This section will explore answers to the following questions ...
• Who is our audience?
• What are some simple goals to have in our conversations?
• How might we start a conversation with a stranger?
• How can we “stay on point” when speaking with the skeptical?
• What are some “Rules of Engagement” to remember when speaking with others?
• What questions might we ask those with a non-Biblical Worldview?
• Should we be prepared for disagreement when sharing?
• What is Christian Apologetics?
• What is Presuppositional Apologetics?
• What is Expository Apologetics?
• Where can I learn more about Apologetics?
• How can we learn the convictions of the person we are we sharing with?
• Who is our audience?
• What are some simple goals to have in our conversations?
• How might we start a conversation with a stranger?
• How can we “stay on point” when speaking with the skeptical?
• What are some “Rules of Engagement” to remember when speaking with others?
• What questions might we ask those with a non-Biblical Worldview?
• Should we be prepared for disagreement when sharing?
• What is Christian Apologetics?
• What is Presuppositional Apologetics?
• What is Expository Apologetics?
• Where can I learn more about Apologetics?
• How can we learn the convictions of the person we are we sharing with?
Perhaps we start by asking them a question ...
“Are we here on purpose, or accident?” (Creation vs. evolution) Discussions concerning Origins (Creation vs. evolution) are often characterized as Science vs. Religion.
“Are we here on purpose, or accident?” (Creation vs. evolution) Discussions concerning Origins (Creation vs. evolution) are often characterized as Science vs. Religion.
• Who is our audience?
Who do we speak with on a regular basis? As parents, grandparents our audience will often be the young who have not yet become skeptical. If we have established a bond of trust with them we might find it easier to share God, the Bible, and Jesus - they are often curious. If we are attending college our audience will often be other students (and perhaps our professors and instructors). Maybe the goal here is present the Biblical Worldview in a logical, and rational way. As we go about our day we may speak with family, friends and occasionally strangers. How might we share with them and get them thinking about “spiritual things”, and their worldview?
Consider making a list of people we meet/speak with on regular basis. Would they consider themselves people of faith? What is their Worldview (Creation/Evolution)? Are they too young to have these types of convictions? Do we pray for opportunities to share God-The Bible-Jesus-The Gospel with them?
• What are some simple goals to have in our conversations? Do we look for opportunities to Sow Seeds (of the Gospel), Place Pebbles (by asking questions), and Warn (the Skeptical and the Scoffing)? Do we look for opportunities to be a blessing and encouragement? Do we wake up each day with prayer and anticipation? “Here I am Lord. Use me to be a blessing to someone today, to share You with someone today?” (Pet 3:15-15, Isa 6:8) Do we look for ways to encourage people to faith, and in their faith?
Standing on the rock/foundation of God’s testimony (and a Biblical Worldview) we can share logically, biblically, and compassionately. This sharing might take a while to bear fruit. But we need to keep putting a cup in front of those we are sharing with, and maybe one day they will pick the cup up and drink.
• Video - Forty - Sharing (1:17)
(Source: http://www.worshiphousemedia.com/mini-movies/14888/Forty)
How many times must the gospel be presented before someone will believe?
Are we ready to pour them another cup?
As we share - focus on the root not the fruit. To make an impact we need to start at the root (a person's Worldview) not the fruit. Surely the fruit (convictions they have based on their Worldview) helps us identify the tree. But to help a sick tree we need to work with the root not the fruit. Put another way - we need to work on changing a person’s foundation, not the color of paint on their house. And we need to remember that changing a person’s foundation is hard work and may not be accomplished in one meeting (especially with strangers).
Rescuing the Perishing. Some People have been taken captive in their thinking (in their hearts and minds) and many will oppose any attempts at rescue. However we need to approach them like they are in a “jail cell.” We are there to rescue - not to condemn or make things worse.
Illustration - Stay in the Boat. Jesus sends us out into the world in the boat to rescue the perishing. Our job is to encourage those in the water that there is plenty of room in the boat. And no matter what those in the water say, we should don’t leave the safety of the boat - we should share with them from their point of view - their Worldview - but stay in the boat of ours.
• How might we start a conversation with a stranger? By asking questions - something more than the common question, “How are you?” We can ask questions that might lead to a discussion of “spiritual things”, their worldview, God-the Bible-Jesus, and a hopefully a short presentation of the Gospel.
Here are some examples …
How many times a day are we greeted with, “how are you?” Here’s one answer - “I’m blessed.” “How about you, would you consider yourself a blessed person? According to Romans 4, blessed is the person whose sin is forgiven. “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; 8 Blessed is the man to whom the LORD shall not impute sin.” (Romans 4:7-8, NKJV)
“Would you consider yourself a person of faith?”
