July 17, 2016 Dr. Jim Cecy

Summer Preaching Series Defending the Faith: Answering Questions People Should Be Asking Week 1: Does Defending the Faith Matter? Introduction: We live in uncertain times where many folks have more questions than answers. Does Defending the Faith Matter? 1 Peter 3:13-15 “Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.”

A Reminder of the Great Commission Matthew 28:19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” Mark 16:15 “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” Luke 24:47 “...repentance for forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in His name to all the nations.”

The Primary Reason People Do Not Share Their Faith in Christ • Fear of rejection • Fear of looking foolish • Fear of not being able to answer the questions unbelievers ask.

The Kinds of Questions Unbelievers Ask 1. Doctrinal Objections — “I don't believe...” 2. Moral Objections — “How could God...” 3. Personal Objections — “I don’t like...because...”

For example... For example... For example...

Many reject the truth of the gospel of Christ NOT because they can’t believe but because they WON’T believe. • John 20:30-31 “Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.” • Titus 3:5-6 “He (i.e. God) saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior.”

Types of Unbelievers 1. Green Fruit — that needs more time to ripen before it is picked 2. Ripe Fruit — that is ready to be picked 3. Rotten Fruit — that will not be a part of the harvest Hebrews 9:27 “And it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.”

An Introduction to Apologetics apologetics = Greek: apologia = make a solid legal defense e.g. Paul defending himself (Acts 22:1; 25:16; cf. Philippians 1:7, 16) 1 Peter 3:15 “...but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense (a solid legal defense) to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence...” “Apologetics is the study of how to prepare and present an accurate and intelligent defense against the attacks made against the truth regarding the things of God.”

The Value of Apologetics 1. This study will encourage true believers in their own walk of faith. cf. Hebrews 10:24-25 “God doesn’t need defending but people need help understanding.” One of Satan's tools to discourage the believer is doubt (i.e. doubting God and what we believe about Him and His Word). Apologetics shows us that we have a reasonable faith. Apologetics helps us doubt our doubt rather than doubt our faith.

2. This study will protect true believers from the dangers of false teaching. cf. Ephesians 4:14; Acts 20:28-30; cf. 2 Peter 2 3. This study will help prepare true believers to present the truth to unbelievers. Titus 1:9 “...holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.” Learn well the basic truths of the Gospel and we will be able to discern the millions of errors in the world.

Answering Objections to the Gospel 1. We must learn to present the truth lovingly. 1 Timothy 1:5 “The goal of our instruction is love...” 2 Timothy 2:24-26 “The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.” 2. We must learn to present the truth accurately. “reasoning with them from the Scriptures.” (cf. Acts 17:2,17) 2 Timothy 2:14-16 “Remind them of these things, and solemnly charge them in the presence of God not to wrangle about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the hearers. Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness...” 2 Timothy 2:23 “But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels.” Biblical accuracy is critical for effectiveness in answering questions unbelievers ask. 3. We must learn to present the truth reverently. 1 Peter 3:14-15 “...do not fear their intimidation...but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.”. Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, it is the POWER of God for salvation to everyone who believes...” 4. We must learn to present the truth confidently. 1 Peter 3:15 -”...always being ready to make a defense to anyone who calls you to give an account for the HOPE that lies within you...” 5. We must learn to present the truth powerfully. Acts 18:28 speaks of Apollos who “powerfully (vigorously)” refuted those who were opposed to the Gospel, “demonstrating by the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ. Daniel 11:32b “The people who know their God will display strength and take action” —————————————————————————————————————————————Discussion Questions: 1. What are the doctrinal, moral or personal objections to the Gospel you have heard most? 2. How adequate do you feel about your ability to answer these objections? 3. What most keeps you from sharing your faith with others? 4. Besides the questions listed below, what other objections to the Gospel would you most like the pastoral staff to help you answer. Please fill out a card and place in an offering box or send a note to the church office. We will address the subject in this series or contact you personally. Defending the Faith: Answering Questions People Should Be Asking Week 1: Does Defending the Faith Matter? Week 2: Does God exist? Week 3: Can I trust the Bible? Week 4: Am I really a sinner? Week 5: Does science contradict the Bible? Week 6: Is Jesus Christ God? Week 7: Is there a heaven and hell? Week 8: Is Jesus Christ the only way to heaven? Week 9: Why does God allow evil and suffering? Week 10: How do we engage people with the truth?

© 2016 Dr. James M. Cecy, Campus Bible Church, Fresno, CA. 93726 www.campusbiblechurch.com