Module 1 Overview

Upon having doubts about whether Jesus is the Son of God, John the Baptist asks a difficult question and then seeks an answer. When he seeks an answer, Jesus gives him an answer. After all of this takes place, what does Jesus say about John the Baptist?

"No greater man than John the Baptist has ever been born of a woman."

According to the article, "What is the role of apologetics in evangelism?" the task of apologetics is:

"Preparing the listener to be more able to receive the truth of God's Word in the presentation of the saving gospel of Christ."

What does Kategoria mean?

"Accusation" or "Assume"

_________________ apologetics involves knowing what questions those who oppose Christianity might ask and how to ___________ them

Defensive Answer

What is the greatest proof that Jesus is God?

Jesus rising from the dead

The origin of countless English words can be traced back to languages such as....

Latin, French, and Greek

What does mathetes mean?

Learner

In his final moments on earth, what did Jesus tell his followers to do? (see Matthew 28:18-20)

Make disciples

"And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit."

Mark 13:11

How many miracles did Jesus perform during his ministry?

Over 30

How many Old Testament prophecies did Jesus fulfill?

Over 300

Previously, you learned four places where apologetics can be used. What are these four places?

Family, Church, School, and Job

What language was the first translation of the Old Testament in?

Greek (also know as Septuagint)

At the moment of salvation, a person receives what gift?

Holy Spirit

Peter did preach a sermon on the Day of Pentecost, but the reason for the three thousand conversions should be attributed to the _______________ _________________

Holy Spirit

"The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel."

Philippians 1:16

Paul was "appointed for the defense of the gospel."

Philippians 1:16

"It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel."

Philippians 1:7

"If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."

Romans 10:9

Paul states that all humans can know that God exists through what has been made.

Romans 1:20

"You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him."

Romans 8:9

"Christians are to keep themselves ___________________ from the culture, not ___________ themselves from it."

Unstained and Remove

"For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit."

1 Corinthians 12:13

Paul appeals to eyewitness testimony as proof of Jesus' resurrection.

1 Corinthians 15:3-8

"This is my defense to those who would examine me."

1 Corinthians 9:3

"But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect."

1 Peter 3:15

What is the most well-known verse in the field of apologetics?

1 Peter 3:15

Which Bible verse is the most frequently associated with Christian apologetics?

1 Peter 3:15

During Paul's sermon in Greece to the people at Mars Hill, he used the following apologetic tactics:

1. He found common ground with his audience 2. He argued based on facts that could be investigated 3. He stated that the resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of Christianity

"Apologetics involves knowing ___________ you believe _______________ you believe."

Why and What

Paul finds common ground with his audience, argues based on facts that could be investigated, and states that the resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of Christianity.

Acts 17:22-34

"Brothers and fathers, hear the defense that I now make before you."

Acts 22:1

"I answered them that it was not the custom of the Romans to give up anyone before the accused met the accusers face to face and had opportunity to make his defense concerning the charge laid against him."

Acts 25:16

In 1 Peter 3:15, Christians are commanded to be prepared to make a defense for their Christian beliefs at all times. According to this verse, what are the two ways that Christians should go about doing this?

With gentleness With respect

"I do not ask that you take them out of the ________________, but that you keep them from the __________________ one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the ________________; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have ________________ them into the world" (John 17:15-18).

World Evil Sanctify Truth Sent

A "disciple" or "mathetes" is one who follows a "_________________," or didaskalos

Teacher

Throughout the New Testament, the Greek word apologia is most commonly translated into English as what or what?

"Defense" or "Answer"

When breaking down Apologetics, the "apo" part of the word means what?

"From"

What are some common responses that Christians give when they are confronted with difficult questions?

"I don't know the answer to that question, but I just have to have faith in God." "His (God's) ways are higher than our ways." "If we knew the answer to every question then we wouldn't need God, right?" "Even if I don't understand, I just have to trust in Jesus."

When breaking down Apologetics, the "logos" part of the word means what?

"Intelligent Reasoning"

According to the article, "What is the role of apologetics in evangelism?" there are three things that the practice of apologetics does. What are these three things?

1. Adds credibility to the speaker 2. Quiets the objectors 3. Helps provide the right to speak the gospel to the crowd

What are the six commitments that a Christian must carry out in order to effectively engage the culture?

1. Commitment to Study the Bible 2. Commitment to live the Bible by relying on the Holy Spirit 3. Commitment to Prayer 4. Commitment to study the culture 5. Commitment to build relationships 6. Commitment to evangelism and discipleship

What are the three primary reasons Christians should be trained in apologetics? In other words, what are the three things that apologetics do?

1. Equip believers 2. Engage culture 3. Evangelize unbelievers

What are the first three steps that Dr. Bobby Conway suggests that individuals should take to get involved in apologetics?

