Apologetics Apologetics 101101

January 22January 22ndnd, 2008, 2008

Presented by: Randy OlssonPresented by: Randy Olsson

EvangelismEvangelism

Evangelism DefinedEvangelism Defined The activity of the church in telling The activity of the church in telling

the gospel to sinners with the intent the gospel to sinners with the intent to bring them to a saving knowledge to bring them to a saving knowledge Christ – J.C. MacaulayChrist – J.C. Macaulay

To present Christ Jesus to sinful men To present Christ Jesus to sinful men in order that through the power of in order that through the power of the Holy Spirit they may come to put the Holy Spirit they may come to put their trust in God through Him – J.I. their trust in God through Him – J.I. PackerPacker

Is to spread the good news that Is to spread the good news that Jesus Christ died for our sins and Jesus Christ died for our sins and was raised from the dead according was raised from the dead according to the scriptures and that as to the scriptures and that as reigning Lord, He now offers the reigning Lord, He now offers the forgiveness of sins and the forgiveness of sins and the liberating gift of the Holy Spirit to liberating gift of the Holy Spirit to all who repent and believe. Our all who repent and believe. Our Christian presence in the world is Christian presence in the world is indispensable to evangelism and so indispensable to evangelism and so it is that kind of dialogue who it is that kind of dialogue who purpose is to listen sensitively in purpose is to listen sensitively in order to understand.order to understand.

But evangelism itself is the But evangelism itself is the proclamation of the historical, proclamation of the historical, biblical, Christ as Savior and biblical, Christ as Savior and Lord, with a view of persuading Lord, with a view of persuading people to come to him people to come to him personally and be reconciled to personally and be reconciled to God. In issuing the gospel God. In issuing the gospel invitation we have no liberty to invitation we have no liberty to conceal the cost of discipleship.conceal the cost of discipleship.

Jesus still calls all who would Jesus still calls all who would follow Him to deny themselves, follow Him to deny themselves, take up their cross, and identify take up their cross, and identify them selves with this new them selves with this new community. The results of community. The results of evangelism include obedience to evangelism include obedience to Christ, incorporation into His Christ, incorporation into His church and responsible service church and responsible service to the world. – Lausanne (1974)to the world. – Lausanne (1974)

The Commission…The Commission… Genesis 12:1-3Genesis 12:1-3

The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show household and go to the land I will show you. "I will make you into a great nation you. "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and whoever curses you I will curse; and all all peoples on earth will be blessed through peoples on earth will be blessed through you." you."

King DavidKing David 1 Chronicles 16:241 Chronicles 16:24

Declare his glory Declare his glory among the nationsamong the nations, , his marvelous deeds among all his marvelous deeds among all peoples.peoples.

Isaiah 66:20Isaiah 66:20And they will bring all your brothers, And they will bring all your brothers, from all the nationsfrom all the nations, to my holy , to my holy mountain in Jerusalem as an offering mountain in Jerusalem as an offering to the LORD -on horses, in chariots to the LORD -on horses, in chariots and wagons, and on mules and and wagons, and on mules and camels," says the LORD. "They will camels," says the LORD. "They will bring them, as the Israelites bring bring them, as the Israelites bring their grain offerings, to the temple their grain offerings, to the temple of the LORD in ceremonially clean of the LORD in ceremonially clean vessels. vessels.

Jeremiah 3:17Jeremiah 3:17At that time they will call Jerusalem At that time they will call Jerusalem The Throne of the LORD, and The Throne of the LORD, and all all nations will gather in Jerusalem to nations will gather in Jerusalem to honor the name of the LORDhonor the name of the LORD. No . No longer will they follow the longer will they follow the stubbornness of their evil hearts.stubbornness of their evil hearts.

JesusJesus John 20:21John 20:21 Matthew 28:19-20Matthew 28:19-20 Mark 16:15Mark 16:15 Luke 24:44Luke 24:44 Acts 1:8Acts 1:8

John 20:21John 20:21

Again Jesus said, "Peace be with Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." sending you."