Have you wondered about the “Big Questions” of life? Who am I? Why am I here? (Am I here on purpose or accident?) Where am I going when I am not here? Have you asked yourself these questions? What were you answers, or are you still looking for answers? Where do you go to find answers? Maybe you can start here … Got Questions? (Source: http://www.gotquestions.org)
Do you think we here on purpose or accident? (Creation vs. Evolution) Do you feel comfortable explaining how you came to that conviction? If what you believed about Origins wasn’t true would you want to know? For those that believe in Evolution, “Can you explain how something can come from nothing?”
“If you had something like cancer would you want your doctor to tell you?” What if you had cancer, the spiritual kind (and it was killing you) would you want someone to tell you (No I’m not a “doctor” but I had what you have, and the Great Physician - Jesus - made me well.”)
Maybe after asking a few questions the person will ask you a question or two. We need to be prepared to answer their questions as well. If we don’t know the answer, we can make arrangements to meet with them again, and provide answers, perhaps over a cup of coffee.
• How can we “stay on point” when speaking with the skeptical? We may encounter attempts to change the conversation as we help a person examine their Worldview. This may be because the person is skeptical or hard of heart, or maybe we have “touched a nerve” and the other person is attempting to talk about something less challenging or painful.
Who do we speak with on a regular basis? As parents, grandparents our audience will often be the young who have not yet become skeptical. If we have established a bond of trust with them we might find it easier to share God, the Bible, and Jesus - they are often curious. If we are attending college our audience will often be other students (and perhaps our professors and instructors). Maybe the goal here is present the Biblical Worldview in a logical, and rational way. As we go about our day we may speak with family, friends and occasionally strangers. How might we share with them and get them thinking about “spiritual things”, and their worldview?
Consider making a list of people we meet/speak with on regular basis. Would they consider themselves people of faith? What is their Worldview (Creation/Evolution)? Are they too young to have these types of convictions? Do we pray for opportunities to share God-The Bible-Jesus-The Gospel with them?
• What are some simple goals to have in our conversations? Do we look for opportunities to Sow Seeds (of the Gospel), Place Pebbles (by asking questions), and Warn (the Skeptical and the Scoffing)? Do we look for opportunities to be a blessing and encouragement? Do we wake up each day with prayer and anticipation? “Here I am Lord. Use me to be a blessing to someone today, to share You with someone today?” (Pet 3:15-15, Isa 6:8) Do we look for ways to encourage people to faith, and in their faith?
Standing on the rock/foundation of God’s testimony (and a Biblical Worldview) we can share logically, biblically, and compassionately. This sharing might take a while to bear fruit. But we need to keep putting a cup in front of those we are sharing with, and maybe one day they will pick the cup up and drink.
• Video - Forty - Sharing (1:17)
(Source: http://www.worshiphousemedia.com/mini-movies/14888/Forty)
How many times must the gospel be presented before someone will believe?
Are we ready to pour them another cup?
As we share - focus on the root not the fruit. To make an impact we need to start at the root (a person's Worldview) not the fruit. Surely the fruit (convictions they have based on their Worldview) helps us identify the tree. But to help a sick tree we need to work with the root not the fruit. Put another way - we need to work on changing a person’s foundation, not the color of paint on their house. And we need to remember that changing a person’s foundation is hard work and may not be accomplished in one meeting (especially with strangers).
Rescuing the Perishing. Some People have been taken captive in their thinking (in their hearts and minds) and many will oppose any attempts at rescue. However we need to approach them like they are in a “jail cell.” We are there to rescue - not to condemn or make things worse.
Illustration - Stay in the Boat. Jesus sends us out into the world in the boat to rescue the perishing. Our job is to encourage those in the water that there is plenty of room in the boat. And no matter what those in the water say, we should don’t leave the safety of the boat - we should share with them from their point of view - their Worldview - but stay in the boat of ours.
• How might we start a conversation with a stranger? By asking questions - something more than the common question, “How are you?” We can ask questions that might lead to a discussion of “spiritual things”, their worldview, God-the Bible-Jesus, and a hopefully a short presentation of the Gospel.
Here are some examples …
How many times a day are we greeted with, “how are you?” Here’s one answer - “I’m blessed.” “How about you, would you consider yourself a blessed person? According to Romans 4, blessed is the person whose sin is forgiven. “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; 8 Blessed is the man to whom the LORD shall not impute sin.” (Romans 4:7-8, NKJV)
“Would you consider yourself a person of faith?”
