Over the past few weeks I have been hi-lighting some of the experts in the field of Christian Apologetics and I know that I can not possibly cover all of the people doing this kind of needed work for the LORD. However, I want to make sure that I include the ones that have greatly influenced my walk and ministry over the past few years. I encourage you to begin to follow some of the work done by these disciples of Christ so that you too can become a bold and confident defender of the faith and let them help you answer the question:
Do you own your faith; do you know what you believe and why you believe it?
This week I am focusing on the ministry of Greg Koukl, founder and president of “Stand to Reason” Ministries (str.org). We will be using some of Greg’s work for our new class that begins next week: “A Case for the Bible, The Bible Fast Forward.” We will also be doing the Bible study piece of the class by surveying the books of the Bible, starting with Genesis.
Greg Koukl: Christian Apologist, radio talk show host, author, speaker, and the co-founder (along with Executive Director, Melinda Penner) of the Christian Apologetics Organization “Stand To Reason.” Greg is a clear thinking Christian who takes the central theme that “Christianity can compete in the marketplace of ideas when it’s properly understood and properly articulated.” Greg has changed the way I think through tough questions, and in his book “Tactics”he gives a focused path for presenting the Gospel to our culture today and in a variety of situations.
From Greg’s bio at str.org: “Greg founded Stand to Reason in 1993 and currently serves as President of Stand to Reason. He has spoken on more than 70 college and university campuses both in the U.S. and abroad and has hosted his own call-in radio show for 27 years, advocating for “Christianity worth thinking about.” He has debated atheist Michael Shermer on national radio and Deepak Chopra on national television. An award-winning writer and best-selling author, Greg has written seven books, including TheStory of Reality—How the World Began, How It Ends, and Everything Important that Happens in Between; Tactics—A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions, and Relativism: Feet Firmly Planted in Mid-Air. Greg has been featured on Focus on the Family radio and has been interviewed for CBN and the BBC. He’s been quoted in Christianity Today, the U.S. News & World Report, and the L.A. Times. Greg received his Masters in Philosophy of Religion and Ethics at Talbot School of Theology, graduating with high honors, and his Masters in Christian Apologetics with honors from Simon Greenleaf University. He is an adjunct professor in Christian apologetics at Biola University.”
Watch Greg Koukl’s presentation at Summit Ministries” based on his book, “The Story of Reality”
Greg Koukl is following the Biblical command for all Christians to share and defend the faith. How are you doing in this area of your Christian walk?
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20
Join us next week for our new class: “A Case for the Bible, The Bible Fast Forward and A Survey of the Bible” (book by book)
The Apostle Peter said:
Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong! 1 Peter 3:13-17 (NLT)
The Apostle Paul said:
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not wage battle according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying arguments and all arrogance raised against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (NASB)
And, Paul also warned:
See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ. Colossians 2:8 (NASB)
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You will not find this material in the public school curriculum even though it is based on solid evidence and grounded in research. It is ironic that following the evidence to where it leads stops at the door of our public schools as they will not let a “Divine footprint” in! Join us as we examine evidence for Christianity and learn how to become a thoughtful defender and ambassador of your faith.
Click into the resource page of this website to view many of the top Christian thinkers and apologists along with some of their work; connecting to these types of resources is essential in your Christian growth.
Please let me know what you think: Give feedback, ask questions or send concerns in the comment section of the blog.
Teri Dugan
TeriDugan@truthfaithandreason.com
1 Peter 3:15