Apologetics

Have you ever been is a situation when you were asked to defend what you believed but couldn’t. We often know what we believe but we don’t know why we believe it. Learning how to explain and defend your beliefs is known as apologetics.

The word apologetics comes from the Greek work ‘apologia’, which means ‘defense.’ Anytime you are defendng your beliefs you are using apologetics.

Anyone who believes anything has an apologetic. All religions, cults and even atheists have apologetics. As Christians we need to make sure we not only know what we believe but are able to make a sound defense of our faith.

In his study book, “A Defense of the Faith” Walter Nusbaum gives us three reasons why Christians should study apologetics:

1. We are commanded.
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. 1 Peter 3:15

The bible is full of examples where people defended their beliefs in God. No one will believe in a God that you can’t explain how He relates to you.

2. Study increases your confidence in evangelism.

Most people don’t share their faith not because they are afraid but because they don’t know how. Paul said that he wasn’t ashamed of the Gospel. The reason why is that he fully understood it and knew how to effectively communicate it to other people.

When we study Apologetics we begin to understand not only more about God but our relationship with Him. It becomes easier to explain and we grow more confident in sharing it with others.

3. Apologetics will draw you closer to God.

There is a direct link between knowledge and love. The more you learn about God and His love for you the more your love and devotion will grow for Him.

Maybe it’s time to discover why you believe what you believe!