Christian Truth Through Apologetics By: John Dunfee

What is Apologetics? Many mistake Apologetics for the act of Christians apologizing Apologetics- Giving a defense of something being true Christian Apologetics would be giving a defense for the truth of Christianity (NIV) 1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect As Christians we must answer what we believe and why we believe it

Why apologetics is needed today Statistics apply to Millennials and Generation Z Millennials(1982–2004) Generation Z(2000-2010) Both of these groups make up 25-50% of the United State’s population 70%-80% of Christian youth will leave the church after high school 30% of future college students do not affiliate with any particular religion 1% of youth pastors will try and intersect Faith and Science (Statistics Sources on Cited page)

5 reasons for the Importance of Apologetics 1. We are called to give a defense for the truth of Christianity(1 Peter 3:15) 2. Apologetics helps us with our doubts 3. Apologetics helps to equip us better for evangelism 4. It’s part of the greatest commandment 5. It glorifies God because it shows him the be the greatest reality

Was Jesus an Apologist? Jesus made many claims about who he is He claimed to be equal to the Father (John 5:18) (John 10:30) Jesus claimed to be the Messiah (Matthew 16:13-20) Jesus claimed to be Truth (John 14:6) Jesus claimed to be “I am” (John 8:58) Jesus claimed that he will be resurrected on the third day (John 2:18-22) (Matthew 12:39-40) (John 10:17, 18) (Matthew 27:62-64)

Was Jesus an Apologist? Did Jesus back up his claims? Jesus did miracles to show who he was Jesus did miracles in the authority of his own name Jesus pointed to the scriptures Jesus rose on the third day like he predicted Jesus appeared to his disciplines to show that he was resurrected

What is Faith? Faith is trust or confidence in something Faith can either be unreasonable, blind, or forensic What is the biblical definition of Faith? Trust based on good reasons Matthew 14:31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

Recap Christians are called to be apologists Apologetics is needed for the future of Christianity Apologetics is very important Jesus was the Apologist Faith in not blind, but reasonable Christian Truth needs to be spread through Apologetics

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Sources http://www.christiantruththroughapologetics.com/ Forensic Faith –James Warner Wallace Statics Sources: 1. http://www.christianitytoday.com/edstetzer/2014/may/dropouts-and- disciples-how-many-students-are-really-leaving.html 2. http://www.pewforum.org/2015/11/03/u-s-public-becoming-less-religious/ 3. You Lost Me -David Kinnaman, Aly Hawkins