Clay Jones
Over the past few weeks we’ve been highlighting some top Christian Apologists, Speakers and Authors. We are going to continue that trend for a few more weeks, and then in late September we will begin a new class called: “A Case for Genesis.” I hope you continue to join us in this, and our Bible study in 1 Timothy (see questions below, and answers posted here mid-week).
Dr. Clay Jones was the first professor I was fortunate enough to have had the privilege of studying under during my time in Biola University’s Christian Apologetics Graduate Program. He is witty, insightful and provides the tools needed for his students to succeed. Of all the notable experts out there in Christian Apologetics, Dr. Clay Jones would have to be in the top of the list. His expertise, life experience and relationship with the Lord make him most qualified to debate with atheists, defend against critics, and present answers to difficult questions from a skeptical culture that is swimming in secularism. He is able to boldly give reasons for the hope he has in Christ Jesus (1 Peter 3:15), and teaches others how to do the same.
His expertise is on the problem of evil and suffering, and this is arguably the most common question asked of Christians and the hardest one to answer. Dr. Jones has spend years studying this topic and shares his expertise and personal experience that will help you understand the most important thing lacking in our western culture today: We do not have a proper perspective on the concept of eternity, nor do we prepare for it.
Some background from his bio: “Dr. Jones is currently a Visiting Scholar for the MA in Christian Apologetics program at Talbot Seminary and the chairman of the board of Ratio Christi, a university apologetics ministry. Previously, he was the executive director of Simon Greenleaf University (now Trinity Law School) and served on the pastoral staff of two large churches. He holds a Doctor of Ministry from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.
Clay is the author of the books, Why Does God Allow Evil? Compelling Answers to Life’s Toughest Questions (Harvest House, 2017); and Immortal: How the Fear of Death Drives Us and What We Can Do About It (Harvest House, 2020). He also authored the apologetics software, Prepared Defense and various encyclopedia and journal articles.
He formerly hosted Contend for Truth, a call-in nationally syndicated talk radio program. On his program he debated many people over eight years, including panentheist John Cobb, Jr.; a professor of Buddhism; Jamal Badawi, Islamic Information Institute; a Muslim cleric; a Church of Scientology minister; Mormons; Jehovah’s Witness Greg Stafford; Dallas Blanchard, Religious Coalition for Reproductive Rights; Peta representatives; a euthanasia advocate; a secular humanist, Rep. Loretta Sanchez; KFI talk show host Bill Handle; Jimmy Creech, SoulForce chairman of the board; Bruce Ware; R. C. Sproul, Jr.; Robert Morey; R. Scott Clark; and a KJV only advocate.
Clay focuses his writing and teaching on explaining what the Lord is accomplishing through allowing evil, suffering, and death. He lives with his wife Jean E. in south Orange County California.”
Watch and listen to Dr. Jones’ powerful 1 hour presentation on The problem of evil
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
Bible Study
Note: Basic answers will be posted mid-week for your review, and to make a leader’s guide for future studies!
Always remember to pray before you study and ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and lead you into the truth found in God’s Word – pray for protection from the evil one who will try to discourage, distract and deceive us when we commit to growing closer to the LORD.
Note: Questions are taken directly from the chapters, and answers should be found and cited from the Scripture text in order to be Biblically accurate (unless asked to summarize in your own words). Study Bibles, commentaries and your own thoughts can be used for Discussion or Going Deeper questions. If you use these kinds of sources share them with your group.
1. Review of Class Topic:
With your group, discuss today’s presentation by summarizing what you learned, commenting or asking any questions.
Read 1 Timothy 4:1-16 with your group then, to the best of your ability, answer the following questions:
2. What does the Spirit say will happen in latter times, and why? Discuss why this is important for us to remember today.
3. How does Paul tell Timothy that he should be nourished, and why?
4. How is Timothy supposed to present himself as an example to those who believe, and why?
5. What does Paul tell Timothy to do until he is able to come, and why?
6. Discuss why all these things Paul told Timothy are applicable to every Christians today.
7. Memory verses: Recite – 1 Timothy 1:15 (reason for salvation); 2 Timothy 2:5 (Jesus, the one and only mediator); Proverbs 1:7 (the importance of knowledge); 1 Timothy 4:1 (Warning concerning falling away)
Join us next week as we continue our study in Christian Apologetics with more stories that matter, and a study in 1 Timothy!
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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