We have started a new series called “A Case for Christianity” with a focus on giving reasons to believe. Today, we find ourselves in a culture of skepticism on just about everything, especially religion. Therefore it is vital for Christians to be able to articulate their faith by giving evidential reasons for why we believe what we believe. I am a Christian because it is true not because it is a preference or the best flavor of the month, but because it is evidentially true!
Why defend the faith?
Simple answer: Because God said we should! (See 1 Peter 3:15) Today, “Western Christians” have become way too comfortable, to the point of apathy, and we are now reaping the result of that attitude. Christian beliefs are now being deemed intolerant and bigoted, and may soon be outlawed as violating hate speech laws. Why? In growing numbers, in other parts of the world, we hear of Christians giving their lives for the hope that they have in Jesus. Would we?
If we are not grounded in what we believe, and know to be true, we can fall prey to false teaching and cultural shifts. We must develop a Biblical worldview and then apply it to the society we live in, not the other way around—we should not take the “philosophies of the day” and then try to fit that into how we live out the Scriptures. Jesus and his disciples warned that even believers would fall for deceptive teaching, twisting of doctrine, and philosophies promoted by men that run contrary to the Word of God:
“And Jesus answered and said to them, “See to it that no one misleads you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will mislead many. …For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect.”
–Matthew 24:4-5; 24 (NASB)
The Apostle Paul warned the believers in Colossae:
“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)
The Apostle Peter warned the early Church that was beginning to face persecution:
“Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do no fear their threats; do not be frightened” 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, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.”
–1 Peter 3:13-17 (NIV)
(* The Apologist’s Theme)
“Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires.”
-2 Peter 3:3 (NIV)
Toward the end of the first century, the Apostle John wrote this warning to believers who were being infiltrated by false teaching (Gnosticism):
“I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it, and because no lie is of the truth. Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son. Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father; the one who confesses the Son has the Father also. As for you, let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father. This is the promise which He Himself made to us: eternal life. These things I have written to you concerning those who are trying to deceive you.”
-1 John 2:21-26 (NASB)
Are there Biblical examples of using Apologetics?
The Great Commandment:
Jesus said, “…’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
-Matthew 22:37-38 (NIV)
Paul’s witness included defending and reasoning for the faith:
Yet Saul (Paul) grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ.
-Acts 9:22 (NIV)
While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. So he reasoned in the synagogue with both Jews and God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there.
-Acts 17:16-17 (NIV)
Paul wrote to the Corinthians:
We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.
-2 Corinthians 5:20a (NIV)
Paul, speaking about leadership in the Church:
He must have a strong belief in the trustworthy message he was taught; then he will be able to encourage others with wholesome teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong.
-Titus 1:9 (NLT)
Jesus used apologetics:
(Jesus said…) But I have a greater witness than John—my teachings and my miracles. The Father gave me these works to accomplish, and they prove that he sent me. -John 5:36 (NLT)
In Matthew 9:1-8 Jesus gave apologetic evidence that He had the power to forgive sins on earth (only God can forgive sins). He not only forgave the paralytic’s sins, but He proved it by healing him of paralysis! In this miracle (and all of His others) Jesus provided evidence of who He was in fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies and God’s Promise in the Covenants.
Jesus’ Disciples gave apologetic dissertations in defense of the Gospel:
- Apollos: For he vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah. –Acts 18:28
- Peter: Acts chapters 2, 3, 10 and in both of his letters (1 and 2 Peter)
- Stephen: Acts chapter 7
- John: The majority of the Gospel of John is an apologetic for the Deity of Jesus, as is his three letters (1, 2 and 3 John)
- Jude: A half brother of Jesus wrote in his letter to “contend earnestly” (meaning fight for the truth)! (1:3)
- The early Church leaders (Polycarp, Clement, Origin, Justin, etc.) used apologetics in the first through third centuries after Jesus to prove the claims of Christianity
Apologetics in action:
Apologetics helps us do pre-evangelism and tear down roadblocks to the Gospel. It helps weed out false claims the culture makes about Christianity. Christian Apologetics seeks to address misconceptions and defend the Christian faith from an intellectual point of view along with a Biblical worldview—it deals with the pursuit and defense of truth—God’s Truth.
Apologetics helps us point out wrong thinking and direct us to objective truths held in a Biblical Christian Worldview, the only worldview that helps us understand reality—the way things really are!
Teaching apologetics to the next generation is critical, watch Dr. Sean McDowell’s presentation on why it is important to train up the next generation:
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” –Deuteronomy 6:5-7 (NIV)
Bible Study: The book of Romans
(Each week we will do a study in the book of Romans to practice our Bible study skills)
The Hermeneutics:
Before diving into a chapter by chapter study it is important to do a little hermeneutics (studying in proper context for correct interpretation) on the book we are studying. Last week we were supposed to read through the entire book to get the big picture. This week we need to investigate the background of the book. This can be done using a good study Bible that usually gives some of this information in the notes, but can also be done using only the Bible and cross-referencing its other books.
- Who is the author and what is his background (how is he qualified to write this narrative)? In chapter 1:1 Paul introduces himself and gives his credentials and testimony. Cross-reference by reading Galatians 1:11-24—what more do you learn here about Paul? Where else in the Bible can we find this author and did he write any other books?
- Who is the audience and when was it written?
- What purpose did he have in writing and what is the genre (the literary style)?
- Going deeper: What was going on in the culture at the time that might help with the understanding of this letter to the Roman Christians?
Join us next week as we continue our “Case for Christianity”
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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
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