Have you wondered about the “Big Questions” of life? Who am I? Why am I here? (Am I here on purpose or accident?) Where am I going when I am not here? Have you asked yourself these questions? What were you answers, or are you still looking for answers? Where do you go to find answers? Maybe you can start here … Got Questions? (Source: http://www.gotquestions.org)
Do you think we here on purpose or accident? (Creation vs. Evolution) Do you feel comfortable explaining how you came to that conviction? If what you believed about Origins wasn’t true would you want to know? For those that believe in Evolution, “Can you explain how something can come from nothing?”
“If you had something like cancer would you want your doctor to tell you?” What if you had cancer, the spiritual kind (and it was killing you) would you want someone to tell you (No I’m not a “doctor” but I had what you have, and the Great Physician - Jesus - made me well.”)
Maybe after asking a few questions the person will ask you a question or two. We need to be prepared to answer their questions as well. If we don’t know the answer, we can make arrangements to meet with them again, and provide answers, perhaps over a cup of coffee.
• How can we “stay on point” when speaking with the skeptical? We may encounter attempts to change the conversation as we help a person examine their Worldview. This may be because the person is skeptical or hard of heart, or maybe we have “touched a nerve” and the other person is attempting to talk about something less challenging or painful.
How might we continue to share?
- Speak the truth with gentleness & respect (1 Peter 3:15)
- Speak from a biblical foundation (and use biblically accurate words)
- Minister from the rock of God’s word rather than the sand of the world believes.
- Reframe the conversation if someone attempts to misrepresent our point of view.
Illustrations. “It’s not about Religion vs. Science, it’s about Religion masquerading as Science.” “Believing that something can come from nothing is not science but some kind of ‘magic’ or supernatural.” “As a Naturalist (or someone who believes that Darwinian Evolution - Molecules to Man is true) you don’t believe in the supernatural right?” “You have just as much ‘faith’ as I do. You ‘believe’ that something came from nothing. So do I. You just believe there was no cause. It just happened. Is that logical? Doesn’t that violate the Law of Cause and Effect? I believe something came from nothing - because there was a Cause. And that Cause is God.” “You are claiming to be the rational person in this conversation. The one who’s Worldview is based on evidence. That’s good. Would you share with me your best evidence for the non-existence of God?” “I agree there are things that are hard to understand. But just because something is hard to understand doesn’t make it untrue.”
• What are some “Rules of Engagement” to remember when speaking with others? There are two basic rules of engagement that must be remembered when discussing our spiritual and moral convictions. Here are the rules:
- Speak the truth with gentleness & respect (1 Peter 3:15)
- Speak from a biblical foundation (and use biblically accurate words)
- Minister from the rock of God’s word rather than the sand of the world believes.
- Reframe the conversation if someone attempts to misrepresent our point of view.
Illustrations. “It’s not about Religion vs. Science, it’s about Religion masquerading as Science.” “Believing that something can come from nothing is not science but some kind of ‘magic’ or supernatural.” “As a Naturalist (or someone who believes that Darwinian Evolution - Molecules to Man is true) you don’t believe in the supernatural right?” “You have just as much ‘faith’ as I do. You ‘believe’ that something came from nothing. So do I. You just believe there was no cause. It just happened. Is that logical? Doesn’t that violate the Law of Cause and Effect? I believe something came from nothing - because there was a Cause. And that Cause is God.” “You are claiming to be the rational person in this conversation. The one who’s Worldview is based on evidence. That’s good. Would you share with me your best evidence for the non-existence of God?” “I agree there are things that are hard to understand. But just because something is hard to understand doesn’t make it untrue.”
• What are some “Rules of Engagement” to remember when speaking with others? There are two basic rules of engagement that must be remembered when discussing our spiritual and moral convictions. Here are the rules:
Rule #1: If we get angry, we lose.
Rule #2: If they get angry, we lose.
Basically, if either person in the discussion (they or us) gets angry, we lose.
One clarification. These rules apply to the messenger, not the message. There is nothing we can do if the message offends the other person and they get upset. This is the nature of the message that the Christian is called to communicate. The Christian Ambassador needs to do everything within his or her power to be gracious, winsome, and attractive in the way they communicate the message so that they are not offensive. The message is often offensive enough; we don’t need to add offense to it. Remember, if we get angry, we make the Christian message and Christ look unattractive.
(Source: Stand to Reason, Jun 12, 2015, Tim Barnett, http://www.str.org/quickthoughts/quick-thought-rules-of-engagement#.VaZq8bW5WM8)
(Source: Stand to Reason, Jun 12, 2015, Tim Barnett, http://www.str.org/quickthoughts/quick-thought-rules-of-engagement#.VaZq8bW5WM8)
The goal is to win the soul not the “argument.”
