Introduction to Christian Apologetics.

The following short audio clip introduces the "ASK" series of apologetic videos designed specifically for youth which I currently have available for any youth groups that are interested, my only request is that I be included as facilitator in the package! It is not only eminently suitable for youth but can be a foundational study for any age from youth upward.

After watching this video clip a few times it struck me that the young lady represented as "Anna" is not unlike the  bride of Christ (the church) as a whole. We as the church have been put in a position of ridicule and made to feel embarrassed and awkward and have largely failed in our obligation to take the message of 1 Peter 3:15 to heart:

"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,"

This is not to bring condemnation upon anyone but as a matter of encouragement. This is not the first generation to be embarrassed or afraid to share the Gospel. Saint Paul in Romans 1:16 has already anticipated this reluctance to share with others, otherwise why would he have made such a point of stating that he was not ashamed?

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." (Romans 1:16)

Even 2000 years ago it was common knowledge that to speak as though a man were to rise from the dead after three days in the grave would sound like foolishness. And yet this is the crux of the Christian message, as the apostle also said:

"And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain." ( 1 Corinthians 15:14)

So it pleased God to save people by the foolishness of preaching. This "foolishness" then was designed by God so that our faith would not stand in the wisdom of man. Another way of putting it is: that God so designed the Gospel story to be played out in such a way that no-one (in their right mind) would believe it unless the revelation of God by the Holy Spirit had not first convinced them of its reality and truthfulness. In this way then we can be assured that the reason we believe such an unlikely story is in fact a great sign that God has called us to be in his family.

"Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God." (1 Peter 1:21 Emphasis mine)

 So your ability to believe what others only see as foolishness is in fact inspired by God in Christ through the internal revelation of the Holy Spirit.

"For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness;But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men." (1 Corinthians ch 1:18-25 Emphasis mine)

Apologetics is the nuts and bolts practical application and discipline of confession to salvation. 

"for with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:10 )

This follows closely the biblical maxim of faith followed by works. In other words faith without works is dead just as believing in your heart without the confession of your mouth is a faith that falls short.

"But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works." (James 2:18)

So then be both warned and encouraged, the will of God will never take you, where the grace of God cannot keep you.

  This presentation is for those who are interested in evangelism, or defending the faith and have decided to take heed of the command in 1 Peter 3:15 to be prepared to defend the Gospel. The first 30 or 40 minutes of this are the important introductory bits. Michael's sharp wit and sense of humour is reason enough to listen up, but even more important is his message. If you  enjoy it by all means watch to the end.

This is what Christian Apologetics is all about, as Michael Ramsden makes clear it is a message for the whole church. Or as Doug Groothius said "Apologetics is not a peripheral discipline for Christian eggheads. It's right at the center of the kingdom of God.".

That's what apologetics is all about, not winning arguments but winning souls, not answering questions but answering people.

 ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’