Lesson 1:Lesson 1:Introduction to Introduction to

ApologeticsApologetics

I. What Is I. What Is Apologetics?Apologetics?

• Apologetics is the defense of the Apologetics is the defense of the faith.faith.

• Christian Apologetics is Christian Apologetics is presenting evidence for the presenting evidence for the validity of Christianity.validity of Christianity.

II. Why Study II. Why Study Apologetics?Apologetics?

• Pre-evangelismPre-evangelism

• Apologetics helps us to share Apologetics helps us to share our faith.our faith.

• Post-evangelismPost-evangelism

• Apologetics helps to strengthen Apologetics helps to strengthen our faith.our faith.

III. Where in III. Where in Scripture are We Scripture are We

Commanded to Use Commanded to Use Apologetics?Apologetics?

1 Peter 3:151 Peter 3:15““But sanctify the Lord God in your But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give hearts, and always be ready to give an an answeranswer to everyone who asks to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.”you, with meekness and fear.”

IV. When Should We IV. When Should We Present Apologetics, Present Apologetics,

Before or After Before or After the Gospel?the Gospel?

V. Who Needs V. Who Needs Apologetics?Apologetics?

VI. Application VI. Application of Lessonof Lesson

A.A.This week, approach someone who is This week, approach someone who is not a Christian and ask him for reasons not a Christian and ask him for reasons for his unbelief. Try to discern why he for his unbelief. Try to discern why he is not a Christian. If he has intellectual is not a Christian. If he has intellectual problems with Christianity, find out problems with Christianity, find out what they are. what they are.

You may want to lead your conversation You may want to lead your conversation to the subject by asking, “Do you to the subject by asking, “Do you consider yourself a Christian? Do you consider yourself a Christian? Do you mind telling me why you choose not to mind telling me why you choose not to be a Christian?”be a Christian?”

B.B. Ask the same person if he Ask the same person if he believes truth is relative.believes truth is relative.

C.C. Share the “W” questions and Share the “W” questions and answers with a friend or family answers with a friend or family member.member.