Ep. 112 - SBS - Apologetics: Defense of the Faith - Lesson 1: Introduction

This is the first of a six-part Bible Study on the topic of Apologetics: Defense of the Faith. Here is a description of what the study is all about: WHAT IS APOLOGETICS? Apologetics is narrowly defined as “defending the Christian faith by reason with gentleness and respect.” The Apostle Peter writes: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 1 Peter 3:15-16 While we fully understand that you cannot reason someone into faith, we are not left without testimony (Acts 14:17). “These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:31). Christianity claims that Jesus rose from the dead, and if he didn’t, the whole thing falls apart (1 Corinthians 15). Christianity is a robust worldview that touches every part of life. WHAT IS THE GOAL OF APOLOGETICS? The apologetic task is to use every bit of knowledge available as we engage skeptics with the goal of proclaiming Christ crucified. We become all things to all people (1 Corinthians 9:18-23). Think of apologetics as a ministry of caring. We care about skeptics and their thoughts. Lesson 1: An Introduction to Apologetics This lesson provides some definitions, an example of apologetics, a brief word about reason and faith and, finally, some reasons why we should practice apologetics and some “rules” for apologetics. If you would like to watch the videos directly on your device or download the study guide and videos for yourself, you can find them here: Apologetics: Defending the Faith – CongServe