question:  What challenge have you faced recently that you haven’t been able to answer effectively?  Maybe you’ve been stumped by it more than once, sympathizing with Yogi Berra’s quip, “I wish I had an answer for that, because I’m tired of answering that question.”

Next, whatever the challenge, go to str.org and, in the search box in the upper left-hand corner, type a key word or phrase related to your concern. 

  If the problem of evil leaves you speechless, a search on “problem of evil” reveals over 50 resources.  You might start with “Evil as Evidence for God.”  Download it for free.  If you’d rather watch than read, there are half a dozen video clips where I address some aspect of the problem of evil.

  Maybe you’ve been hounded by the accusation that you’re intolerant.  A search using “tolerance” reveals a number of options. My favorite is “The Intolerance of Tolerance.”

  Recently I’ve been questioned on the deity of Christ. A quick search produces a powerful biblical argument in the article, “The Deity of Christ: Case Closed.”

  You can also browse through the index under “Content Categories” at the left to see what might fit your need.  And use the search feature on the blog to find out if we’ve commented on your topic there.

Some articles, though, will not be available unless you register on the site.  This is true of all the Solid Ground and Mentoring Letter archives, for example.  No problem.  Click the red “Register Now” link near the very top of the homepage on the right (or “Register Today” in the left column) and fill in the blanks.  It only takes a moment.

  Registration gives you valuable additional benefits.  First, you’ll have complete access to the radio archive—hundreds of shows where I interact with callers, actually putting into practice the methods I teach in our resources.  Of course, you can always listen live via the web (click “Radio” on the homepage to get the details).  But if you miss a show—or just want to review something you heard in the past—the broadcast is just a click away. 

  Second, once you have registered you can enjoy a number of special features not available on the web.  For example, whenever any STR speaker is in your area, we’ll drop you an “STR Heads Up” via email with the details so you won’t miss the event. 

  You’ll also receive “The Page,” a monthly email update of the latest Stand to Reason news.  It includes a brief reflection from me along with short features like “New and Noteworthy” and “Online,” alerting you to new things recently made available by STR, and “Face to Face,” fresh reports of memorable encounters we’ve had in the field. 

  Finally, “STR Suggests” is a separate email note where we recommend a specific resource you may find helpful that month.

  And don’t miss the video podcast of my radio commentaries (see “Video Resources” in the left column), or my video blog where I answer questions that might interest you.  A new one is posted every Monday on STR’s blog, and we’ve archived all the video blogs in case you missed any. Find them by going to the STR blog, scrolling down, and clicking “Video” under “Categories” on the left side of the blog.

  Here’s a little checklist to make sure you get instant access to all the information you need.  First, go to str.org and, using your name and email address, register as an STR Ambassador if you haven’t already.  Second, do the search I suggested above and download as many articles as you like.  Third, sign up for our podcast to have every show (and the video radio commentaries) delivered directly to you so you don’t miss anything. Finally, visit our blog, and especially my video blog posted every Monday.

  There is one more thing I’d like to do for you.  At your request, I want to send you two different “tactic cards” that I think you will find indispensable.

  The first is a thumbnail sketch of the Columbo tactic, an interactive technique that forms the foundation of the game plan for discussing your Christian convictions that I develop thoroughly in my new book, Tactics.

  The second is an outline of one of the most powerful tools we have ever used to persuade skeptics that human beings should receive the same love, respect, and care before they are born as they deserve after they are born.  It’s called the SLED test.

  Each of these concepts is easy to use, and these pocket-sized flash cards will keep the basics of each maneuver right at your fingertips, ready when you need them.  Just ask for them using the return card and envelope enclosed and we’ll send one set for you—along with an extra set you can give to a friend.

  And as we equip you to be an effective ambassador, you can reciprocate by equipping STR through a gift of support this October.  Your gift will help us continue to provide training to you and many others as we work online, on the air, and in the public square.

  So request your STR flash cards today…and when you do, send us a gift through our secure online donation form. We will put it to work immediately keeping STR on the front lines defending the faith.

 

Your partner for the truth,
Gregory Koukl