Putting it all together Class 6

Defend your faith 1 Peter 3:15-16: “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.” Isaiah 43:10: “ ‘You are My witnesses,’ declares the LORD, ‘And My servant whom I have chosen, So that you may know and believe Me And understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, And there will be none after Me. Romans 1:20: “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse

The Evidence John 20:30-31: “Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.” Luke 1:1-4: “Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile an account of the things accomplished among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, Insert Your Name* ; so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught. *Most excellent Theophilos

12 Facts Jesus died by crucifixion. He was buried. His death caused the disciples to despair and lose hope. The tomb was empty (contested as to why it was empty). The disciples had experiences which they believed were literal appearances of the risen Jesus (the most important proof). The disciples were transformed from doubters to bold proclaimers. The resurrection was their central message. They preached very early the message of Jesus’s resurrection in Jerusalem. The Church was born and grew under persecution by Roman and Jewish powers. Orthodox Jews who believed in Christ made Sunday their primary day of worship. James was converted to the faith when he saw the resurrected Jesus (James was a family skeptic). Paul was converted to the faith (Paul was an outsider skeptic)

Resources to Affirm Eyewitness Accounts Early Creeds Historical records Gnostic and other gospels Early Scripture writing Reliable transmission

What stops us We believe our faith is entirely subjective We think we need a degree to share our faith We aren’t sure who to share with Afraid to take the first step We think we need to know someone well Not sure how to engage Feeling uncomfortable Afraid of confrontation Not able to close the deal

Prepare for Defense Don’t Correct a Scoffer “WHOEVER CORRECTS A SCOFFER GETS HIMSELF ABUSE, AND HE WHO REPROVES A WICKED MAN INCURS INJURY. DO NOT REPROVE A SCOFFER, OR HE WILL HATE YOU; REPROVE A WISE MAN, AND HE WILL LOVE YOU” (PROVERBS 9:7-8). Don’t Overstate Your Case “WHOEVER SPEAKS THE TRUTH GIVES HONEST EVIDENCE, BUT A FALSE WITNESS UTTERS DECEIT” (PROVERBS 12:17). Listen Carefully to the Other Side. “A FOOL TAKES NO PLEASURE IN UNDERSTANDING, BUT ONLY IN EXPRESSING HIS OPINION” (PROVERBS 18:2). “IF ONE GIVES AN ANSWER BEFORE HE HEARS, IT IS HIS FOLLY AND SHAME” (PROVERBS 18:13). “THE ONE WHO STATES HIS CASE FIRST SEEMS RIGHT, UNTIL THE OTHER COMES AND EXAMINES HIM” (PROVERBS 18:17) Think Before You Answer. “THE HEART OF THE RIGHTEOUS PONDERS HOW TO ANSWER, BUT THE MOUTH OF THE WICKED POURS OUT EVIL THINGS” (PROVERBS 15:28) Don’t Let Their Insults Get to You. “THE VEXATION OF A FOOL IS KNOWN AT ONCE, BUT THE PRUDENT IGNORES AN INSULT” (PROVERBS 12:16) Don’t Make It About Winning Arguments. “DO NOT REJOICE WHEN YOUR ENEMY FALLS, AND LET NOT YOUR HEART BE GLAD WHEN HE STUMBLES” (PROVERBS 24:17). Don’t Trust Your Own Wisdom. “BE NOT WISE IN YOUR OWN EYES; FEAR THE LORD, AND TURN AWAY FROM EVIL” (PROVERBS 3:7). Commit Your Work of Apologetics to the Lord. “COMMIT YOUR WORK TO THE LORD, AND YOUR PLANS WILL BE ESTABLISHED” (PROVERBS 16:3).

What is our goal There is no silver bullet. Don’t waste time on people that are not willing to talk seriously. You will become disheartened and discouraged. It may take many hours and persons before someone accepts Jesus. The person may need a relationship with you or someone else before they can move to a relationship with God. Take the Christian phrases and words out of the conversation. Speak their language. Always listen to understand them so that they in turn will listen to understand your side. Never start with complicated ideas ask to start with ones easy to understand first. Always remember you have the facts on your side.

What would you say now Jesus was a good teacher The Bible was written by man Can’t trust the Bible All religions are the same Jesus never died The gnostic gospels are just as reliable as Canonical Gospels It all just a good story Apostles had motivation

Jesus was a good teacher Why do you say that? If He was a good teacher do accept His teaching? How do handle the miracles He did? Why would a good teacher need to perform miracles? Why would a good teacher be crucified? Why would his followers die for his “good teachings”?

The Bible was written by man Yes it was, do you know by who it was written? Do you understand how carefully the Bible has been transmitted to us? Did you know that the Bible was written by eyewitness? Did you know these writings took place shortly after His death? Did you know these writings were held in high regard and passed around to be read at gatherings? Do you think people that saw a Risen Jesus would want to tell the world what they have seen?

Can’t trust the Bible Why can’t it be trusted? Have you ever read or talked to someone about the Bible? Did you know compared to other history books the Bible is the most reliable? Do you understand how carefully copies were made? The Bible is supported by science, archology, and other historians ? Do you know that the copies are over 99% accurate?

All religions are the same In what way are they same? Would you like to know how Christianity is unique? Did you that archaeology has confirmed many places people and events of the Bible? That is not true of other faiths. Would you be interested in understanding more? Are you aware that other religions require you to work your way into heaven? Christian does not. It is not me that says Jesus is the only way to heaven it is the Bible. It takes time to understand why. Are you willing to invest that time?

Jesus never died How did you come to that conclusion? Did you know there is abundance of evidence not from the Bible that He did die? Why would His followers scatter if they did not see Him die? Why would secular historians record His death? There is no historical record of Him not dying.

The Qualifier If I could show you evidence that Christianity is evidentially true would you be willing to become a Christian?

Practice Role Play Listen to YouTube debates Read books like: Case for Christ, Cold Case Christianity, More than a Carpenter, Tactics, Etc….. Listen to Podcast

Thank You I want to humbly thank you for taking precious time to listen and help me move closer from “belief that to belief in”. I hope this material has encouraged you in some small way

Wrap Up What questions have you heard? How would your answer now change? Remember always seek to understand their side and then ask to be understood Comments please