The Called Should Do Apologetics!
- Thread starter Musicmaster
- Start date
Christian apologetics is what we’re talking about here, the intellectual defense of the truth of the Christian religion. Many tend to get a bit passionate when defending something they hold near and dear to their heart.
Why is it important that EVERY Christian be involved in apologetics of the Christian faith?????
Is the Bible trustworthy?
Does God exist?
If God does exist, how can we know He is good?
How do we know Jesus really died and didn’t merely pass out?
How do we know the disciples didn’t steal Jesus’ body and make up the whole story about Him resurrecting?
These questions have been asked since Jesus walked the earth.
If someone asked why you believe in Jesus and you stare back blankly and shrug your shoulders, it does not inspire much confidence. However, if you respond with conviction about how you know the Gospel story is true, it forces people to take a second look.
This is what Jude was encouraging when he “felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people” (Jude 3). This greatest story ever told has been entrusted to us, and it is our calling to contend, or defend, it.
Good points, Major.
In addition to that, we're instructed in that same Bible:
2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
Thayer's Greek Lexicon shows to us the definition of "be instant":
"ἐπί τινα, Luke 21:34 (Wis. 6:9 Wis. 19:1; Sophocles O. R. 777; Thucydides 3, 82). equivalent to to be at hand i. e. be ready: 2 Timothy 4:2"
Doctrine is the key, and to defend doctrine, one needs to be prepared, ready, "at hand" to step up to the plate (so to speak) and speak with bold indifference to the intellectual gyrations the atheist may throw your way.
Some will say, "But I'm not an intellectual."
One doesn't have to be an intellectual to listen to Holy Spirit, and to learn from those out there who do give great insights into the proven integrity and reliability of the Bible in relation to all other writings, including those that the atheists accept without proving their relaibility.
MM
Amen to every word!