TWO MAJOR THREATS ATTACKING OUR FAMILIES

10 Strategies to overcome them

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Parents, our children are growing up in a culture that has abandoned truth, morality and strong biblical principles. While there are many influences, I see apathy and lack of training as two primary threats attacking the family unit today. However, I have a message of hope and would like to share 10 strategies that will help us overcome these threats.

APATHY

"Lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern. State of indifference or suppression of emotions"

I was recently talking to a youth leader on a college campus here in Southern California and he said that most young people today are more excited about their new pair of Nike's than talking about anything related to God or religion. This is a sad commentary on our culture and there is probably a lot of truth to this statement. However, from my experience (and there seems to be research to substantiate it) there is still a ray of hope. There are many young people that are still open to reasonable explanations, but they also want authentic relationships. This should give courage to those of us who have a heart for the youth of today's generation.

So how do we address this apathy? It all starts with us!

1. Be Enthusiastic

Show your passion and excitement for God in front of your children. They are very observant and you generally cannot fool them. They know where you spend your time and what you are excited about. Even if they do not share your same commitment, they cannot deny a consistent life that is on fire for the Lord. I have experienced that passion and enthusiasm can be very contagious. The origin of the word comes from the Greek word enthousiasmos, from "en-theos" which means in God, or possessed by God! Nobody should be more enthusiastic than a Christian who is walking with and possessed by God. We should be living our lives in such a way that people want what we have!

2. Be Consistent

Put a high priority on fellowship and spiritually focused activities.

The Christian life isn't just about Sundays!

Of course going to church on Sunday is very important and our children should see that this is a critical and consistent part of your routine. However, Sundays are not the only day we should be focused on God. And it is not the responsibility of the pastor or youth leader to train our children. While they play an important role, it is up to us parents to be the primary influence training our children. I am reminded of the passage in Deuteronomy 6:5-9 that reads:

"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart; you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates."

This passage tells me our faith and relationship with God is part of our daily life. It is so critical to implement this into our own family units. We should be taking every opportunity to share and equip our children to know and love God. We can find "life lessons" in our daily activities. God's handiwork is all around us. A special note to fathers: You need to be the spiritual leader of your home. Spend time reading the Bible together as a family. Pray regularly together. Talk about life. Initiate deeper conversations. Spend time together as a family and have fun. Love and cherish their mother, your wife. Avoid being hypocritical. Again, your children will be quick to observe your behavior. Hypocrisy will always destroy your testimony for Christ.

3. Be Relevant

Talk about issues that they are experiencing every day in their world. It is surprising what our young people have to deal with on a daily basis in school, in the workforce and in their general interactions with their peer group. Here are just a few of the characteristics of this current Generation Z:

• They live in a post truth culture.

• Only half of teens today believe gender is defined by one's sex at birth. They believe it is a social construction that culture creates. You choose what to identify as.

• Over 80% of students agree that same sex couples should have the right to marry.

• They have a different view of the family unit

• Their worldview is post-Christian

• They feel overwhelmed. They are impatient.

• Social media is one of the defining characteristics of this generation

• They are drawn to causes and movements

• They are diverse and have an entrepreneurial spirit.

• Only 4% of Gen Z has a biblical worldview

• They are exposed to more competing worldviews-at earlier ages-than any generation in history.

{Source: So The Next Generation Will Know - McDowell & Wallace}

These are just a few characteristics and some great issues to lovingly and patiently communicate about with your children. Remember, these are young people that God loves. Everyone has a unique story. Take the time to invest in their lives. We need to build relationships and listen. Stay positive, stable and always point them to truth, but remember to speak the truth in love.

4. Be transparent

Tell your stories that they can relate to. They want to see you are real and have imperfections and weaknesses. Show how God has used you in spite of these imperfections. Ask questions without judging and try to find things you have in common. My children have enjoyed when I share experiences when I was their age. Since they were not there, it seems intriguing to them. Also share your excitement about when they entered your life. Relay stories about their birth and different experiences you remember when they were very young. A favorite activity is to go through old photo albums with them. These "old fashioned" pictures are "new" to them. They have grown up in a digital world. All of this shows you are real and genuinely care about them. It is just another tactic to help diminish the apathy that is invading our families.

