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While the word "Apologetics" may be unfamiliar to many lay Christians, it
simply means to give a reason why you believe what you believe.
"Apologetics" is a direct derivative from the Greek word used in 1 Peter
3:15 where we are told, "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."
This is the approach quite often used by Jesus when he is engage by
opposition. For instance, when He is asked is it lawful to pay taxes unto
Caesar? Jesus apologetically responded, "Render to Caesar what is Caesar's
and to God what is God's." The apostles used this approach as well. An
example of this is in Acts 17 when Paul reasons to the Epicurean and Stoic
philosophers on idol-redden Mars Hill, "If God made you, than how can you
think yourselves to be making god's with your own hands?" To this end we
employ the method of teaching people to think through, re-affirm, and
memorize scripture that teaches what they believe as Christians, so that
when they encounter opposition to their faith, they will be ready with an
answer. We have learned that a good defense is also an effective offense,
and the most practical way for the average person to become both confident
and active in sharing his or her faith. "Christian Apologetics" builds
personal confidence, motivation, and security. It is the sentiments of the
Hebrew writer's words, "By this time you ought to be teachers (Hebrews
5:11.)" Our single goal is to see individual Christians actively
communicating what they believe and why they believe it on a regular basis.
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