January 2012
Life Signs: Contemporary without Compromise
When we love those who are undeserving, it is an act of mercy. But loving God is an act
of worship.
MGBC Home Page
Do you see what I see?
Have you ever gone on a treasure hunt? What would you consider to be your
treasure? We, as Christians should be on a more distinctive treasure hunt. The
good thing is that this ‘treasure’ is not too hard to come by. In Colossians 2:3,
Paul says, “My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love,
so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that
they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the
treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” The veiled treasure of knowing the Lord
wholly is through the reading and meditation of the Bible – God’s holy word. In
Psalm 119:162, David says, “I rejoice at Your Word like one who finds great
treasure (NLT).”
As we read the Bible, it shouldn’t be done in a rushed state. When it is done as
so, we’ll miss the deep insights in the pages. The truth found in the Bible should
be genuinely sought after like one who searches for tangible treasures. In a well-
known psalm, we are encouraged as Christ-followers to seek after God's Word
as eagerly as a wild animal seeks out water when it's thirsty. Psalm 42:1 says,
“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.” That
is our goal; He is our treasure.
"What is Christian apologetics?"
The English word “apology” comes from a Greek word which basically means “to
give a defense.” Christian apologetics, then, is the science of giving a defense of
the Christian faith. There are many skeptics who doubt the existence of God
and/or attack belief in the God of the Bible. There are many critics who attack
the inspiration and inerrancy of the Bible. There are many false teachers who
promote false doctrines and deny the key truths of the Christian faith. The
mission of Christian apologetics is to combat these movements and instead
promote the Christian God and Christian truth.
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. Every Christian should be able to
give a reasonable presentation of his or her faith in Christ. Not every Christian
needs to be an expert in apologetics. Every Christian, though, should know what
s/he believes, why s/he believes it, how to share it with others, and how to
defend it against lies and attacks.
A second aspect of Christian apologetics that is often ignored is the second half
of 1 Peter 3:15, “but do this with gentleness and respect...” Defending the
Christian faith with apologetics should never involve being rude, angry, or
disrespectful. While practicing Christian apologetics, we should strive to be
strong in our defense and at the same time Christ-like in our presentation. If we
win a debate but turn a person even further away from Christ by our attitude, we
have lost the true purpose of Christian apologetics.
Christian apologetics is simply presenting a reasonable defense of the Christian
faith and truth to those who disagree. Christian apologetics is a necessary
aspect of the Christian life. 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.
Do you see what I see?
Have you ever gone on a treasure hunt? What would you consider to be your
treasure? We, as Christians should be on a more distinctive treasure hunt. The
good thing is that this ‘treasure’ is not too hard to come by. In Colossians 2:3,
Paul says, “My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love,
so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that
they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the
treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” The veiled treasure of knowing the Lord
wholly is through the reading and meditation of the Bible – God’s holy word. In
Psalm 119:162, David says, “I rejoice at Your Word like one who finds great
treasure (NLT).”
As we read the Bible, it shouldn’t be done in a rushed state. When it is done as
so, we’ll miss the deep insights in the pages. The truth found in the Bible should
be genuinely sought after like one who searches for tangible treasures. In a well-
known psalm, we are encouraged as Christ-followers to seek after God's Word
as eagerly as a wild animal seeks out water when it's thirsty. Psalm 42:1 says,
“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.” That
is our goal; He is our treasure.
"What is Christian apologetics?"
The English word “apology” comes from a Greek word which basically means “to
give a defense.” Christian apologetics, then, is the science of giving a defense of
the Christian faith. There are many skeptics who doubt the existence of God
and/or attack belief in the God of the Bible. There are many critics who attack
the inspiration and inerrancy of the Bible. There are many false teachers who
promote false doctrines and deny the key truths of the Christian faith. The
mission of Christian apologetics is to combat these movements and instead
promote the Christian God and Christian truth.
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. Every Christian should be able to
give a reasonable presentation of his or her faith in Christ. Not every Christian
needs to be an expert in apologetics. Every Christian, though, should know what
s/he believes, why s/he believes it, how to share it with others, and how to
defend it against lies and attacks.
A second aspect of Christian apologetics that is often ignored is the second half
of 1 Peter 3:15, “but do this with gentleness and respect...” Defending the
Christian faith with apologetics should never involve being rude, angry, or
disrespectful. While practicing Christian apologetics, we should strive to be
strong in our defense and at the same time Christ-like in our presentation. If we
win a debate but turn a person even further away from Christ by our attitude, we
have lost the true purpose of Christian apologetics.
Christian apologetics is simply presenting a reasonable defense of the Christian
faith and truth to those who disagree. Christian apologetics is a necessary
aspect of the Christian life. 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.