Apologetics & Evangelism Free Course 1, Introduction

Apologetics & Evangelism Free Online Course 1, Introduction
The use of Apologetics in Evangelism: Introduction

The main purpose for the use of Apologetics is to establish truth and aid in removing barriers which obstruct against Christianity. Winning debates is not our goal; our goal is to topple the walls which impede the acceptance of the Gospel. We cannot suppose that every Evangelist is a trained or experienced Apologist, neither can we expect all Apologists to be a trained or experienced Evangelist’s. But it is important that we train and practice our skills in both fields. Why? Because an Evangelist must penetrate these barriers before any attempt to deliver the Gospel and an Apologist must continue to deliver the Gospel when the barriers come down. How do we proceed after successfully removing the obstacles that impede a potential convert? We realize the importance of Apologetics in order to make room for the Gospel and for the Holy Spirit to work, but we must also realize that our final objective is Evangelistic.

We mow the field and plow the ground to prepare fertile soil where the seed of the Gospel has a better chance to germinate and therefore grow. Our Lord teaches us when He explains the parable of the sower in Mat 13:18-23, that the evil one snatches up the seed from the hearts of those who do not understand, which is why our defense and presentation of the Gospel should be as clear as possible and include the knowledge and understanding necessary for salvation, if not, the seed will remain by the wayside (v 19).

This course will attempt to show the close relationship between Apologetics and Evangelism and how they interlace before and after the barriers come down. We find many examples in the Bible on how they work together, and rely on each other. I believe Apologetics and Evangelism fit together like a hand in a custom tailored glove. As Apologists we focus on establishing truth and on the removal of obstacles, but we should also keep in mind that the bottom line for our efforts is always to sow a seed and should be always prepared to deliver a sound presentation of the Gospel. As Evangelists we should be aware that we cannot breach the walls by circular reasoning and that the need for a common ground of logic is evident when questions arise about dinosaurs, evolution, or the existence of evil etc. If these go ignored or unanswered they can impede our spring board from the natural to the spiritual. In the “Polemic” arena, I will also present a case in favor of the use of the Law of 10 Commandments after Apologetics but before Grace, during an evangelistic presentation. This refutes the use of the many methods, tactics and techniques used in modern evangelism to attract a person to Christ for reasons other than the forgiveness of sin.

If we are to defend Scripture, then we should also defend the way it is presented to non-believers and make sure that a biblical gospel is preached. It will be of no gain to the lost if we establish truth and remove obstructions, but we then proceed with a fragmented Gospel, mingled with words of man. Biblical truth must continue throughout our evangelistic presentation, meaning that we should not remove our apologetic hat, but also put on our evangelistic hat, and wear both during out presentation of the Gospel. We repair the holes in the nets and fix the snags when needed as we go along. We provide reasonable answers to questions of resistance and use leading questions to expose the true nature of the remarks of rejection, so that the struggle of fallen man in the nets does not prevent us from continuing to share the Gospel.

Modern evangelism intentionally leaves out many biblical truths because they may disturb or offend humanity, including the knowledge of mankind’s sinful nature which is necessary; it is this discovery which leads them towards repentance. It is beyond the scope of this course to go over the many types of these modern gospels, but you will at least be aware of the following facts:

There is no mention of our fallen nature or its consequences; the words sin, repentance, judgment, Gods wrath, hell or the lake of fire have been intentionally removed.
The main attraction may be by either:
1. Grace only (no mention of mankind’s sinful nature).
2. Promises of automatic prosperity.
3. Promises of automatic life enhancements.
4. Self centered and egotistic programs. It’s all about feeling good, success and you, you, you.

3. Phrase’s used to attract sinners were not used by Jesus, or any of His disciples.

The use of Apologetics in Evangelism may be considered as “Pre-Law”, and the “Law” may be considered as “Pre-Grace” and if we were able to lead a sinner this far, then the need for a Savior as a substitute for their merited condemnation of death would become more evident and be better understood. If this understanding were to be attained, repentance would make sense and salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ would be reasonably accepted, avoiding a superficial conversion, or a stillborn birth.

In order to go from the Natural to the Spiritual (natural water to living water, John 4:9-10), and maintain a constant flow in our plan of Defense (Apologetics), before Offense (The Sword), I humbly suggest considering the following steps:

1. Apologetics (Historical, Scientific, etc) – Removes obstacles and establishes biblical credibility.

2. The Law of the 10 Commandments – Provides knowledge of sin and exposes human fallen nature.

3. Grace – The Good News, Jesus has paid the price for our sins and has absorbed death and Gods wrath.

These steps will depend on each individual person we approach and may vary in intensity, for example; if we are evangelizing our grandmother who happens to be the humblest person we know, and is open to the message, there may be no need for apologetics or to expound the Law, God gives grace to the humble.

Since we are commanded, we are therefore authorized to defy and challenge a person’s erroneous ways of thinking which contradict Scripture. The following list of verses are for the benefit of th
ose who are new to Apologetics and Evangelism, or may not be familiar with some of these verses which instruct and encourage us to prepare, share, contend for, and defend the Word of God (MKJV):

Mat 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be proclaimed in all the world as a witness to all nations. And then the end shall come.

Mat 28:19-20 Therefore go and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (20) teaching them to observe all things, whatever I commanded you. And, behold, I am with you all the days until the end of the world. Amen.

Luk 24:46-47 And He said to them, So it is written, and so it behoved Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, (47) and that repentance and remission of sins should be proclaimed in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

Act 17:30 Truly, then, God overlooking the times of ignorance, now He strictly commands all men everywhere to repent,

2Co 10:4-5 For the weapons of our warfare are not fleshly, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds, (5) pulling down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought into the obedience of Christ;

1Ti 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith. Lay hold on eternal life, to which you are also called and have professed a good profession before many witnesses.

2Ti 2:15 Study earnestly to present yourself approved to God, a workman that does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth.

2Ti 2:25 in meekness instructing those who oppose, if perhaps God will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth,

2Ti 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,

2Ti 4:2 preach the Word, be instant in season and out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine.

Phi 1:7 even as it is righteous for me to think this of you all, because you have me in your heart, inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you are all partakers of my grace.

Phi 1:17 But these others preach in love, knowing that I am set for the defense of the gospel.

Phi 2:16 holding forth the Word of Life, so that I may rejoice with you in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain nor labored in vain.

1Pe 3:15 but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and be ready always to give an answer to everyone who asks you a reason of the hope in you, with meekness and fear;

Col 4:6 Let your speech be always with grace, having been seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

Jam 5:20 know that he who turns back the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

Jud 1:22-23 But pity some, making distinction. (23) But save others with fear, snatching them out of the fire; hating even the garment having been stained from the flesh.

Apologetics & Evangelism Free Online Course 1, Introduction
The use of Apologetics in Evangelism: Introduction

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Apologetics & Evangelism Free Course 1, Introduction

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