Christian apologetics

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Apologetics – Part 5

Paul’s entire set of epistles seem to be nothing but Christian apologetics – he defends the faith.

Each letter is written to a group, region, or church that seems to be going through problems, questions, or false teachings.

For instance to the Corinthians Paul defended the resurrection, spiritual gifts, Communion, marriage and divorce, hair length, and law suits just to name a few.

To the Galatians, Paul had to defend against Judaizers that came with a different gospel of following the Law.

In Ephesians he defended the family.

And I could go on but you can read each for yourself and experience what Paul was saying.

Probably one of the best lines from Paul on apologetics is given in Colossians –

Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. Col 4:5-6

Apologetics demands wisdom and patience. It demands grace in what you say and how you say it so that the answers you give will be received.

Abba, I want grace and salt in my speech today. In Jesus name, YES&AMEN

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Apologetics – Part 1

My church gathered to watch God’s Not Dead on New Year’s Eve. Many told me it was the best movie they have ever seen.

It is an excellent movie.

I think about how the student defended his Christian faith against the college professor. That’s called Christian apologetics. While I am a Christian and I will defend my faith, I’m not sure I would or could do it in the same method as the student in the movie.
He did a lot of reading to find out the belief of different philosophers and scientist in order to defend the faith.

I, on the other hand, prefer not to cloud my mind with antichrist thoughts and ideas. I prefer to read the truth that is God’s word.

I found in the Bible one of the first Christian’s to get into apologetics – Saul, who became the apostle Paul.

After his salvation, he turned his attention to preaching Jesus as the Son of God. How did he do this being such a new Christian and freshly converted from Judaism?

This verse gives the key.

But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ. Acts 9:22

He increased!
I believe that means in knowledge and strength of the Holy Spirit.

He confounded!
This increased knowledge of the scripture gave him the ability to confound the knowledge of others.

He proved!
By using the scripture he was able to show that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s word.

This is Christian apologetics and it’s something you need to do also.

The church can no longer shrug when people question the faith or have questions about the Bible or doctrine. You must know what you believe and why you believe it.

Next time I will reveal through the scripture how Saul (Paul) was able to do this.

Abba, use me today to prove that Jesus is the Son of God and the only Way of salvation. YES&AMEN