• What questions might we ask those with a non-Biblical Worldview? When we witness with others we first might have to lovingly dismantle their worldview.
• What questions might we ask those with a non-Biblical Worldview? When we witness with others we first might have to lovingly dismantle their worldview.
We can do this by asking some very powerful questions, and persisting in getting an answer.
The first question is, “What do you mean by that?”
The second is, “Where did you get your information?”
The third question is, “How do you know it’s true?”
The fourth is, “What if you’re wrong?”
Illustration. A teacher took a group of third graders to the Denver Museum of Natural History. Before he took them inside, he knelt down on their level and said, “Kids, if anybody in this museum tells you anything, I want you to ask them, how do you know that’s true?” Giving this question to a third grader is the intellectual equivalent of giving them a surface-to-air missile. These kids walked into the museum; all they knew was, “Ask, how do you know that’s true?” A paleontologist was going to show them how to find a fossil. Apparently they had intentionally buried a fossil down in the soil sample and she said, “We’re going to find it.” Very clever, right? No, not with this crowd. Cause they started asking questions like, “Well, how do you know there’s a fossil down in there?” “Well, because we just know there’s a fossil down there.” “Why do you want to find it?' “Well, because we want to study it.” “Why do you want to study it?' “We want to find out how old it is.” “Well, how old do you think it is?” “About 60 million years old.” “Lady, how do you know that is true?” She patronized them. She said, “Well, you see, I’m a scientist, I study these things, I just know that.” They said, “Well, how do you know that’s true?” Anytime she said anything at all they just asked, “How do you know that’s true?” What happened next proves that truth is stranger than fiction. She threw down her tools, glared at these children, and said, “Look, children, I don’t know, OK? I just work here!”
Question #1. What do you mean by that? You want to get the other person to define his terms and explain what he is saying. If you don’t make sure you understand what the other person means, you could end up having a conversation using the same words but meaning very different things. Let’s say you're talking someone who says, “I don’t believe there is a God.” Don’t quarrel with them. Just start asking questions instead. “What do you mean by God?” “What’s your understanding of this God who isn’t there?” Let them define that which does not exist! You may well find out that the god he rejects is a mean, cold, abusive god who looks a lot like his father. In that case, you can assure him that you don’t believe in that god either.
Question #2. Where did you get your information? The question “Where do you get your information?” is particularly important in today’s culture, where we drown in information from a huge array of sources. Information is being pumped at us from TV, radio, music, websites, email, blogs, billboards, movies, and conversations with people who have no truth filters in place at all. Consider the kind of responses you could get to the question, where do you get your information? “I heard it somewhere.” Well, how’s that for reliable? Follow with another disarming question, “How do you know it's true?” “Everybody says so.” That may be so, but is it true? Someone else may say, “I read it somewhere.” So ask, in a legitimate newspaper or magazine? Or in a tabloid? You might have read it somewhere, but there is a word for that kind of writing: fiction. Did you see it on the Web? That could be a single individual with great graphics abilities pumping out his own totally made-up stuff. Did you see it on TV? Who said it, and how trustworthy is the source? Was it fact, or opinion? Be aware of the worldview agenda behind the major media outlets. Don't be fooled by someone sounding confident and self-assured. Many people feel confident without any basis for feeling that way. Ask, Where do you get your information? It’s a great disarming question.
Question #3. How do you know it’s true? This is probably the most powerful question of them all. It puts the burden of proof on the other person. Most people aren’t aware of what they assume is true; there’s simply no other way to see the world. Sometimes the kindest thing we can do for people is gently shake up their presuppositions and invite them to think. The reigning philosophy in science today is materialism, the insistence that the physical universe is all that exists. Something is only real if it can be measured and quantified. We need to ask, “How do you know there isn’t something non-physical, which cannot be measured with physical measuring tools?” “If all you have is a ruler, how do you measure weight?” (And if all you have is a ruler, and someone wants to talk about weight, it would be easy to deny there is such a thing as weight, only height and length, a lot like the materialists’ insistence that since we can’t measure the supernatural, it doesn’t exist.)
The first question is, “What do you mean by that?”
The second is, “Where did you get your information?”
The third question is, “How do you know it’s true?”
The fourth is, “What if you’re wrong?”
