Josh McDowell
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.” This week we are looking at two stories that matter, Josh McDowell and his son Sean McDowell.
Josh McDowell’s small but powerful book, “More Than A Carpenter” was one of the first Christian Apologetics books I read and, along with C.S. Lewis’ “Mere Christianity,”, did so much in bringing me to the Christian faith, mostly because of their thoughtful reasoning and honest dialogue. Josh has spent most of his life researching and defending the historicity, accuracy and reliability of the Christian Bible. This is so important for Christians today, because we need to understand how to defend the truths of our faith in a culture filled with apathy and skepticism.
As a young man, Josh McDowell considered himself an agnostic. He truly believed that Christianity was worthless. However, when challenged to intellectually examine the claims of Christianity, Josh discovered compelling and overwhelming evidence for the reliability, and trustworthiness, of the Christian faith. Upon committing to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, Josh’s life changed dramatically as he experienced the power of God’s love.
After his conversion, his plans for law school turned a different direction and God gave him a passion to teach about the truths of Jesus Christ to a doubting world. Having studied at Kellogg College, Josh then completed his degree at Wheaton College and attended Talbot Theological Seminary, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Masters of Divinity degree. One of Josh’s many books includes “Evidence That Demands A Verdict,” which is a must for any serious Christian’s library, along with one of his newer book “God Breathed, The Undeniable Power and Reliability of Scripture.“
Sean McDowell
Josh’s son Sean McDowell is one of today’s most notable Christian Apologist who, I believe, is doing more to positively influence the next generation than any one else. He has so many resources available to the younger generation (although completely applicable for the older generation as well!) Two of his books I highly recommend are: “Apologetics for A New Generation” and “Ethix: Being Bold in a Whatever World.” Sean co-authored with his Dad Josh, an updated version of “Evidence That Demands A Verdict” which, as I said before, is a must have for your library of Christian Apologetics.
Dr. Sean McDowell is a gifted communicator with a passion for equipping the church, and in particular young people, to make the case for the Christian faith. He connects with audiences in a tangible way through humor, and stories, while imparting hard evidence and logical support for viewing all areas of life through a Biblical worldview. Sean is an Associate Professor in the Christian Apologetics program at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University.
Sean still teaches one high school Bible class, which helps give him exceptional insight into the prevailing culture so he can impart his observations poignantly to fellow educators, pastors, and parents alike. In 2008 he received the Educator of the Year award for San Juan Capistrano, California. The Association of Christian Schools International awarded Exemplary Status to his apologetics training. Sean is listed among the top 100 apologists. He graduated summa cum laude from Talbot Theological Seminary with a double master’s degree in Theology and Philosophy. He earned a Ph.D. in Apologetics and Worldview Studies from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2014.
Sean is the co-host for the Think Biblically podcast, which is one of the most popular podcasts on faith and cultural engagement. Sean’s YouTube channel (Dr. Sean McDowell) is one of the top apologetics channels.
Sean is the author, co-author, or editor of over twenty books including Chasing Love, The Fate of the Apostles, So The Next Generation Will Know (with J. Warner Wallace), Evidence that Demands a Verdict (with Josh McDowell), Same-Sex Marriage: A Thoughtful Approach to God’s Design for Marriage (with John Stonestreet), Is God Just a Human Invention? (with Jonathan Morrow) and Understanding Intelligent Design (with William A. Dembski). Sean is the General Editor for A New Kind of Apologist, Apologetics for a New Generation, Sharing the Good News with Mormons, and The Apologetics Study Bible for Students. Sean has one of the leading apologetics blogs, which can be read at seanmcdowell.org.
Watch Sean’s insightful presentation on “Arguments for the Existence of God”
Josh and Sean are following the Biblical command for all Christians to share and defend the faith. How are you doing in this area of your Christian walk? Let them and others like them help you as they did me!
Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong! 1 Peter 3:13-17 (NLT)
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 3:1-16 with your group then, to the best of your ability, answer the following questions:
2. What are the characteristic requirements of an Overseer (Leader) in the Church, and why is this important?
3. What are the characteristic requirements of a Deacon in the Church, and why is this important?
4. Can women be Deacons, if so, what are their specific requirements?
5. What does Paul say about his reason for writing this letter?
6. Discuss: What are the pros and cons of the Church having rules, regulations and organization? Give some examples of how it is being done right and/or wrong 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)
Join us next week as we continue our study in Christian Apologetics with more stories that matter, and a study in 1 Timothy!
———————————————————————
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
Sorry, comments are closed for this post.