Why Apologetics? Apologetics Introduction

What is Apologetics? The branch of theology that is concerned with defending or proving the truth of Christian doctrines.

“The Word of God is like a lion. You don’t have to defend a lion. All you have to do is let the lion loose, and the lion will defend itself.” – Charles Spurgeon

Sharing Your Faith Possibilities: The listener could: 1.become a believer on the spot 2.be open to your words, but still need time to think (planting a seed) 3.reject you Results: You: WIN LOSE That’s 66% WIN. It’s worth the gamble.

Sharing Your Faith Possibilities: The listener could: 1.become a believer on the spot 2.be open to your words, but still need time to think (planting a seed) 3.reject you Results: You WIN LOSE God ? That’s 66% WIN. It’s worth the gamble.

1 Peter 4:4 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

2 Corinthians 1:7 And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.

Philippians 3:10 I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

2 Timothy 2:12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him

1 Peter 5:10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

Luke 6:22-23 Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets.

Sharing Your Faith Possibilities: The listener could: 1.become a believer on the spot 2.be open to your words, but still need time to think (planting a seed) 3.reject you Results: You WIN LOSE God ?WIN That’s 100% WIN. Jesus has you sitting pretty!

Who Needs Apologetics? Believers –Strengthen my faith –Conviction –Power in times of doubt

1 Peter 3:15-16 But in your hearts set apart 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, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

1 Peter 3:15-16 But in your hearts set apart 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, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

Who Needs It? Believers –Strengthen my faith –Conviction –Power in times of doubt Unbelievers –Reason to believe –Power to shut the mouth –Entry gate for the Holy Spirit

1 Peter 3:15-16 But in your hearts set apart 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, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

1 Peter 3:15-16 But in your hearts set apart 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, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

Who Needs It? Believers –Strengthen my faith –Conviction –Power in times of doubt Unbelievers –Reason to believe –Power to shut the mouth –Entry gate for the Holy Spirit

So What Am I Supposed To Do? I need to be: obedient & speak when the opportunity comes ready confident in the Lord I don’t have to win That’s the job of the Holy Spirit

1 Corinthians 3:6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.

Skeptics are Welcome And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will. 2 Tim 2:24-26

John 20:27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

John 20:28 Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!"

Rom 1:16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

Problems Can you prove there is a God? How can anyone know what truth is? How can you know the Bible is true? Doesn’t evolution prove the Bible isn’t true? How can Jesus say He’s the only way to Heaven? Aren’t there lots of ways to get to God?

Problems Can God create a rock so big He can’t lift it? How can there be a loving God when there is so much suffering/evil in the world? What about the guy in Africa who has never heard of Jesus? I can’t believe in a God Who would send that guy to Hell. I don’t want to go to church when I know it’s full of hypocrites.

Why Apologetics? Apologetics Introduction