Illustration. A teacher took a group of third graders to the Denver Museum of Natural History. Before he took them inside, he knelt down on their level and said, “Kids, if anybody in this museum tells you anything, I want you to ask them, how do you know that’s true?” Giving this question to a third grader is the intellectual equivalent of giving them a surface-to-air missile. These kids walked into the museum; all they knew was, “Ask, how do you know that’s true?” A paleontologist was going to show them how to find a fossil. Apparently they had intentionally buried a fossil down in the soil sample and she said, “We’re going to find it.” Very clever, right? No, not with this crowd. Cause they started asking questions like, “Well, how do you know there’s a fossil down in there?” “Well, because we just know there’s a fossil down there.” “Why do you want to find it?' “Well, because we want to study it.” “Why do you want to study it?' “We want to find out how old it is.” “Well, how old do you think it is?” “About 60 million years old.” “Lady, how do you know that is true?” She patronized them. She said, “Well, you see, I’m a scientist, I study these things, I just know that.” They said, “Well, how do you know that’s true?” Anytime she said anything at all they just asked, “How do you know that’s true?” What happened next proves that truth is stranger than fiction. She threw down her tools, glared at these children, and said, “Look, children, I don’t know, OK? I just work here!”
Question #1. What do you mean by that? You want to get the other person to define his terms and explain what he is saying. If you don’t make sure you understand what the other person means, you could end up having a conversation using the same words but meaning very different things. Let’s say you're talking someone who says, “I don’t believe there is a God.” Don’t quarrel with them. Just start asking questions instead. “What do you mean by God?” “What’s your understanding of this God who isn’t there?” Let them define that which does not exist! You may well find out that the god he rejects is a mean, cold, abusive god who looks a lot like his father. In that case, you can assure him that you don’t believe in that god either.
Question #2. Where did you get your information? The question “Where do you get your information?” is particularly important in today’s culture, where we drown in information from a huge array of sources. Information is being pumped at us from TV, radio, music, websites, email, blogs, billboards, movies, and conversations with people who have no truth filters in place at all. Consider the kind of responses you could get to the question, where do you get your information? “I heard it somewhere.” Well, how’s that for reliable? Follow with another disarming question, “How do you know it's true?” “Everybody says so.” That may be so, but is it true? Someone else may say, “I read it somewhere.” So ask, in a legitimate newspaper or magazine? Or in a tabloid? You might have read it somewhere, but there is a word for that kind of writing: fiction. Did you see it on the Web? That could be a single individual with great graphics abilities pumping out his own totally made-up stuff. Did you see it on TV? Who said it, and how trustworthy is the source? Was it fact, or opinion? Be aware of the worldview agenda behind the major media outlets. Don't be fooled by someone sounding confident and self-assured. Many people feel confident without any basis for feeling that way. Ask, Where do you get your information? It’s a great disarming question.
Question #3. How do you know it’s true? This is probably the most powerful question of them all. It puts the burden of proof on the other person. Most people aren’t aware of what they assume is true; there’s simply no other way to see the world. Sometimes the kindest thing we can do for people is gently shake up their presuppositions and invite them to think. The reigning philosophy in science today is materialism, the insistence that the physical universe is all that exists. Something is only real if it can be measured and quantified. We need to ask, “How do you know there isn’t something non-physical, which cannot be measured with physical measuring tools?” “If all you have is a ruler, how do you measure weight?” (And if all you have is a ruler, and someone wants to talk about weight, it would be easy to deny there is such a thing as weight, only height and length, a lot like the materialists’ insistence that since we can’t measure the supernatural, it doesn’t exist.)
Let me add a caveat here. The underlying question behind “How do you know that’s true?” is really, “Why should I believe you?” It can be quite disconcerting to be challenged this way, so be sure to ask with a friendly face and without an edge in your voice.
Question #4. What if you’re wrong? One benefit of this question is that it helps us not to “sweat the small stuff.” There are a lot of issues where it just doesn’t matter a whole lot if we're wrong. If you're agonizing over a restaurant menu, trying to figure out the best entree, what if you’re wrong? Is it going to wreck your life? Absolutely not. However if you are wrong about something that has eternal consequences, with no do-overs, maybe we ought to examine our convictions.
The ultimate question where this matters is, what do you believe about God? What do you do with Jesus’ statement “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except by Me?” What if you believe there is no God, or that you can live however you want and God will let you into heaven because you’re not a mass murderer? We need to ask, What if you’re wrong? You will be separated from God forever. These four disarming questions are powerful to spark meaningful conversation and encourage yourself, and others, to think critically. Use them wisely; be prepared for some interesting conversations.
Summary
Question #1: What do you mean by that?
Question #2: Where did you get your information?
Question #3: How do you know it’s true?
Question #4: What if you're wrong?
(Adapted from Four Killer Questions, © 2007 Probe Ministries, Sue Brolin
Question #4. What if you’re wrong? One benefit of this question is that it helps us not to “sweat the small stuff.” There are a lot of issues where it just doesn’t matter a whole lot if we're wrong. If you're agonizing over a restaurant menu, trying to figure out the best entree, what if you’re wrong? Is it going to wreck your life? Absolutely not. However if you are wrong about something that has eternal consequences, with no do-overs, maybe we ought to examine our convictions.
