Depending on their age, you might have a look at either “The Case for Christ” for Kids by Lee Strobel or J.Warner Wallace’s Cold Case Detective series for kids.
Yes, apologetics is in the Bible. The entire New Testament is full of it. Jesus discussed scripture with the pharisees, and Paul wrote letters defending the faith as well. Every city he went to he found a synagogue and argued with the Rabbis
Apologetics cannot happen without Bible study and the Holy Spirit to guide you, and teach you.
In this fallen world, our defense of the faith is speaking truth into the darkness. God can defend Himself, but there's too much false teachings and deception in the world for any saint to remain silent.
I agree that believers need to learn to debate or discuss properly with truth and love. BUT... text does not convey emotion. I get accused of being mean, when I really am not. I'm clear and concise. I don't waste words and time.
People need to read what Jesus said to the pharisees, or what Paul said or James. "Ye adulterers and adulteresses..." "Scribes, Pharisees, Hypocrites!..." "You whitewashed wall..."
Gods Word is a sword not a club.
We don't need to insult each other, but when Iron sharpens iron, friction and heat occurs. It's part of learning to understand what you really believe. Challenging our faith helps us to become better at learning and defending. When challenged. it creates a fight or flight response. It's natural. What you do with it, and take from it, is what matters. Do you get mad and refuse, or do you study and verify?
It's the Holy Spirit's job to save, not mine. I'm just supposed to give the info.. What people think of me won't matter when they stand before God. I think people are just as sick of plastic perfect Christians, as much as they are any arguing. People argue over sports teams too. The devil will use anything to draw people away.
I have taught inductive Bible study for years and years (had a group of 40 women for 20 years and I still can't believe I am counting those years HA! It is that sentence "you know you are old when..." right?). It is amazing because the steps take you THROUGH Apologetics. You can't practice Apologetics without inductive study. And when I looked up the process of "Iron sharpening Iron" it would be impossible without inductive study either. The thing is, most want to argue their denomination - not the Bible. THAT is deep stuff indeed!
I presented an intro to apologetics for a youth group recently. I included an appeal to allow a strong “evidential faith” to add to the delight of the “experiential faith”. I am puzzled why so many pastors seem to dismiss the evidence-based parts of scripture when they are numerous. Is it just my local church or is it widespread?
Ask the Teacher. I don’t like apologetics or Bible study. I did both for decades. The Teacher wasn’t in either. I now read and listen to the Holy Spirit as He teaches me what He is saying.
You have encouraged me to study apologetics with my 4 kids this summer. Are there any beginner books or resources you would recommend?
Depending on their age, you might have a look at either “The Case for Christ” for Kids by Lee Strobel or J.Warner Wallace’s Cold Case Detective series for kids.
Foundation Worldview has resources and even full curricula for all ages!
https://foundationworldview.com
Yes, apologetics is in the Bible. The entire New Testament is full of it. Jesus discussed scripture with the pharisees, and Paul wrote letters defending the faith as well. Every city he went to he found a synagogue and argued with the Rabbis
Apologetics cannot happen without Bible study and the Holy Spirit to guide you, and teach you.
In this fallen world, our defense of the faith is speaking truth into the darkness. God can defend Himself, but there's too much false teachings and deception in the world for any saint to remain silent.
I agree that believers need to learn to debate or discuss properly with truth and love. BUT... text does not convey emotion. I get accused of being mean, when I really am not. I'm clear and concise. I don't waste words and time.
People need to read what Jesus said to the pharisees, or what Paul said or James. "Ye adulterers and adulteresses..." "Scribes, Pharisees, Hypocrites!..." "You whitewashed wall..."
Gods Word is a sword not a club.
We don't need to insult each other, but when Iron sharpens iron, friction and heat occurs. It's part of learning to understand what you really believe. Challenging our faith helps us to become better at learning and defending. When challenged. it creates a fight or flight response. It's natural. What you do with it, and take from it, is what matters. Do you get mad and refuse, or do you study and verify?
It's the Holy Spirit's job to save, not mine. I'm just supposed to give the info.. What people think of me won't matter when they stand before God. I think people are just as sick of plastic perfect Christians, as much as they are any arguing. People argue over sports teams too. The devil will use anything to draw people away.
Just let the Spirit lead you as best you can.
This is great! Thank you for this!
I have taught inductive Bible study for years and years (had a group of 40 women for 20 years and I still can't believe I am counting those years HA! It is that sentence "you know you are old when..." right?). It is amazing because the steps take you THROUGH Apologetics. You can't practice Apologetics without inductive study. And when I looked up the process of "Iron sharpening Iron" it would be impossible without inductive study either. The thing is, most want to argue their denomination - not the Bible. THAT is deep stuff indeed!
I presented an intro to apologetics for a youth group recently. I included an appeal to allow a strong “evidential faith” to add to the delight of the “experiential faith”. I am puzzled why so many pastors seem to dismiss the evidence-based parts of scripture when they are numerous. Is it just my local church or is it widespread?
I have experienced some of the same, locally. However, though, as I frequently speak at churches, I do encounter pastors who care about both.
Ask the Teacher. I don’t like apologetics or Bible study. I did both for decades. The Teacher wasn’t in either. I now read and listen to the Holy Spirit as He teaches me what He is saying.