Greg Koukl

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.

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 The Story 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”

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 in a couple of weeks for our new class: “A Case for Genesis”

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 5:1-25 with your group then, to the best of your ability, answer the following questions:

2.  What does Paul say about how Timothy should treat older men and women, as well as younger men and women?

3.  What is said about “widows,” and what do you know about the culture of this day that would make this an important direction for Timothy and the church to follow?

4.  Why does Paul make a distinction between the younger and older widows, and what is the warning?

5.  What does Paul say about Elders, and why is it important to be sure they are fit for service?

6.  Discuss: Compare and contrast what Paul says about sins versus good deeds, and why? How important is it today for Christians to be role models for Christ, and why?

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); and Proverbs 3:5-6 (trusting in the LORD).

Join us next week as we continue our study in Christian Apologetics with more stories that matter, and we’ll conclude our study in 1 Timothy with chapter 6!

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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