The ultimate question where this matters is, what do you believe about God? What do you do with Jesus’ statement “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except by Me?” What if you believe there is no God, or that you can live however you want and God will let you into heaven because you’re not a mass murderer? We need to ask, What if you’re wrong? You will be separated from God forever. These four disarming questions are powerful to spark meaningful conversation and encourage yourself, and others, to think critically. Use them wisely; be prepared for some interesting conversations.
Summary
Question #1: What do you mean by that?
Question #2: Where did you get your information?
Question #3: How do you know it’s true?
Question #4: What if you're wrong?
(Adapted from Four Killer Questions, © 2007 Probe Ministries, Sue Brolin
http://www.probe.org/site/c.fdKEIMNsEoG/b.4227009/k.7235/Four_Killer_Questions.htm)
• Should we be prepared for disagreement when sharing? At the beginning of our conversation when it seems like the “tone of conversation” is becoming less than cordial we might ask the question, “Is this to be a friendly discussion where each of us gets to ask questions and make points, or, do you want to debate me?” If you want a debate there are more qualified people you can debate, people with doctorates in their fields of study. Perhaps you can debate them (or at least watch their debates on Youtube.)
Examples include videos by - Dr. William Lane Craig, Dr. John Lennox, Dr. Jonathan Sarfati, and Dr. Frank Turek.
We can say to the person we are speaking with, “I have been challenged by scripture to give reasons for what I believe with gentleness and respect - kindly pointing out the errors of what you believe without attacking you - and this is what I am expecting in return." If they remain combative perhaps all we can do is warn them and excuse ourselves from the conversation.
Illustrations...
God. You will meet the God you don’t believe in one day. It’s called the Day of Judgment. The day God will give you justice for breaking His laws. Justice doesn’t include Heaven.
The Bible. The Bible you don’t read warns that everyone has broken God’s laws. The Bible warns that everyone will get justice. (Unless they surrender to God and ask for mercy.) The Bible also promises that God has provided a solution to our problem.
Jesus. The Jesus you mock is God’s only solution for our problem. We either surrender to God and accept His gift of forgiveness (for breaking His laws) or we will receive justice (the wage) for breaking God’s laws (sin).
The Gospel. Here is what the Bible says. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23, NIV)
• What is Christian Apologetics?
The English word “apology” comes from a Greek word, which basically means, “to give a defense.” Christian Apologetics is giving a defense of the Christian faith. Probably the key verse for Christian Apologetics is 1 Peter 3:15, “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. 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...” There is no excuse for a Christian to be completely unable to defend his or her faith. Not every Christian needs to be an expert in apologetics. But every Christian should know what they believe, why they believe it, how to share it with others, and how to defend it against lies and attacks. One aspect of Christian apologetics that is often ignored is found in the second half of 1 Peter 3:15, “but do this with gentleness and respect...” Defending the Christian faith should never involve being rude, angry, or disrespectful. We should strive to be strong in our defense and at the same time Christ-like in our presentation. There are two primary methods of Christian Apologetics. The first, commonly known as classical Apologetics, involves sharing proofs and evidences that the Christian message is true. The second, commonly known as “Presuppositional” Apologetics, involves confronting the presuppositions (preconceived ideas, assumptions) behind anti-Christian positions. We are all commanded to be ready and equipped to proclaim the gospel and defend our faith (Matthew 28:18-20; 1 Peter 3:15). That is the essence of Christian Apologetics.
(Adapted from: Got Questions, http://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-apologetics.html, Got Questions Ministries)
• What is Presuppositional Apologetics?
Presuppositional Apologetics is an approach to apologetics, which aims to present a rational basis for the Christian faith and defend it against objections by exposing the logical flaws of other worldviews and hence demonstrating that biblical theism is the only worldview which can make consistent sense of reality. Presuppositional Apologetics does not discount the use of evidence, but such evidences are not used in the traditional manner - that is, an appeal to the authority of the unbeliever’s autonomous reason. Presuppositional Apologetics holds that without a theistic worldview there is no consistent basis upon which to assume the possibility of autonomous reason. When the materialist attempts to refute Christianity by appeal to deductive reason, he is, in fact, borrowing from the Christian worldview, hence being inconsistent with his stated presuppositions. The presuppositional approach to apologetics calls for the Christian and non-Christian to engage in an internal examination of their respective worldview and thus determine whether or not they are internally consistent.