5. Pray Constantly

While these are not in any specific order, this should probably be at the top of the list. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to "pray without ceasing". Also, James 5:16 assures us that "the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." This is so important. I try to make a goal of daily spending concentrated time talking to the Lord about everything. I share my desires, hopes, fears, thankfulness, etc. I ask for wisdom and direction. I pray for my wife and children for safety and wisdom as well. My goal for my children is to raise joyful, secure, well balanced and confident children that want to serve the Lord and are growing and developing their own God given talents. I certainly cannot do it on my own and I need to ask God for His help. I know He loves them even more than me and wants what is best for them.

TRAINING

Proverbs 22:6 "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."

Ephesians 6:4 "Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord."

6. Equip them with truth

Teaching is a part of training but there is a significant difference. Teaching your children is providing them with information and helping them gain knowledge. Training takes this knowledge and equips them to apply it in the real world. Teaching is important, but we must train our children if they are going to engage the culture and be effective.

Recently my son was trying out for a spot on the Little League Roster in our city. He is relatively new to the sport and has little "real life" experience. I spent many hours "teaching" him about the game of baseball. We talked about the various positions on the field. I explained to him about outs and innings. We discussed singles, doubles, triples and home runs. We talked about bunts, walks and sacrifice fly balls. I even drew him various diagrams. We watched YouTube instructional videos. I explained how to swing a bat and the importance of shifting your weight and driving the ball with your back foot planted. I explained the importance of charging a slow ground ball hit in your direction. This was all "teaching". It is a very necessary part of learning the game.

However, we took it to another level when we started to "train". We knew there was a date on the calendar for the upcoming tryouts. I took my son to the baseball diamond at our local park. I started hitting him ground balls. We played catch. I pitched him live fastballs and trained him in every facet of the game I could think of. This was as close to the "real thing" as he could get. We did this for many days and several hours at a time. Then the day came when he was really put to the test. All of this training paid off as he successfully performed and completed the drills that the coaches had prepared. He passed the test and made the team! The training had prepared him to accomplish his goal.

As parents, this is our responsibility when it comes to the more important areas of life like our faith and commitment to God. We need to equip them with knowledge, but then we need to train them and equip them with a biblical worldview so they can successfully navigate the culture with a confident faith. When the tests of life come, they will be ready. We need to prepare them for what they can expect. That leads me to my next point.

7. Expose them to bad ideas

This may sound confusing at first. We love our children and want to protect them from harmful exposure, right? So why would we want to expose them to bad ideas. The fact is, they are going to be exposed to bad ideas anyway. I want to be able to be proactive and have them hear the "bad ideas" from me first. I also want them to know there are answers to these questions. They do not need to be afraid. Even if they don't have all the answers, it is comforting to children to have a resource and know there are good answers.

I want to be the best Christian apologist that my children know!

For many years I have been breeding high quality AKC Golden Retrievers that have brought much enjoyment to their owners. Many have become service and therapy dogs that have provided much needed guidance and comfort. Obviously, we care for our animals and want to protect them. When my puppies are about 6 weeks old I start a regimen of vaccinations. Have you ever considered how a vaccination works? I am actually administering a small amount of controlled "poison" into their system such as Parvo, Distemper, Hepatitis, Adeno Virus, Parafluenza, etc. Why would I do this to a precious vulnerable puppy? Well, what happens is that their system builds up an immunity to this disease or "poison" or evil or whatever you want to call it. That way, down the road when the real disease comes their body is ready for it. They recognize it. They have "seen this before" and are equipped to handle it and usually it is not fatal.

Well, I am sure you understand the greater meaning to this illustration. This is what I want to do with my children when it comes to the lies, evil, or "poison" of our culture. I want to expose them to these bad ideas such as, if God is so good why is there so much evil and suffering in the world? The Bible is full of errors. Truth is relative. There are no moral absolutes. Faith is not compatible to science. Why would a loving God send someone to Hell? I want to have my children hear these claims from me. I want to teach them the truth and equip them to be able to answer them on their own. That way when they hear these things in high school or college it is not new to them. Like our puppies, they have built up an immunity. When these real challenges come, they can say "I have seen that before" and it will not destroy their faith. In fact, when you are equipped with the answers, it will produce a confident faith that you want to share.

