A Case for Christianity: The importance of apologetics for the next generation

We will be studying the book of Genesis in a couple of weeks, so this week I wanted to highlight the importance of sharing the truth of the Christian faith with the next generation. Genesis is a foundational book with so many of the tough questions asked in our culture today answered within its pages. It is vital that our young people know how to address these questions not only from a Biblical perspective, but also from the evidence that supports that perspective.

In the twentieth century we, as the Church, did an okay job of sharing “what we believe” through the teaching of the Gospel and the basic Word of God in Scripture; but we generally did a poor job of sharing “why we believe what we believe to be true” and the result has been devastating. According to Barna, Pew and other survey groups, there has been a large percentage of people in the twenty-first century walking away from the Christian faith, or deconstructing their faith. This is especially tragic for each new generation as the previous generation has not been equipped with a worldview that can give answers to an ever changing culture. Topics like truth, marriage, identity, sexuality and so on are in the forefront of the culture today, and Christians need to have answers, especially young Christians.

In the video below, Eric Hovind of Creation Today Ministries interviews a former atheist who has now given his life to Christ, and not only that, he has dedicated his life and ministry to helping teach the next generation to answer those though questions asked of Christians in our culture today. He has taken the idea of the “Christian summer camp” to another level and has been successful in equipping the youth of today to love the LORD, and to give answers not only to the “what do you believe” question, but the “why do you believe what you believe to be true” question!

From the YouTube introduction to the interview with Dave Glander:

“Let’s tackle the critical issue of losing our youth from church and how to effectively teach Christian apologetics to Generation Z. Despite the alarming trend of young people deconstructing their faith after growing up in a Christian home, Dave Glander is unwavering in his mission to equip the next generation with a solid foundation in Christian beliefs. Having just finished summer camps, Dave has now spent more than 80 weeks in youth camps where he teaches practical strategies and insights to help shape young minds into proper bearers of God’s truth and he is bringing his knowledge and insights to you! Join Eric Hovind and Dave Glander for a vital conversation that aims to inspire and empower both parents and educators in nurturing resilient faith in today’s youth.”

Watch Eric’s interview of Dave Glander:

Review and Reflection

Discuss the video presentation with your group, and go over any questions you might have on the topic. Eric Hovind interviews different apologists and scholars on various topics each week at his site creationtoday.org. Sign up to be a partner, or just follow him on YouTube to keep up on the latest apologetics topics.

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

A Bible that’s falling apart, usually belongs to someone who isn’t!” 

BIBLE STUDY

Bible Study Survey Format

1. Author: Who wrote the book and when?

(Include anything you can find about the author and when it was written)

2. Audience: Who was it written to?

(Include anything you can find about the people, the culture or societal norms, of that time period)

3. Purpose: Why was it written?

(Include anything you can find about their circumstances and what was, or had been, going on in their world at that time)

4. Content: What is in each chapter?

Read the book chapter by chapter, and then choose to one or all of the following: Basic:  Write out chapter by chapter titles.Going Deeper: Add a short summary under your titles, 3-5 sentences.Advanced: Look for these things to put in your summary notes:a. Is there anything in this chapter that relates to one of the Covenants (Adamic, Abrahamic or Mosaic)? b. Where’s Jesus? Is there anything in this chapter that foreshadows/pictures Jesus? c. The Shelf: Note any questions or a’has you have about the chapter.

5. Application:  Always done last, after the content of the book is complete.

Discuss:  How does this book apply to us today? Are there lessons learned; are there reasons we should know this history; does it help us understand God’s character and love for His people and His foreshadowing the promise of His Son? Other comments…

LET’S PRACTICE!

The books of Joshua – Judges – Ruth

Since we are taking a break from our regular class study, I encourage you to continue on in the history of the Nation of Israel from our last study in the book of Deuteronomy. Using the class format above, go through these books at your own pace, or with a partner or small group. At this point you might be through the book of Joshua, so I’m recommending continuing on with the books of Judges and Ruth.

The book of Joshua continues the history of a faithful generation under the leadership of Joshua, who has taken over for Moses, as they enter and begin the conquest of the Promised Land that God had given to Abraham centuries before. The book of Judges contrasts Joshua in the subsequent generations as they falter in their commitment to God with devastating consequences that play out through a series of Judges. One verse sums up this period in Israel’s history (Judges. 17:6; 21:25): “In those days there was no king; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” The book of Ruth brings a bright light in this dark period of the Judges, with a story of redemption and restoration that foreshadows Jesus.

Homework options:

1)  Using the Bible study format continue on through the Old Testament history with the books of Joshua, Judges and Ruth – going at your own pace, but make daily reading the goal.

2)  Get the “Daily Audio Bible” App and follow their daily readings in either a regular format, a chronological format or use their kids daily reading and study with your kids! Become part of their prayer community and interact as a prayer warrior for people around the world, or just be a silent partner with them, it’s free!

Continue to join us each week for more Christian Apologetics!