The essence of Presuppositional Apologetics is an attempt to demonstrate that the non-Christian’s worldview forces him to a state of subjectivity, irrationalism, and moral anarchy. Since the unbeliever’s worldview is objectively false, it of necessity contains demonstrable contradictions (e.g., he makes moral judgments, but he cannot account for moral absolutes without the theistic worldview). The believer, within the Christian framework, can account for things like rationality, logic, uniformity of nature, morality, science, etc., because the Christian worldview conforms to a transcendent reality.
Illustrations...
God. You will meet the God you don’t believe in one day. It’s called the Day of Judgment. The day God will give you justice for breaking His laws. Justice doesn’t include Heaven.
The Bible. The Bible you don’t read warns that everyone has broken God’s laws. The Bible warns that everyone will get justice. (Unless they surrender to God and ask for mercy.) The Bible also promises that God has provided a solution to our problem.
Jesus. The Jesus you mock is God’s only solution for our problem. We either surrender to God and accept His gift of forgiveness (for breaking His laws) or we will receive justice (the wage) for breaking God’s laws (sin).
The Gospel. Here is what the Bible says. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23, NIV)
• What is Christian Apologetics?
The English word “apology” comes from a Greek word, which basically means, “to give a defense.” Christian Apologetics is giving a defense of the Christian faith. Probably the key verse for Christian Apologetics is 1 Peter 3:15, “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. 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...” There is no excuse for a Christian to be completely unable to defend his or her faith. Not every Christian needs to be an expert in apologetics. But every Christian should know what they believe, why they believe it, how to share it with others, and how to defend it against lies and attacks. One aspect of Christian apologetics that is often ignored is found in the second half of 1 Peter 3:15, “but do this with gentleness and respect...” Defending the Christian faith should never involve being rude, angry, or disrespectful. We should strive to be strong in our defense and at the same time Christ-like in our presentation. There are two primary methods of Christian Apologetics. The first, commonly known as classical Apologetics, involves sharing proofs and evidences that the Christian message is true. The second, commonly known as “Presuppositional” Apologetics, involves confronting the presuppositions (preconceived ideas, assumptions) behind anti-Christian positions. We are all commanded to be ready and equipped to proclaim the gospel and defend our faith (Matthew 28:18-20; 1 Peter 3:15). That is the essence of Christian Apologetics.
(Adapted from: Got Questions, http://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-apologetics.html, Got Questions Ministries)
• What is Presuppositional Apologetics?
Presuppositional Apologetics is an approach to apologetics, which aims to present a rational basis for the Christian faith and defend it against objections by exposing the logical flaws of other worldviews and hence demonstrating that biblical theism is the only worldview which can make consistent sense of reality. Presuppositional Apologetics does not discount the use of evidence, but such evidences are not used in the traditional manner - that is, an appeal to the authority of the unbeliever’s autonomous reason. Presuppositional Apologetics holds that without a theistic worldview there is no consistent basis upon which to assume the possibility of autonomous reason. When the materialist attempts to refute Christianity by appeal to deductive reason, he is, in fact, borrowing from the Christian worldview, hence being inconsistent with his stated presuppositions. The presuppositional approach to apologetics calls for the Christian and non-Christian to engage in an internal examination of their respective worldview and thus determine whether or not they are internally consistent.
The essence of Presuppositional Apologetics is an attempt to demonstrate that the non-Christian’s worldview forces him to a state of subjectivity, irrationalism, and moral anarchy. Since the unbeliever’s worldview is objectively false, it of necessity contains demonstrable contradictions (e.g., he makes moral judgments, but he cannot account for moral absolutes without the theistic worldview). The believer, within the Christian framework, can account for things like rationality, logic, uniformity of nature, morality, science, etc., because the Christian worldview conforms to a transcendent reality.
In summary, the presuppositional apologist engages in an internal critique of a given worldview in order to demonstrate that it is arbitrary, inconsistent within itself, and lacks the preconditions for epistemology. The presuppositional apologist can thus take a given value which is held by the unbeliever and demonstrate to him that if his own worldview were true, that very belief would be incoherent and/or meaningless.
Presuppositional Apologetics seeks to prove Christianity with reference to the impossibility of the contrary. In other words, unless the Christian worldview is presupposed - whether at a conscious or subconscious level - there is no possibility for proving anything.
(Source: http://www.gotquestions.org/presuppositional-apologetics.html, Got Questions Ministries)
• What is Expository Apologetics?
Expository Apologetics is the practice of answering objections with the power of God’s Word.
(Source: http://www.gotquestions.org/presuppositional-apologetics.html, Got Questions Ministries)
• What is Expository Apologetics?