8. Provide Security

All of this needs to be done in a safe and secure environment. Children need to know that they can ask any question and it will be taken seriously and they will be treated with respect. We need to make sure we are being "age appropriate" with our kids and not giving them more than they can handle. We need to provide the answers they need to hear. I recommend giving the AAA treatment to your children. That is: ATTENTION, AFFECTION,APPROVAL. This is an important part of the training process that builds confidence and security and will benefit them in their adult years. Spend lots of time with your kids, individually and collectively. Cultivate meaningful relationships. You will never regret the time you invest in your children. Your time lets them know they are important and valuable. Show them appropriate affection. Give them lots of hugs and let them know you think they are beautiful and handsome. Let them know you are proud of them. Catch them doing things right. They need to know you will always be there for them. You love them unconditionally. This security leads to a quiet secure confidence.

9. Create opportunities for them to engage the culture

This is one of the most important areas of training. Get creative and look for unique ways for them to get involved and help equip them to engage in the culture. This is not an exhaustive list, but here are a few ideas:

Challenge your children to defend their faith

This may be in your family Bible reading. Read a chapter and then ask them specific questions about what you just read. You may also do some role playing. Ask them questions like, "Why do you believe there is a God?" "Why do you trust the Bible?" "Who is Jesus Christ? Was He just a man or is He God?" This is a time not only to teach "what" you believe, but "why" you believe it. This is a very valuable exercise and an opportunity to test your kids in a safe environment.

Take them to another church

This can be a great opportunity to reinforce what you have been teaching them, but sometimes it makes more of an impact coming from another source. It is also a good idea to take them to a church that may have a completely different worldview. This gives you an opportunity to discuss it later and test why this is or is not the worldview that lines up with the Bible.

Get them out of their normal environment and interact with the public

This may mean a visit to a college campus to talk to students about their worldview. It could be a trip to the beach or a local street fair or Market Night. Our church has regularly done this and I have seen fantastic results. We set up a booth and just pass out Bible tracts and give the gospel to those who will listen. We may ask a thought provoking question like, "Where are you going when you die?" It generates many great conversations and generally results in you digging into the Word of God to make sure you know what you believe and why.

Take your family to an apologetic conference

This is another great way to expose your family to some great training that is available. There are many fantastic Christian apologists that have a passion and desire to equip young people and parents alike to be prepared to defend the Christian worldview. This is also a great opportunity for your children to invite their friends and connect with other young people in a very intentional and structured environment.

Have a youth night in your home

This is another great way to connect with your local community. Your children can invite friends and you can be prepared to share some things that will help equip them to have a stronger faith. It is also a great way for parents to build bridges and develop relationships with your children's friends. You could even show a faith based movie which will plant a seed that God can use. Provide a friendly casual environment that is conducive to building bridges and gaining trust.

Find ways to serve

Go on a missions trip. Or get involved in your church's children ministry. Teach a class, which will force you to learn. Go to a hospital or visit elderly people in a senior care facility. It could involve serving food at a shelter or preparing care packages to the homeless. Get creative and find a need and fill it. This is a great way to show the love of God in a practical way. The Bible is true when it say that it is "more blessed to give than to receive".

10. Set the bar high

I have found that my children can do more than I generally require of them. That is why I have set the bar high and have seen great results. I have noticed many parents expect great things when it comes to academics or sports. They expect them to thrive in the workforce. So why when it comes to the more important matters such as their faith, would we expect anything less. I have tried to do this with my children. If you believe in them and properly equip them, they generally will do what it takes to be successful. I treat them like adults and they rise to the challenge. I think this approach makes our young people feel valued and respected and they want to please and are excited about the challenge.

IN CONCLUSION:

Many of us want to have a huge impact and change the world. While this is a lofty goal, I recommend something a little more attainable and quite frankly I believe more in line with Scripture. I believe the greatest impact we can have is within the walls of our own homes. Our culture is destroying the family unit. God has given us very clear instruction on how to build a Godly home. Proverbs 3:5,6 instructs us to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path."

