Pulpit Apologetics w/ Rob Edwards

What does apologetics have to do with preaching? In this episode of the Westminster Podcast, Nate Shannon talks with Dr. Rob Edwards about his new book, Pulpit Apologetics: A Christ-Centered Apologetic for Gospel Proclamation. Drawing on the apologetic tradition of Cornelius Van Til and his own years of pastoral ministry, Edwards argues that preaching and apologetics belong together more closely than we often assume. Their conversation explores the apologetic character of the Apostle Paul’s preaching, the relationship between God’s Word and the world he created, and why apologetics should not be reduced to a specialized discipline for experts. Instead, the proclamation of Christ itself creates apologetic encounters, calling believers and unbelievers alike to reckon with the truth of God’s Word. Edwards also considers what this means practically for the pulpit: how pastors can engage contemporary unbelief without allowing the culture to set the terms of the conversation, why biblical preaching must aim deeper than merely being “relevant,” and how the preacher can press the claims of Christ upon both the mind and the conscience. Ultimately, apologetics is not simply about winning arguments. It is about bearing witness to Jesus Christ. A truly Christian apologetic therefore shares the goal of Christian preaching: to proclaim Christ and call sinners to repentance, faith, and reconciliation with God through him. Get a copy of Pulpit Apologetics: A Christ-Centered Apologetic for Gospel Proclamation here. If you enjoy this episode, you can access tons of content just like this at wm.wts.edu. If you would like to join us in our mission to train specialists in the bible to proclaim the whole counsel of God for Christ and his global church, visit wts.edu/donate. Thanks for listening!