Apologetics does not mean to say you’re sorry. It is derived from the Greek word “apologia” meaning to give a defense. Therefore, Christian Apologetics provides a reasoned defense for the beliefs of the faith, including a high level of confidence in the truths of the Bible.
Over the past few posts we have presented an introduction to our new series called “A Case for the Bible.” We will conclude the introduction part this week with some recommended tools and resources to help in our walk with God, but first, let’s take a look at our commitment to time…
Daily Time With God’s Word:
How often do we spend time in God’s Word?
A) Daily (10 minutes or more a day)
B) Often (3-5 times a week)
C) Seldom (once a week or less)
D) Rarely (maybe in a Church or special occasions)
E) Never
It doesn’t matter what your answer was today as long as you commit to improving! This series should help you get excited to do that! Bible study can be intimidating for many reasons, but if we have confidence that what we are reading is really the Word of God, then how awesome it should be for us to get to know Him better!
This series is going to focus on two things: 1) the Apologetics of the Bible to help us answer some of those difficult questions people have (and that we might have) about the Bible by presenting a case for the historicity, reliability, transmission, translation and inspiration of the Bible; and 2) We’re going to study the Bible!
Last week we looked at the importance of knowing about the Bible and how to study it properly (hermeneutics). So before we get into the meat of the apologetics part of the series next week we need to be sure we are equipped with some basic tools.
Helpful Resources:
It is important to be discerning when looking for resources to help you study. Below is a short list of recommended tools to help you specifically with this series:
Bibles
There are many good study Bibles out there, but this is our recommendation for overall best:
The Life Application Study Bible in NASB, NIV or NLT
(most of the Bible quotes will be from the NASB unless otherwise noted)
Bible Study Aids
These are basic books that will help you with the big picture of the Bible and some of the hermeneutics:
The Essential Bible Companion: Key Insights for Reading God’s Word, by John H. Walton, Mark L. Strauss, and Ted Cooper Jr.
Knowing the Bible 101, by Bruce Bickel and Stan Jantz
How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth, by Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart
Recommended books in making “A Case For The Bible:”
Cold Case Christianity, by J. Warner Wallace
Evidence That Demands A Verdict (updated 2017), by Josh McDowell and Sean McDowell
How We Got the Bible, by Neil R. Lightfoot
Websites and Apps
biblegateway.com – Bible reading, studies, commentaries and articles
coldcasechristianity.org – Christian Apologetic podcasts, articles, and videos
gotquestions.org – Christian Apologetics and Bible related questions
truthfaithandreason.com – Studies in Christian Apologetics, videos and resources (this website)
Each week the post will have the following elements to go through:
Presentation notes
You are encouraged to read through the post first, and you can interact with the text by highlighting important things to remember, taking notes concerning questions that arise, and making comments or asking questions in the comment section below. Study, share with others, or start a small group. Reviewing what you have learned will help in your Christian witness and apologetic.
Videos
Each session will have one or more videos from top Christians Apologists and Teachers that will enhance the things you are learning. We encourage you to take time to view them.
Reflection Questions
Answer the questions at the end of each week’s post for quick take-aways you can remember and share with others.
PTRs (Praise—Thanksgiving—Repent—Request)
We will use this acronym for prayer. It is a helpful tool to keep us on track when we pray. You may have a different method for prayer and that’s fine, there is no one formula as long as we spend daily time being with God, talking and then listening.
Bible study
For this series we will continue focusing on the book of 1 Corinthians (we started it last series) and move into 2 Corinthians as well. These are letters written by the Apostle Paul to this early Church in Corinth. Research the first century culture, and the city of Corinth, as much as possible to understand the narrative as it relates to that time. You will find application for the culture we live in today eerily comparable to what was going on in this first century city’s culture and Church.
Here’s a quick review lesson on “How to Study the Bible” by gotquestion.org
Focus areas for growth in our Christian walk:
It is important that we review these each time before beginning a new study. Becoming proficient in these four areas will help protect us from spiritual warfare and distractions from the enemy that often increase as we grow closer to God.
In order to be a Disciple of God’s Word, and a Case-maker for the Bible, we must regularly practice and commit to growth in these four areas:
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PRAYER (talking to God)
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HERMENEUTICS (studying the Bible in proper context)
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CHRISTIAN APOLOGETICS (defense of the faith)
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DISCIPLESHIP (doing life with other Christians and bringing the Gospel to the world)
The goal is to get ourselves to be in constant awareness of God and his Word as we go through our day. If we have an understanding of God’s Word and His ultimate plan and purpose for humankind, we can then walk through this life’s trials and tests with confidence and trust. This is important because if we know what we believe and why we believe it, we can give an answer to everyone who asks us about our hope in Christ Jesus! (1 Peter 3:15)
In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Paul tells us to:
“Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
and in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 we are told that:
“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”
So join us next week as we being our trek through the mounds of evidence making our Case for the Bible (and then studying it)!
Going Deeper
Watch Francis Chan’s passionate presentation on the “Importance of God’s Word”
Reflection
- Do you have any Bible study resources that have helped you? List them here and share with someone.
- Review the four focus areas for our Christian growth. Which one(s) are you doing well on? Which one(s) do you need to work on?
- PTRs: (Prayer focus) That God will give you the excitement and passion to study His Word, and the boldness to share what you learn with others.
Bible Study
Each week we do a Bible study to practice our Bible study skills. This week read or re-read 1 Corinthians chapter 14, then answer the following questions:
- Why is the gift of prophecy better than the gift of tongues? (14:1-9)
- Speaking in a tongue means speaking another language that someone would understand (see Acts 2:1-21), it does not mean babbling unintelligibly. If someone speaks in a tongue what should accompany that? What is the negative impact if not? (14:10-19)
- Who are tongues for and why? Who is prophecy for and why? (14:20-40)
- Copy 14:33 as a memory verse.
Note: It is important to remember the context of this Epistle and to use our hermeneutics. Paul is writing to a Church that had specific problems within a culture that had specific traditions, just as we do today. Even though traditions and culture change we must be careful not to dismiss foundational principles and common-sense practices taught in this Epistle along with the power of God to work with individuals within the Church body for His glory.
Join us next week as we continue our new series called “A Case for the Bible!”
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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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