Why Apologetics Matters

God commands us to defend the faith.

God calls us to be ready to answer.

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:1 Peter 3:15

God calls believers to contend for the faith.

“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.”

Jude 3

Our defense must reflect holy character.

Our life must support our words.

Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.1 Peter 3:16

Our hope must shape our tone.

Christian faith is not blind faith, but faith in the Word of God and the work of Jesus.

God’s Word provides a sure foundation.

For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.Psalm 119:89

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.2 Timothy 3:16-17

The resurrection anchors our confidence.

Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.1 Corinthians 15:12-19

Every believer is responsible to know and explain what they believe.

These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.Acts 17:11

Believers must grow intentionally in knowledge.

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.2 Timothy 2:15

Believers must steward the Gospel faithfully.

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.Matthew 28:19-20

One of the worst reasons to believe something is hearsay. Study it out for yourself.

Know your faith, so you can live your faith, so you can pass on your faith.

We study the Word to know God, but also to make Him known.

You grow in understanding when you engage in civil, thoughtful dialogue about the faith.

Could you answer why Christianity is true and defend your decision?