Matthew 28:19-20Matthew 28:19-20 Therefore go and make disciples of Therefore go and make disciples of

all nations, baptizing them in the all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of with you always, to the very end of the age." the age."

Mark 16:15Mark 16:15 He said to them, “Go into all the world and He said to them, “Go into all the world and

preach the good news to all creation. preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” people, and they will get well.”

Luke 24:47-49Luke 24:47-49 … … Repentance and forgiveness of Repentance and forgiveness of

sins will be preached in his name to sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with city until you have been clothed with power from on high power from on high

Acts 1:8Acts 1:8

““But you will receive power when But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." earth."

PassagePassage WhatWhat WhereWhere PromisePromise HowHow

John 20:21John 20:21 Be sentBe sent Sent outSent out As Christ As Christ was sentwas sent

SacrificialSacrificial / / ServantServant

Matthew Matthew 28:19-2028:19-20

Make Make DisciplesDisciples

All nationsAll nations I am with I am with you…you…

As you go..As you go..

Mark 16:15Mark 16:15 Go preachGo preach Every Every CreatureCreature

Drive out demons, Drive out demons, speak in new speak in new

tongues, heal the tongues, heal the sick…sick…

Just go!Just go!

Luke 24:47-Luke 24:47-4949

WitnessWitness Begin in Begin in JerusalemJerusalem

Promise of Promise of the the

Father…Father…

Begin at Begin at JerusalemJerusalem

Acts 1:8Acts 1:8 WitnessWitness Ends of the Ends of the earthearth

Spirit and Spirit and Power…Power…

Both / andBoth / and

Only about half (53%) of "born Only about half (53%) of "born again" Christians feel a sense of again" Christians feel a sense of responsibility to tell others about responsibility to tell others about their faiththeir faith

Entrusted…Entrusted… 1 Thessalonians 2:41 Thessalonians 2:4

“On the contrary, we speak as men “On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.”men but God, who tests our hearts.”

1 Corinthians 4:1-21 Corinthians 4:1-2 ““So then, men ought to regard us as So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God. entrusted with the secret things of God. Now it is required that those who have Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” been given a trust must prove faithful.”

Paul’s words to TimothyPaul’s words to Timothy ““What you heard from me, What you heard from me, keep as the keep as the

pattern of sound teachingpattern of sound teaching, with faith , with faith and love in Christ Jesus. and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to youdeposit that was entrusted to you——guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.” - 2 Timothy 1:13-15who lives in us.” - 2 Timothy 1:13-15

““And the things you have heard me say And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men entrust to reliable men who will also bewho will also be qualified to teach othersqualified to teach others.” - 2 Timothy ” - 2 Timothy 2:22:2

To whom shall we go…To whom shall we go… 1 John 5:191 John 5:19 “We know that we are “We know that we are

children of God, and that children of God, and that the whole the whole worldworld is under the control of the evil is under the control of the evil one.”one.”

Romans 3:12Romans 3:12 “ “All have turned awayAll have turned away; ; they have together become they have together become worthless; there is no one who does worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one."good, not even one."

John 8:24 John 8:24 Unbelieving Unbelieving Luke 13:3 Luke 13:3 Unrepentent Unrepentent Mark 16:16 Mark 16:16 Those who reject the Those who reject the

gospelgospel 1 John 5:121 John 5:12 Those without ChristThose without Christ

All NationsAll Nations Revelation 5:9 Revelation 5:9 Revelation 7:9  Revelation 7:9  Revelation 15:4Revelation 15:4

The Task. The Opportunity.The Task. The Opportunity. Matthew 9:37Matthew 9:37

Then he said to his disciples, "The Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are but the workers are few.few.

Luke 10:2Luke 10:2He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.workers into his harvest field.