Expository Apologetics is the practice of answering objections with the power of God’s Word.
(Source: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/3-reasons-you-need-expository-apologetics)
Dr. Voddie Baucham, “One of the questions I get is, “I’m having these discussion with people on about issue X. Can you give me an argument for this that doesn’t rely on Scripture.” “Well, why?” “Well, because they don’t believe the Bible.”
Illustration of the Two Knights
Two knights approach one another. And all of a sudden, when they meet, one knight draws his sword. And the other knight looks at the first knight who has drawn his sword, and he says, “I do not believe in thine sword.” Now the second knight has two choices.
Option Number One. He can re-sheath his sword and enter into a philosophical or scientific discussion about metallurgy, anatomy, physiology, and why it is very important for his opponent to believe in the sword.
Dr. Voddie Baucham, “One of the questions I get is, “I’m having these discussion with people on about issue X. Can you give me an argument for this that doesn’t rely on Scripture.” “Well, why?” “Well, because they don’t believe the Bible.”
Illustration of the Two Knights
Two knights approach one another. And all of a sudden, when they meet, one knight draws his sword. And the other knight looks at the first knight who has drawn his sword, and he says, “I do not believe in thine sword.” Now the second knight has two choices.
Option Number One. He can re-sheath his sword and enter into a philosophical or scientific discussion about metallurgy, anatomy, physiology, and why it is very important for his opponent to believe in the sword.
Option Number Two. He can cut him. And he will either believe, or very shortly it will not matter.
Don’t put away your sword. Don’t put away your sword. Because essentially here is what you’ve just done. Someone says, “I want to have a discussion with you about this moral issue, and I argue that the Bible is completely irrelevant to this moral issue.” And you say, (by putting away your sword) “I agree with you, let’s discuss it without the Bible.” You’ve already lost.
• Video - Expository Apologetics (1:44)
(Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCkEjNBDxGM)
Dr. Voddie Baucham
Don’t put away your sword. Don’t put away your sword. Because essentially here is what you’ve just done. Someone says, “I want to have a discussion with you about this moral issue, and I argue that the Bible is completely irrelevant to this moral issue.” And you say, (by putting away your sword) “I agree with you, let’s discuss it without the Bible.” You’ve already lost.
• Video - Expository Apologetics (1:44)
(Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCkEjNBDxGM)
Dr. Voddie Baucham
• Video - Expository Apologetics 101 (43:04)
(Source: https://voice.dts.edu/chapel/expository-apologetics-101-baucham-voddie
https://voice.dts.edu/chapel/the-pastor-teacher-counselor-as-expository-apologist-baucham-voddie)
(Source: https://voice.dts.edu/chapel/expository-apologetics-101-baucham-voddie
https://voice.dts.edu/chapel/the-pastor-teacher-counselor-as-expository-apologist-baucham-voddie)
Dr. Voddie Baucham
Book - Expository Apologetics: Answering Objections with the Power of the Word
(Source: https://www.christianbook.com/expository-apologetics-answering-objections-power-word/voddie-baucham/9781433533792/pd/533792?event=ESRCG)
Voddie Baucham Jr., CBD
Stock No: WW533792
Christian Book Distributors (CBD), 140 Summit St., Peabody, MA 01960
800-247-4784, https://www.christianbook.com
• Where can I learn more about Apologetics?
• Video - Tips for Doing Apologetics (2:28)
(Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytUxLH_PGw0)
(The One-Minute Apologist, Dr. Mike Licona)
Make a list, write down their objections. If you don't know the answer tell them so. Colossians 4:5-6, “Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” 1 Peter 3:15, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.”
Here are a few Apologetics Sites...
• Apologetics Press
(Source: http://www.apologeticspress.org)
• One-Minute Apologist
(Source: https://www.youtube.com/user/oneminuteapologist/videos?view=0)
• Stand to Reason
(Source: http://www.str.org)
(Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytUxLH_PGw0)
(The One-Minute Apologist, Dr. Mike Licona)
Make a list, write down their objections. If you don't know the answer tell them so. Colossians 4:5-6, “Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” 1 Peter 3:15, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.”
Here are a few Apologetics Sites...
• Apologetics Press
(Source: http://www.apologeticspress.org)
• One-Minute Apologist
(Source: https://www.youtube.com/user/oneminuteapologist/videos?view=0)
• Stand to Reason
(Source: http://www.str.org)
We can also search the Internet for articles, and videos by …
Dr. William Lane Craig, Dr. John Lennox
Dr. Jonathan Sarfati, Dr. Frank Turek
Dr. William Lane Craig, Dr. John Lennox
Dr. Jonathan Sarfati, Dr. Frank Turek