If God has blessed you with a family you have a tremendous responsibility. It all starts in the home. If we impact our family and motivate and equip them with a biblical worldview it will have a tremendous impact. Think if every family took this challenge seriously and obeyed the Scripture of bringing up our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Families make up communities, counties, states, countries and the world. Let's all focus on our individual responsibilities and just "bloom where we are planted." Focus on your immediate sphere of influence. If we implement the above strategies I believe the apathy will disappear and we will be trained and "equipped for every good work."

God Bless!

James Werner

Generation Equipped Ministries

Will your faith cause you to leap?

Many people have a faulty view of faith. They believe faith is necessary when there is no evidence to support reality. Some feel to believe in God you must make an intellectually blind “leap of faith”. This is certainly not a Biblical view of faith. I personally do not hold this view and I would like to share a few reasons why I am confident to take another “leap of faith.”

LESSONS FROM A CHILD

I recently reflected back to a typically beautiful Saturday morning here in Southern California. I was working out in my garden. At the time, my five-year-old son who loves to climb was perched on top of my work shed about 9 feet above the surrounding concrete slab. “Will you catch me dad?” he asked. Upon seeing me nod my head, without hesitation he leaped off the roof into my outstretched arms. I caught him of course (however today I may not be so confident). But it was his confidence that intrigued me. “Derek, why do you trust that I will catch you?”, I asked. His response was simple but powerful.

“Dad, I have been jumping into your arms my entire life and you have never dropped me.”

That statement from my 5-year-old son embodies the true definition of faith! His faith was based on his past experience. It was an evidential faith. He simply trusted me based on his personal experience. I had never dropped him so he had all the confidence in the world that he could fling himself into the air without fear of landing on the concrete below. It was really an active trust that I would continue to do the same. So how strong is your faith? Is it strong enough to cause you to leap?

Many criticize Christians of having a “blind faith.” Unfortunately, some Christians subscribe to a faulty concept of faith. The Bible does not ask us to make a blind leap of faith. In the example I provided, it was not a blind leap but a confident leap because my son trusted in the evidence that he had experienced in the past. Like my son, I can make a similar statement about my Heavenly Father:

“I have been jumping into His arms my entire life and He has never dropped me.”

An accurate definition of Biblical faith is trusting what we have good reason to believe is true.

It is active trust based on evidence. God never asks for us to have blind faith.

Scripture gives us a clear definition of faith: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1

Christianity is a faith full of evidence. It is based on things we can know.

In 2 Timothy 1:12 the Apostle Paul said, “I know whom I have believed”, and Jesus Himself said, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

Christ Himself saw the importance that we would be encouraged and convinced by the evidence. He knew at times our faith was weak. In the book of Acts, we are told that He showed Himself by “many infallible proofs” over a 40-day period. This resulted in a passion and fire in His disciples that even caused them to die for what they believed. This was a fearless faith.

WHAT IS A FEARLESS FAITH?

The Scriptures are full of examples of men and women who possessed a confident faith based on evidence. Among the many historical events that sets Christianity apart from all others is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The book of Corinthians was written less than 25 years after Jesus's crucifixion. In chapter 15 Paul reminds them, "Now I want to remind you brothers, of the Gospel message I preached to you." Paul was delivering what he had received. In this account alone we learn the risen Jesus appeared to individuals as well as groups. He appeared to Peter, James and Paul. He also appeared to the 12, over 500, and to all the apostles. Think about what that did to their faith. They had personal experience and were eyewitnesses to the risen Jesus! Wow, you talk about a faith builder.

NOW SOME WILL SAY, IF YOU HAVE ALL THIS EVIDENCE THEN WHY DO YOU NEED FAITH?

How can you have faith in something you know is true? This statement indicates that faith is opposed to knowledge. Again, this is a misunderstanding of faith. Faith and reason are not opposites, rather they are complimentary. Reason assesses the facts or evidence, and faith trusts considering the reasons.

