Who?

                1 Peter 3:15 made it clear that CHRISTIANS should always be prepared to answer the reason for the hope that dwells in them.  It is the job of every Christians to do this.

When? Where?

                We should be ready any moment and anywhere to explain the hope that Christians have in Christ.  However, apologetics should not be used only for the sake of argument.  A Christian main purpose is to evangelize and plant seeds and witnesses to others our faith in Christ.

How?

                First, one must accept the Bible as the Word of God and also as the ULTIMATE standard of TRUTH.  One’s faith must be base upon the Word of God and nothing else including science, archaeology, and a certain church, etc.  Remember that all things will change (for the worst or for the best) and the only thing that will remain the same is GOD’S WORD.  If one’s faith in Christ is not centered on the Bible, boy, expect a fall sooner or later!

                The Bible should be use in Apologetics.  The use of God’s Word in apologetics helps in evangelical outreach.  Apologetics using solely human wisdom alone is useless.  “For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel- not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be empty of its power.?(1 Corinthians 1:17)  Therefore the Bible is critical!  “All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be equipped for every good work.?(2 Timothy 3:16-17)

                Apologetics is a ministry that must be accompanied with the evangelical ministry.  The Bible equipped apologists would have the maximum effect with God’s Word arming them.  “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.?(Hebrews 4:12)

                So we have two missions: Evangelism and apologetics.  Apologetics isn’t just for arguments; its best use is when a person genuinely wants to take the step to Christ but isn’t too sure.  When apologetics is used do not forget the big picture: That of witnessing our faith!  Apologist Pinnock once wrote, “If our apologetics prevent us from explaining the gospel to any person, it is an inadequate apologetics.?o:p>

                Therefore, preaching apologetics alone is useless.  Hostile approach using apologetics is useless also.  We must present apologetics with gentleness and respect.

By Jimmy Li