The Prince Of The Power Of The Air | Myles Munroe

Should We Engage In Apologetics?

Why do we engage in apologetics?

Applied apologetics has for centuries been a key strategy for the defense of the Christian faith. Within the context of a pluralistic society, it is necessary to both defend and commend the Christian worldview. There may not be a “formal system for its use or theory of apologetics found in the Bible,” but there is evidence to conclude both objective and subjective commendations for the practice.[1] It is therefore necessary to engage in Christian apologetics to both defend the faith (defensive strategy)  and to uphold its veracity (offensive strategy). It means then, that we engage in apologetics in order to “defend what orthodox Christians have claimed about God throughout history.”[2]

A working definition of apologetics then is the defending and commending of Christian dogmas. Another way to put it is “the rational defense of the Christian worldview as objectively true, rationally compelling and existentially or subjectively engaging.”[ 3]With a multitude of available contexts in which to engage an audience, apologetics provide an avenue (that may otherwise be closed) into which intellectual barriers and obstacles can be broken down to the advantage of the Gospel.  

Ephesians: Discipleship & Membership Done God's Way

Ephesians As a Model for 21^st Century Ministry Strategies in Leadership 

If you desire a road-map for building the church the New Testament way, then look no further than the Epistle of Ephesians. Within the pages of this epistle, the Apostle Paul presents a strategy of a unified body. Paul encourages individual members to join together to become a unified body in Christ. Common themes include the Spiritual Privileges of the Church (1:3-3:21), the Blessings Believers Share (2:1-10), Unity in Christ (2:11-22), The Spiritual Responsibilities of the Church (4:1-6:20), Achieving Maturity (4:1-16), The Domestic Code (5:22-6:9) and Spiritual Warfare (6:10-20). This epistle was written as a circular letter, intended for instructions to not only Ephesus, but to the neighboring churches. I have pulled out a few nuggets by chapter of benefit to membership and discipleship:

Thoughts On The Path Ahead - Mission & Spiritual Gifts

There is a connection between the work of ministry and the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer to fulfill the Great Commission mandate. The Spirit energizes His people and His church with the gifts. It is our responsibility to be in active partnership with the Spirit to identify and understand these gifts. Each person is given at least one gift, but there are times when there is a  lack of evidence of a gift/s because of adverse circumstances. God expects a return on His investment with each believer becoming fruit-full. These gifts are important both individually and corporately. Within the church, the top three gifts (based on importance in accomplishing God’s purposes) are (1) The Evangelist/Apostle – He or she will pioneer the cause; (2) Preaching; (3) Teaching. It is important that every church devotes resources to gift identification, development and deployment. This is why Paul told Timothy not to “neglect the gift” within him (1 Timothy 4:14).

Another key component of the church is the role of Prayer. Robertson McQuilkin said it well as he referred to the Holy Spirit as “the One with the knowledge of all factors involved in any situation. He alone has the wisdom to make the right decisions and the power to carry through the decision” (101). Why then would not the church/individuals pray? After all, there is a promise behind the command to seeking God – He promises that we will find Him. Christ through His Spirit aloe provides salvation, sanctification, renewal, guidance, provision and power (102).