Defending The Faith

In Defense Of The Christian Faith

Brothers and Sisters, we are called to defend the faith. It is not enough to gather in our Christian circles, having Christian fellowship, and calling for a separation from the world. We are called to engage in apologetics of the Christian faith. The Bible calls us to action. Consider the following biblical texts:

^15 “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…”                      

                                                                                                                                  (1 Peter 3:15)

 ^7 “It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel”

                                                                                                                                  (Philippians 1:7)

So Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and made his defense:

² “I consider myself fortunate that it is before you, King Agrippa, I am going to make my defense today against all the accusations of the Jews,³ especially because you are familiar with all the customs and controversies of the Jews. Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently”

                                                                                                                                   (Acts 26:1-2)

I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I am away!— ² I beg of you that when I am present I may not have to show boldness with such confidence as I count on showing against some who suspect us of walking according to the flesh. ³ For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. ⁴ For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. ⁵ We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, ⁶ being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.

                                                                                                                           (2 Corinthians 10:1-5)
2 And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead...17 So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there...8 And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God...23 When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in great numbers. And he expounded the matter to them from morning till evening, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the law of Moses and from the prophets. 24 And some were convinced by what he said, while others disbelieved.
                                                                                     (Acts 17:2-3,17; 19:8; 28:23-24)

(Written by Kevin A. Hall      10.21.17)

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