God’s Perspective on the God’s Perspective on the Lost…Lost…

Mark 8:36Mark 8:36 – Too valuable to be lost – Too valuable to be lost Luke 19:10Luke 19:10 – Jesus came for them – Jesus came for them Mark 2:16-18Mark 2:16-18 – To call the lost – To call the lost 1 Timothy 1:15 1 Timothy 1:15  - To save the lost - To save the lost Romans 5:8Romans 5:8 – Jesus died for sinners – Jesus died for sinners Romans 4:25Romans 4:25 – He was raised for us – He was raised for us

God’s HeartGod’s Heart Matthew 18:12Matthew 18:12 – Jesus will leave to – Jesus will leave to

find…find… 1 Timothy 2:3-61 Timothy 2:3-6 – He wants… – He wants… Luke 13:34Luke 13:34 – He longs… – He longs… Ezekiel 18:30-32Ezekiel 18:30-32 – He pleads… – He pleads… Ezekiel 33:11Ezekiel 33:11 – He grieves… – He grieves…

Philemon 1:6Philemon 1:6I pray that you may be active in I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.good thing we have in Christ.

What is our role?What is our role?

Entrusted…Entrusted… Witnesses: Witnesses:

One who can give a firsthand account of One who can give a firsthand account of something seen, heard, or experienced:something seen, heard, or experienced:

Witness of GodWitness of God Isaiah 43:10Isaiah 43:10

"You are my witnesses,""You are my witnesses," declares declares the LORD, "and my servant whom I the LORD, "and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after formed, nor will there be one after me.me.

Of Jesus Christ and His workOf Jesus Christ and His work Acts 10:38-40Acts 10:38-40 “how God anointed “how God anointed

Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because under the power of the devil, because God was with him. "God was with him. "We are witnesses We are witnesses of everything he didof everything he did in the country of in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a tree, but God him by hanging him on a tree, but God raised him from the dead on the third raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen.”day and caused him to be seen.”

Of Jesus Christ and His workOf Jesus Christ and His work2 Peter 1:162 Peter 1:16 - “We did not follow - “We did not follow

cleverly cleverly invented stories when we invented stories when we told you about the told you about the power and power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but but we were eye-witnesses of his we were eye-witnesses of his majestymajesty.”.”

Of the Resurrection Acts 2:32Acts 2:32 God has raised this Jesus God has raised this Jesus

to life, and to life, and we are all witnesses of we are all witnesses of the fact.the fact.

Acts 3:15Acts 3:15 You killed the author of You killed the author of life, but life, but God raised himGod raised him from the from the dead. dead. We are witnesses of thisWe are witnesses of this..

Acts 5:32Acts 5:32We are witnessesWe are witnesses of these things, of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey God has given to those who obey him."him."

Acts 13:30-31, 38-39Acts 13:30-31, 38-39 “But God raised “But God raised him from the dead, and for many days him from the dead, and for many days he was seen by those who had traveled he was seen by those who had traveled with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. They are now his witnesses to our They are now his witnesses to our peoplepeople”…"Therefore, my brothers, I ”…"Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who you. Through him everyone who believes is justified from everything you believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of could not be justified from by the law of Moses.Moses.

Of what you have seenOf what you have seen Acts 4:19-20Acts 4:19-20

But Peter and John replied, "Judge But Peter and John replied, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God's sight to obey you rather than God. For God. For we cannot help speaking we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and about what we have seen and heardheard." ."

Of what God has done for you

John 9:25John 9:25 - He replied, “Whether he - He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don't know. is a sinner or not, I don't know. One One thing I do know. I was blind but now thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!”I see!”

John 4:29John 4:29 - "Come, see a man who - "Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ ?"this be the Christ ?"

Mark 5:15-20Mark 5:15-20 – “When they came to Jesus, – “When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. Those who had seen it told were afraid. Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well…., "Go home to your family pigs as well…., "Go home to your family and and tell them how much the Lord has done tell them how much the Lord has done for youfor you, and , and how he has had mercy on how he has had mercy on youyou." So the man ." So the man went away and began to went away and began to telltell in the Decapolis how much in the Decapolis how much Jesus had Jesus had done for him. And all the people were done for him. And all the people were amazedamazed..

