answers to tough questions: applied apologetics – wk 1

Answers to tough questions:Applied Apologetics – Wk 1

What the class is about

• We will address challenges and questions re the Christian faith that you have faced/will face

• Will you help you in outreach

• Will help you interacting with non-Christians

• You may be at different stages in terms of witnessing – I understand

What the class is about

• May help some of you with your doubts• Please write your questions down if you

have any• I want you to think through the questions, I

won’t just give you the answers• Note that non-Christians may mock or

otherwise not like you for your stand• They said Jesus was “mad”, and Paul was

called a “babbler”

What the class is about

• Apologetics = defence of the Christian faith

• 1 Peter 3:15But 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.

Remember our basis

• The bible, the word of God

• Inspired by God

• Completely accurate

• All sufficient

What will happen

• Teaching sessions

• Small and large group discussion

• Some video clips including debates and at least one skit!

• Aimed more at older teens, but all are welcome

Personal

• Do you really believe ?

• The critical 25 cm - going from the head to the heart

• Me at your age

• If you don’t yet have assurance of salvation my prayer is…

Things to remember

• “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up”

I Corinthians 8:1b

• Don’t be condescending

• Not just trying to win the argument

• Should you use the bible in discussions with non-Christians who don’t believe it?

More to remember

• Not who is smartest

• Win the argument or win the soul?

• Not by human wisdom, God’s spirit will often step in, example

• What you might say, may bring fruit in years and years, examples

• Answer a question, with a question, as Jesus did

Some definitions

• Atheist - a person who denies or disbelieves the existence of a supreme being or beings.

• Agnostic - One who believes that it is impossible to know whether there is a God or one who is skeptical about the existence of God but does not profess true atheism

How we will respond

• First, biblical truth

• Some logic and common sense

• Evidence, where applicable

• Thoughts from some of the best Christian thinkers

• I am not mocking

• Non-exhaustive responses

Our first statement

Our second statement

“The bible is full of mistakes”