1. Find answers to questions that unbelievers have 2. Look for ways to share the gospel with unbelievers 3. Build relationships with unbelievers

Throughout his sermon in Acts 2, Peter presents three pieces of evidence in order to convince his listeners that Jesus is God. What are the three pieces of evidence that Peter appeals to?

1. He appeals to the miracles of Jesus as proof that he was from God 2. He appeals to fulfilled prophecy as proof that Jesus was the promised Messiah 3. He appeals to eyewitness accounts of Jesus' resurrection as proof that he was God

What are the two ways that being trained in the area of apologetics equips believers to carry out the disciple-making task of Matthew 28:18-20?

1. It helps you keep the faith throughout seasons of doubt and difficulty 2. Knowing why you believe something pays huge dividends when you are attempting to share what you believe with others

What are the two qualifications that an individual must have before using apologetics?

1. Must be saved 2. Must be spirit-filled

According to the video, what are the two reasons why apologetics is more important now than ever before?

1. People are more confused than ever before 2. Because there are more bad ideas in our world than ever before

According to the article, "Six Reasons Young Christians Leave Church" by the Barna Group, what are the six reasons young Christians leave church after age fifteen?

1. Teens' and twenty somethings' experience of Christianity is shallow 2. Churches come across as antagonistic to science 3. They wrestle with the exclusive nature of Christianity 4. Churches seem overprotective 5. Young Christians' church experiences related to sexuality are often simplistic, judgmental 6. The church feels unfriendly to those who doubt

What were the six apologetic tactics that Jesus used in his ministry?

1. Testimony 2. Miracles 3. Prophecy 4. Reason 5. Parables 6. Discourse

One responsibility of Christians is to "destroy arguments and lofty opinions raised against the knowledge of God."

2 Corinthians 10:5

"For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! At every point you have proved yourselves innocent in the matter."

2 Corinthians 7:11

"At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them!"

2 Timothy 4:16

According to the article, "Six Reasons Young Christians Leave Church" by the Barna Group, what percentage of young Christians leave the church after age fifteen?

59%

"_______________________ make unbelievers think; _________________ changes their hearts and minds."

Apologetics The Spirit

According to the article, "What is the role of apologetics in evangelism?" what is the relationship between apologetics and evangelism?

Apologetics prepares the listener for the gospel message whereas evangelism is the presentation of the gospel message

Apologetics is not....

Apologizing for your faith Relying solely upon your faith when you are confronted with difficult questions or face challenging circumstances Winning an argument at all cost

Paul understands that his responsibility, and the responsibility of his fellow believers, is to "destroy ______________________ and lofty ____________________ raised against the knowledge of God" (2 Corinthians 10:5)

Arguments and Opinions

"Apologetics ______________ be used by everyone." Apologetics can be used by ________________

Cannot and Believers

The history of this word can be traced back to First Century ______________ _____ ________________

Courts of Law

"Christians are just as much a part of their __________ as anyone else."

Culture

What type of apologetics is Philippians 1:7 and 1 Peter 3:15 associated with? Philippians 1:7 says, "For it is only right for me to feel this way about you, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me." First Peter 3:15 states, "In your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect."

Defensive Apologetics

How many times is apologia used in the New Testament?

Eight times (Acts 22:1, 25:16; 1 Corinthians 9:3; 2 Corinthians 7:11; Philippians 1:7, 16; 2 Timothy 4:16; 1 Peter 3:15)

"In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory."

Ephesians 1:13-14

What did the Greeks use the term "disciple" for?

For one who studied the life and conduct, as well as the teachings of a teacher

In your opinion, what are the top three reasons why individuals (ages 15-25) leave the church and/or abandon their belief in Jesus Christ altogether?

In my opinion, I think that kids and young adults around the ages of 15 to 25 leave church to abandon their faith for many reasons. In some cases, God is suppose to help everyone and make good things happen. In the world today, these kids and young adults are looking around themselves and seeing that America might go to war with Iraq or Syria. We have people on the streets who are homeless, old old people working at jobs like McDonald's because that's the only thing they know how to do. We are seeing terrible things going on in the world today and that is something that may be impacting kids and young adults. Another reason is because of sin. I know that being bisexual and gay/lesbian or even transgender is cool now. However, in the bible, it says man and woman. Never does it once talk about or even mention a man marrying another man. The reason it's not in the bible is because it's a sin. I know that when we're 15-25 years old. We don't really know who we want or like. Some people are just becoming gay or bisexual because of the fact that it's the new thing. Kids disappoint their parents when they tell them they are gay. Mostly if it's an christian family because they listen to the bible, they respect it. My last one would have to be media. Mainly with television and all the shows that play on it. Such as American Horror Story, Pretty Little Liars, Scandal, and much much more. These shows all show the same type of message which is, sex and drugs is fun and everyone should do it. None of these shows that anyone even younger than 15 are appropriate. Every television show nowadays needs a gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender in them. If it doesn't, then no one will watch it. America is doing this to it's self by ruining the youth minds with all this satanism crap.