Proclaim the Message

Testify Through Preaching:Testify Through Preaching:

To proclaim or put forth. To advocate, To proclaim or put forth. To advocate, especially to urge acceptance of or especially to urge acceptance of or

compliance with.compliance with.

Romans 1:9Romans 1:9God, whom I serve with my whole God, whom I serve with my whole heart in heart in preaching the gospel of his preaching the gospel of his SonSon, is my witness how constantly I , is my witness how constantly I remember you remember you

Romans 1:15Romans 1:15That is why I am so eager to That is why I am so eager to preach preach the gospelthe gospel also to you who are at also to you who are at Rome Rome

1 Corinthians 1:171 Corinthians 1:17For Christ did not send me to For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to baptize, but to preach the gospelpreach the gospel — — not with words of human wisdom, not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. its power.

Romans 1:16Romans 1:16 “I am not ashamed of “I am not ashamed of the gospelthe gospel, because , because it is the power it is the power of Godof God for the salvation of everyone for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. “for the Gentile. “

What is the gospel?What is the gospel? It’s preface…It’s preface… The gospel itself…The gospel itself… The right response…The right response…

The Preface…The Preface… Isaiah 59:2Isaiah 59:2 Romans 3:10, 23Romans 3:10, 23 Romans 6:23Romans 6:23 Ezekiel 18:4Ezekiel 18:4 1 John 1 John 1:81:8 Romans 7: 7-13Romans 7: 7-13 Galatians 3:22-25Galatians 3:22-25

2 Corinthians 5:112 Corinthians 5:11

Since, then, we know what it is to fear Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is plain to God, and I What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your hope it is also plain to your conscience. conscience.

Psalm 19:7Psalm 19:7The law of the LORD is perfect, The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. the simple.

A matter of truth or falsehood…

John 8:55John 8:55Though you do not know him, I know Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I did not, I would be a him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and liar like you, but I do know him and keep his word. keep his word.

John John 16:7-1116:7-11

““But I tell you the truth: It is for your good But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will send him to you. When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: in sin and righteousness and judgment: in regard to sin, because men do not believe in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; in regard to righteousness, because I me; in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and in regard to judgment, me no longer; and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands because the prince of this world now stands condemned.” condemned.”

ApologeticsApologetics1. Establishing Biblical Presuppositions1. Establishing Biblical Presuppositions Romans 1:20Romans 1:20

For since the creation of the world God's For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.made, so that men are without excuse.

Acts 17:23-25 Acts 17:23-25 Acts 14:17 Acts 14:17

Evangelism ScaleEvangelism Scale

AtheistAtheist AgnosticAgnostic DeistDeist TheistTheist MonotheistMonotheist SeekerSeeker BelieverBeliever

What is Apologetics?What is Apologetics?2. Giving Answers for the hope we have.2. Giving Answers for the hope we have.

1 Peter 3:151 Peter 3:15But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared prepared to give an answerto give an answer to everyone who asks you to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respectthis with gentleness and respect

The word The word answeranswer comes from the Greek word comes from the Greek word apologiaapologia, from which we get our word , from which we get our word apologeticsapologetics, meaning a defense or vindication , meaning a defense or vindication of what we believe. In other words, apologetics of what we believe. In other words, apologetics is not an apology for the faith, but a defense of is not an apology for the faith, but a defense of the faith, and it presupposes that the faith we the faith, and it presupposes that the faith we have given our life over to is defendable. have given our life over to is defendable.

