Apologetics Lesson 1

Agenda A Challenge Why are other people ____? Why are you a Christian? What is Apologetics? Do we have any evidence?

The Class has a Challenge Have a goal in mind Goals trigger behavior Goals guide your focus Goals hold you accountable Goals allow you to measure progress Goals sustain momentum Goals align your focus Goals help you overcome procrastination Goal setting promotes self-mastery Goals give you motivation Goals get maximum results Having a goal in mind will make the class more meaningful and allow you focus on the material. Dare I say even study the material to gain some masterery over it

Why are you a Christian? I was raised as a Christian I like going to Church I believed by Faith I have seen what He has done in my life, since I believed He has made me a better person, since I believed I handle things better since I became a believer People have noticed a change in me, since I believed He has healed me, since I believed

Why are YOU a Christian? Have you ever been asked that question? Have you ever really thought about it? What has your answer been? What would your answer be? In 15 seconds explain why you are a Christian

How do we witness too?

What other religions have to say Why I am a Mormon (4 min) https://www.youtube.com/w atch?v=kwUv-IOF1gQ Why I am a Muslim (2 min) https://www.youtube.com/w atch?v=JQXh20OuhIc Why I am an Atheist (4min)* https://www.youtube.com/w atch?v=H_a7izq0tao Why I am a Jew (2min) https://www.youtube.com/w atch?v=MuDUmQd4Id4 Why I am Buddist (1min) https://www.youtube.com/w atch?v=PTCCP9GU6gE Why I am a Pagan (3min) https://www.youtube.com/w atch?v=umKUCfLyWe4 Why I am a Hindu (9min) https://www.youtube.com/w atch?v=bwTvTvpteyQ Why I am Satanist (4min)* https://www.youtube.com/w atch?v=0ZeLIIWVdeQ Why I am a Jehovah's Witnesses (8min)* https://www.youtube.com/w atch?v=l5KaSOHp1uA *language may make you comfortable

What is Apologetics? Christian apologetics can be summarized in two parts: (a) objective reasons and evidence that Christianity is true (it corresponds to reality) and, (b) the communication of that truth to the world. But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 1 Peter 3:15-16 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5

To defend we must use our minds Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. Matthew 22:37 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ Mark 12:30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Luke 10:27 Since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, Luke 1:3

What are we evaluating? Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. John 14:11 Now then, stand here, because I am going to confront you with evidence before the Lord as to all the righteous acts performed by the Lord for you and your ancestors. 1 Samuel 12:7 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”  Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. Matthew 16:16-17 The first two passages remind us that we can support our faith through evidence The last is to remind us we are not in this alone and the Holy Spirit finishes the work in that person.

What was the subject of their Witness?  …he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead. Acts 17:2-3  …For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.” Acts 1:22 You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this Acts 3:15 We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. Acts 10:39

Wrap Up Did any of the videos discuss facts? Can talking about God based on facts change your Christian witness? What did you like/dislike about this segment or material