This does not mean that Christians do not have questions. There are many things that I do not understand and cannot explain.

However, the things that I do understand help me trust in the things that I do not.

This is when I need faith. But this is much different than believing blindly. It is trusting in the best inference of the evidence. My son trusted me based on what he did know. The eyewitnesses of the resurrection trusted based on what they did know and had personally experienced. They still needed faith. This is what I call a Fearless Faith!

There have been many times I have had to rely on the promises in God’s Word. There are times I do not understand. I do not have all the answers. I have questions and doubts. Just like you, I have experienced some heartache in my life. I have had to leap into my Heavenly Father’s arms many times.

He has never dropped me.

So, I have a faith that will cause me to leap, do you?

3 GOOD REASONS TO MAKE THE CASE FOR CHRISTIANITY.

We live in a culture where people are skeptical of Christianity. They have many questions. Young people in this generation are honestly seeking rational explanations to things they have heard. Unfortunately, many Christians are not prepared or equipped to answer questions relating to the Bible, God, science, ethics or other worldviews.

We need to equip this generation with rational, intelligent and reasonable explanations that show Christianity is true and provides the best answers when we consider all of the cumulative evidence. If we do not provide answers and make the case for Christianity, the Gospel of Jesus Christ will continue to be undermined.

So why is apologetics important? Do you think it is important? Some argue that all we need is faith. Let’s explore these and other important issues surrounding this subject. I would like to consider 3 good reasons to make the case for Christianity.

But before we look at why Christian apologetics is important, let’s define what we mean.

The term apologetics comes from the Greek word “apologia” which simply means to make a defense for what you believe is true.

So an apologist proclaims and defends the truth of Christianity.

While this is not an exhaustive list, I believe these are 3 broad and very good reasons to make the case for Christianity.

1. IT IS CRITICAL TO SHARING THE GOSPEL

2. IT INCREASES YOUR FAITH

3. IT’S NOT AN OPTION – THE BIBLE COMMANDS IT

1. It is critical to sharing the gospel.

I know of nothing more important than sharing the life transforming power of the gospel. As Christians, we should be highly motivated to share this “Good News” to a lost and dying world.

However, many times we run into roadblocks or obstacles. Many people have honest questions or doubts that they have been struggling with. They have various misconceptions about the Christian worldview. I have experienced this firsthand as I have witnessed to many young people. It is evident to me that evangelism and apologetics complement each other. I think those who regard apologetics as not very important, probably have not been engaged in the culture trying to evangelize and share the Gospel.

Being able to make the case for Christianity helps remove some of these roadblocks and causes people to be more receptive to the Gospel. Apologetics is really pre-evangelism to our culture.

We live in a dominant “post truth” culture that to a large degree has embraced philosophies such as relativism, pluralism, and naturalism. We need to be equipped to lovingly break down these barriers with the truth and ultimately plant seeds of truth with the goal of leading them to Christ.

Many Christians shy away from sharing the good news of the gospel because they are afraid of being challenged. They are not prepared to be able to articulate and defend what they believe and why they believe it. And sadly, some just do not see the need.

Many young people cite these as some of the reasons they walk away from their faith. They have also had bad experiences with the church and Christians. The hypocrisy and the lack of satisfactory answers have contributed to their indifference.

This needs to change! This does not mean we need to just gain knowledge for the sake of intellectual pursuit. We know Scripture admonishes that “knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.” We must speak the truth in love.

My experience has been that most young people respond to relationships and reasonable answers.

We must be prepared! Being able to make the case for Christianity is critical to sharing the Gospel.

2. It increases your faith.

The Bible tells us that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. We are also told that Scripture “thoroughly equips us for every good work.” When a Christian is grounded with a Biblical worldview and learns the evidence and how to articulate it, they gain confidence and their faith is strengthened.

This has certainly been my experience.

Christianity is supported by evidence, and when you are prepared it will give you a confident faith you want to share.

Think about when you are in school and you have diligently studied for the upcoming test. You put in the time and effort and feel very confident. You are almost looking forward to taking the test to demonstrate your diligent study paid off. The converse of this scenario is also true. When you do not do your homework, and you neglect to study and prepare, the last thing you want to do is take a test. You are not equipped.