ApologeticsApologetics "I have carefully examined the evidences of the "I have carefully examined the evidences of the

Christian religion, and if I was sitting as a juror Christian religion, and if I was sitting as a juror upon its authenticity I would unhesitatingly give upon its authenticity I would unhesitatingly give my verdict in its favor. I can prove its truth as my verdict in its favor. I can prove its truth as clearly as any proposition ever submitted to the clearly as any proposition ever submitted to the mind of man." Alexander Hamiltonmind of man." Alexander Hamilton

““It is absurd to hold that a man ought to be It is absurd to hold that a man ought to be ashamed of being unable to defend himself with ashamed of being unable to defend himself with his limbs, but not of being unable to defend his limbs, but not of being unable to defend himself with speech and reason, when the use of himself with speech and reason, when the use of rational speech is more distinctive of a human rational speech is more distinctive of a human being than the use of his limbs.” Aristotlebeing than the use of his limbs.” Aristotle

ApologeticsApologetics

3. Defending the gospel (upholding 3. Defending the gospel (upholding truth propositions)truth propositions)

In Philippians 1:7 Paul speaks of his In Philippians 1:7 Paul speaks of his task as task as “defending “defending and confirming the and confirming the gospel.” He adds in, “I am put here gospel.” He adds in, “I am put here for the for the defensedefense of the gospel.” This of the gospel.” This implies that the defender of the gospel implies that the defender of the gospel is out where her or she can encounter is out where her or she can encounter others and help preserve the truth.others and help preserve the truth.

ApologeticsApologetics

4. Demolishing Arguments (refuting 4. Demolishing Arguments (refuting falsehoods)falsehoods)

If Jesus is really Lord, then we should If Jesus is really Lord, then we should be obedient to him as it is stated in II be obedient to him as it is stated in II Cor. 10:5 “we demolish Cor. 10:5 “we demolish argumentsarguments and every pretension that sets itself and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every and we take captive every thoughtthought to to make it obedient to Christ.”make it obedient to Christ.”

ApologeticsApologetics5. Neutralizing Incredulity5. Neutralizing Incredulity Acts 26: 19-27

"So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven. 20First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles also, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds. 21That is why the Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me. 22But I have had God's help to this very day, and so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen— 23that the Christ would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to his own people and to the Gentiles." At this point Festus interrupted Paul's defense. "You are out of your mind, Paul!" he shouted. "Your great learning is driving you insane." 25"I am not insane, most excellent Festus," Paul replied. "What I am saying is true and reasonable. 26The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. 27King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do."

ApologeticsApologetics6. Persuading the skeptic6. Persuading the skeptic 2 Corinthians 5:11 2 Corinthians 5:11 Acts 9:22Acts 9:22

Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ.is the Christ.

Acts 17:3Acts 17:3explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead. "This Jesus I am and rise from the dead. "This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Christ, " he said.proclaiming to you is the Christ, " he said.

Acts 18:28Acts 18:28For he vigorously refuted the Jews in public For he vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ. the Christ.

ApologeticsApologetics7. Strengthen the believer7. Strengthen the believer 1 Thessalonians 5:141 Thessalonians 5:14

And we urge you, brothers, warn those who And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.be patient with everyone.

Luke 7:23Luke 7:23Blessed is the man who does not fall away on Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.“account of me.“

John 20:27John 20:27Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." believe."

ApologeticsApologetics

8. Refuting false doctrines8. Refuting false doctrines Titus 1:9 Makes knowledge of Titus 1:9 Makes knowledge of

Christian evidences a necessity for Christian evidences a necessity for church leadership. An elder in the church leadership. An elder in the church should “hold firmly to the church should “hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and others by sound doctrine and refute refute those who oppose itthose who oppose it.” .”

ApologeticsApologetics

Jude 3, “Dear friends, although I was very Jude 3, “Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to share, I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faithcontend for the faith that was once for all that was once for all entrusted to the saints.” The community of entrusted to the saints.” The community of believers that Jude addressed had been believers that Jude addressed had been battered by counterfeit teachers, and he battered by counterfeit teachers, and he wanted to persuade them to guard the faith as wanted to persuade them to guard the faith as it had been revealed through Christ. Jude it had been revealed through Christ. Jude makes a note concerning our attitude in verse makes a note concerning our attitude in verse 22, that we “22, that we “have mercy on some, who are have mercy on some, who are doubting.”doubting.”