What does Apologetics involve?

It involves making a case for the truth of the Christian Faith

What is the definition of apologia?

It is a "well-reasoned reply" or "thought-out response"

What is the word to where to prosecution would deliver?

Kategoria

The popular phrase, "Christians are in the world but not of the world," should be revised to say, "Christians are not _____ the world but _________ into it."

Of and Sent

__________________ apologetics involves going on the _____________ by seeking out those who oppose Christianity

Offensive Attack

What type of apologetics is 2 Corinthians 10:5 associated with? Second Corinthians 10:5 commands Christians to "destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ."

Offensive Apologetics

Apologetics can be both:

Offensive and Defensive

According to the notes, who is a great example in Scripture of a "zealot"?

Paul

"Jesus never calls anyone to make an illogical decision about his or her eternity. Rather, throughout the four Gospels, Jesus appeals to __________________ and presents compelling _______________ for what he taught to every sincere seeker."

Reason and Evidence

If a Christian isn't able to provide a well thought-out response when asked a difficult question about his/her faith, what is likely to happen?

The Christian will be like someone who gets on a zip line without first examining the gear for defects The Christian will seem foolish for not knowing why he/she believes the way they do The Christian will not be taken seriously The Christian will be like a defense lawyer without a thought-out response

All events in the New Testament took place in which century?

The First Century

What does the English word "Apologetics" come from?

The Geek word "apologia"

Where does the word "disciple come from"?

The Greek word "mathetes"

In 200-300 words, explain how you could use apologetics within your own life. Focus on the four places discussed in this lesson.

There are many ways that I can use apologetics in my own life. One of the ways that I mainly use apologetics in my life is through my family. We will watch movies such as Mom's Night Out, GOD'S NOT DEAD, Heaven Is Real, and other movies that are strongly impacted by christianity. Songs are also another thing, because usually when we are in the car driving somewhere. My parents will put on the Message Radio Station(we have Sirius XM for our car) and they will just listen to each and every song holding onto every fading word. Church is another big thing because last summer, my mom started this program called the Corolla International Student Ministry. This program is for kids all over the world (who are in school) who come to America to get money and travel. This year when we did it again, the group of kids that came here were all willing to get involved with Christianity. Most of the kids who wanted to get involved were from China. Also all of these kids had ranged from 18(my friend who is from Jamaica and was the youngest kid ever) to 28. Mostly the kids were around 20-25 of age. A lot of these kids would come up to Pastor Jim and ask him about the Bible, about God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, and what it means to have faith and be a christian. Yes, I have had struggles with my christian faith in the past. However, when I have someone like Pastor Jim who has done so many amazing things in his life. I know that he will be able to show me the way.

Why is the primary reason that Jesus used apologetics?

To defend his claims to be the Son of God

If young Christians were trained in apologetics, all six reasons mentioned in the article, "Six Reasons Young Christians Leave Church" would be dealt with. In your opinion, what is the importance of apologetics? How could a young Christian who has been trained in apologetics avoid reasons 2, 3, 5 and 6 for leaving church?

To me the importance of apologetics is being able to tell people about faith while still being gentleness and respect but also teaching yourself that faith is worth something much more than you know. In reason 2, when it talks about how church is boring for a lot of people. Yes, it can be boring a lot of times. However, these kids could get involved with a local youth group with other kids their ages so it doesn't seem so boring or ask about helping out during Sunday services. As for young adults, they can just go find a new church that they like. For reason 3, it talks about how basically christians don't need science to prove anything. Yes, in science classes, we learned about Pangaea, we learn about the moon and how it affects the tides. About the sun and the planets, orbit, space, earthquakes, drifting plates, and all kind of stuff. Maybe christians can yes be a little too confident, but maybe instead of ignoring them or getting angry about what they are saying. Tell them your opinions and say why you think science has to do with christianity and the bible. Reason 5, I'm not sure if this is right, but I think it's talking about how certain churches do certain religions. You don't go to a christian church if you're jewish. That doesn't really make any sense. I know when kids have sleepovers, it usually occurs over the weekend. Sunday comes and the one friend still wants to hangout with the other friend. I don't think it's necessary for children and kids to be bringing their friends with them to a Sunday service. Youth group is a totally different thing. If two friends don't have the same religion, then don't bring that friend with you to church. Reason 6, sure people think that the whole christianity thing makes sense all the time. They feel embarrassed to go up to the priest, pastor, or whatever they call that person in other churches. They feel like they will get criticized for doubting something for even a second. However, instead of being embarrassed about it, ask the person who runs your church or someone close to you who has the same religion as you. You need to let your mind figure out why you are doubting something.

According to the notes, the word ________ presents a better picture of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ

Zealot