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Apologetic Charge
by A.J. Wilson

“And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.” 2 Timothy 2:24-26

Merriam Webster’s online dictionary defines apologetics as: “a branch of theology devoted to the defense of the divine origin and authority of Christianity” or “systematic argumentative discourse in defense (as of a doctrine.)”  Please stay with me until the end; the mention of ‘apologetics’ often causes some Christians to “turnoff” and quit listening.  I believe though, that we have all been commissioned by God to be apologists.  Take a look at these verses to see if you agree (1Tim 3:2-3, 2 Tim 2:24-26 (above), Tit 1:9, 1 Pet 3:15.)  The Greek word which apologetics is derived from (apologia) literally means “a reasoned defense” and is found many times in the New Testament (my favorites are 2 Cor. 7:11 and Phil 1:7,17)

I look at the verse above as a theme verse for any apologist, though many of the objections brought up with apologetics could have been avoided had they followed Paul’s guidance.  Some skeptics have accused apologists of always picking a fight.  Paul instructs Timothy to not ‘quarrel’ and to be gentle when you are trying to correct someone.  Apologists also have to use evidence that is often found outside of the Bible, causing some to say they are casting the Bible aside.  Some questions though, concern the legitimacy of the Bible, and if it is true.  When questions concerning the truthfulness of the Bible are removed, a good apologist should come back to the Bible (the truth) so that God can do his work in their life. 

Needs help giving a “reason for the hope that is within you?” (1 Peter 3:15) Just ask a Sunday School teacher, Bro Dewayne, or myself.

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