Over the past few weeks I have been highlighting some of the experts in the field of Christian Apologetics and I want to make sure I include some of the women, in our male dominated field, that are great influences on my walk and ministry. There are actually a growing number of women joining the force, and I can’t highlight all of them, but I’d like to present two that are a blessing to the field of Christian Apologetics:
Alycia Wood
I had the privilege of being part of a small group Bible study hosted by Pam Williams, who is herself an excellent Bible Teacher, Apologist, Writer, Photographer and Poet. Pam hosts an “international” Bible study weekly on Zoom, which allows people from all over the world to join in. Recently, Pam had Alycia Wood as a guest speaker and we had the privilege of listening and asking questions on all topics of apologetics. Alycia is proficient on topics from God’s existence, to the reliability of the Bible to the historicity of Jesus. Alycia was so personable and knowledgable on all these topics, and never hesitated for an answer. I had heard Alycia speak before at a local conference, and knew right away that she was a force for apologetics. If you get a chance to hear her speak do it. If you need a speaker, even a small group on Zoom, she’s the one to contact!
From her bio at lightengroup.org
“As a child growing up in the church, Alycia always had questions. She wanted to dig deeper into the Christian faith beyond the Sunday morning sermon. That fueled an independent search digging into the bigger questions of life. While studying for a degree in criminal justice and sociology at Robert Wesleyan College, Alycia discovered apologetics, and it changed the course of her life. Her quest for a deeper understanding of Christianity had a name.
She went on to get her master’s in social justice from Marygrove College to further her passion for serving those in need in the developing world. This led to various volunteering opportunities at orphanages, prisons, and shelters for the homeless in several countries including Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic. Alycia was a substitute teacher and paraprofessional for multiple grade levels and spent eight years doing apologetics ministry at RZIM before joining Lighten. In her spare time, she is an avid sports fan, musician, and grower of all things edible in her garden.”
Watch Alycia’s presentation on “The Problem of Truth”
Alisa Childers
Alisa Childers is another one of my favorite Christian Apologists. I have heard her speak at several conferences, and her podcast and YouTube channel are excellent sources for all things apologetics. With interviews and insights from experts in various fields, I find Alisa’s ministry one of the best. She specializes in the topic of “progressive Christianity” because her story is one of coming out of that deception. Her new book, “Live Your Truth, and Other Lies – Exposing Popular Deceptions that Make Us Anxious, Exhausted and Self Obsessed” is very insightful, culturally relevant and perfect for anyone seeking truth in a mixed up world today, I highly recommend reading it!
From her bio at alisachilders.com:
“As a lifelong church-goer, follower of Jesus, and former CCM recording artist with the Dove award-winning group ZOEgirl, I experienced a period of profound doubt about my faith in my mid-thirties. I felt as though I had been tossed in a stormy ocean of uncertainty with no life jacket or lifeboat in sight. I didn’t know where to find answers to my questions, or if answers existed at all. Did I have to accept it all on some kind of blind faith? I began to investigate my faith intellectually—I took seminary classes and read everything I could get my hands on. This began my journey from unreasoned doubt into a vibrant, rational, and informed faith.”
Watch Alisa’s presentation on the dangers of “Progressive Christianity”
I encourage everyone out there to do your part in defending the faith against false assumptions and accusations whether on social media or in the home; at your Church or on the street; at your job or on the stage. Whatever you do stay strong in the LORD and own your faith, know what you believe and why you believe it, then tell others.
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
Join us next week as we begin a new series and 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 6:1-21 with your group then, to the best of your ability, answer the following questions:
2. Remembering the culture of that day, slavery/servanthood was a way of life, there was no “middle class” or even “low-income,” one was either rich or in some sort of servitude. Thus, Paul’s instruction was fitting. What was Paul’s instruction concerning slaves and maters? How can that be put in application for us today?
3. What does Paul warn Timothy about concerning sound doctrine, and Godliness, versus different doctrines, and why?
4. What does Paul warn about those who want to get rich and have a love of money? What should a person of God pursue instead?
5. What did Paul say about the testimony of Jesus and what that should mean to us? Cross-reference with John 18:28-38 – What happened with Pilate?
6. Paul is not saying one should not be rich in this world, rather he says that if you are rich there are certain things a believer should do. What does he tell Timothy to instruct them to do? Discuss how that applies to us today, and give examples of abuse and/or proper application we might observe 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); Proverbs 3:5-6 (trusting in the LORD); and 1 Timothy 6:20-21 (guarding what has been entrusted to us, and recognizing false knowledge)
Join us next week as we begin a new study called “A Case for Genesis”
———————————————————————
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.