But some will say, “Well if you know everything, then why would you need faith?”

Maybe a parent or even a pastor will respond to young people’s questions with “just have faith”. I believe many honestly express this view, but it is a faulty description of faith. Many translate this to “in order to be a Christian, you shouldn’t use your brain.” This blind faith approach is very unbiblical.

Does this mean we can know everything? Of course not. The Bible tells us to walk by faith and not by site. However, this does not mean I believe God exists without any evidence or reason. It means I can trust Him based on past experience even when I do not understand or know what plans He has for me. When I am struggling or have doubts these are the times I can have faith or TRUST that His plans are for the ultimate good.

We are never encouraged to have a blind faith.

The Apostle Paul commended those in Berea for having an open mind and being receptive AND for checking the Scriptures daily to see if what they were being told was the truth.

Paul also said to “Test everything, hold onto the good”. 1 Thessalonians 5:21. This would indicate we are not commanded to have a blind faith.

In the first book of Acts, Jesus Christ presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them for forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. What a faith builder that must have been!

In Hebrews 11:1 we are given a Biblical definition of faith: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Consider the following quote from Galileo Galilei:

“I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo their use.”

I would like to share two more quotes from a couple of respected Christian apologists that I have had the opportunity to sit under their teaching:

"As I speak around the country, I often encounter devoted, committed Christians who are hesitant to embrace an evidential faith. In many Christian circles, faith that requires evidential support is seen as weak and inferior. For many, blind faith (a faith that simply trusts without question) is the truest, most sincere, and most valuable form of faith that we can offer God. Yet Jesus seemed to have a high regard for evidence. In John 14:11, He told those watching Him to examine 'the evidence of miracles' if they did not believe what He said about His identity. Even after the resurrection, Jesus stayed with His disciples for an additional forty days and provided them with 'many convincing proofs' that He was resurrected and was who He claimed to be (Acts 1:2-3 ). Jesus understood the role and value of evidence and the importance of developing an evidential faith. It’s time for all of us, as Christians, to develop a similarly reasonable faith'." —J. Warner Wallace

“The ‘I just take Christianity on (blind) faith’ attitude can’t be the right approach. It leaves the Bible without defense, yet Peter directs us to make a defense for the hope that is in us. Also, the biblical word for faith, pistis, doesn’t mean wishing. It means active trust. And trust cannot be conjured up or manufactured. It must be earned. You can’t exercise the kind of faith the Bible has in mind unless you’re reasonably sure that some particular things are true. In fact, I suggest you completely ban the phrase “leap of faith” from your vocabulary. Biblical faith is based on knowledge, not wishing or blind leaps. Knowledge builds confidence and confidence leads to trust. The kind of faith God is interested in is not wishing. It’s trust based on knowing, a sure confidence grounded in evidence.’ – Greg Koukl

Christianity is supported by evidence. When you study and are prepared, it will give you a confident faith you want to share.

3. It’s not an option – The Bible commands it

Lastly and probably the most important, is the third reason to make the case for Christianity.

Jesus Christ said in John 14:15, “If you love Me keep my commandments.” Yes, the Bible commands ALL Christians to be a case maker for Christ. It is not optional.

Soberly consider the following passages of Scripture:

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer (or a defense) to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. (1 Peter 3:15 NIV)

For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)

Test all things, hold fast to what is good. (1 Thessalonians 5:21)

Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. (Colossians 4:5-6)

Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. (Jude 3)

Now when they had traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. And according to Paul’s custom, he went to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and giving evidence that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you is the Christ.” And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with a large number of the God-fearing Greeks and a number of the leading women. (Acts 17:1-4)

In this passage we understand that this is what Paul normally did. It was his custom. He persuaded people to consider evidence. Paul was doing “apologetics” or giving a defense for what he believed. And from the context it worked! Some of them were persuaded.

There are more passages I could cite, but these are some of my favorites. I hope they encourage and motivate you to be equipped for the defense of the gospel. Why is it important? Remember, it is critical to sharing the Gospel, it increases your faith, and it is not an option. The Bible commands it.