970 likes | 982 Views
Answering Biblical Questions Apologetically Without Being Sorry. 1 Peter 3:15. Cary Christian. 3. PICTURE START. Answering Biblical Questions Apologetically Without Being Sorry. 1 Peter 3:15. Why are we doing this?. 1 Peter 3:15.
E N D
Answering Biblical Questions Apologetically Without Being Sorry 1 Peter 3:15 Cary Christian
PICTURE START
Answering Biblical Questions Apologetically Without Being Sorry 1 Peter 3:15
Why are we doing this? • 1 Peter 3:15
15. 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; -Peter 3:15 NAU
Why are we doing this? • In 1 Peter 3:15 • Apologia • Means to give a defence • Used in the phrase, “Defence of the Gospel” • Phil. 1:7 • Phil. 1:16
How do we do this? • S.P.E.A.K. • Start real Conversation • Pay attention • Evaluate their words • Ask questions • Kindly respond and guide • Write if possible • I write stuff down while they speak, if I can • Look for “hiccup”
“SPEAK” Apologetics • Start with their subject/questions • Pay attention to their answers • Evaluatetheir words • Ask questions about what they said • Kindly respond and guide back through their thoughts and words • Who is in focus here?
Start a Real Conversation • What did they bring up? • What are they wondering? • What did they comment on? • What are they criticizing? • Igor – “The Bible is full of errors?”
Pay attention to their Answers • Good time to write down statements • This can freak some out, but once you explain that you want to listen well, it’s cool. • You can also keep your latter questions focused by pointing at things they actually said. • Make sure to keep good eye contact, though. • Focus on buzz words • Do not go “A.D.D.” on them – stick to THIS discussion • Igor – “A million errors in the Bible?!?”
Evaluate their Words • Pick out buzz words • Organize thoughts • Ask for clarification • Igor – “What do you mean by ‘errors’? Based on what?”
Ask Questions about what they Said • Ask for more clarification • Test with hypotheticals • Offer conclusions/comparisons • Igor – “Can we talk about the top 50?”
Kindly respond and guide them through their thoughts and words • Put your evaluations in order • Connect things they said • Propose questions that highlight the logical fallacies • Igor – “So, you don’t know the book or the author or 1 of the ‘errors’? Why do you believe that, then?”
Points of Concern • No one saved in a debate • The point is to listen • Look for a “hiccup” • Show respect • And… • The point is to Listen!
Sometimes . . . there’s a gap • There are things that might be an invisible wall between you and another – causing a distance between you. Being aware of these potential issues is important.
Terms of Distance • Syllogism • Exegetical Fallacies • Cultural Influence • Stereotyping • Main/Predicate bait and switch • Incorrect Hermeneutical Logic • Categorical Switch of Truth/Culture • Much like a practical syllogism – a blanket assumption
Terms of Distance • Caricatures • Micro-Argumentation • Emotional Rejection/Distrust • Wrong Definition • Disproportionate Stereotyping • An overemphasis on secondary Doctrine as Primary • Negative experience that is real • Wrong Definition
Terms of Distance • Doctrinal Conclusions • Satanic Influence • Genuine thoughtful doctrinal view, opposing biblical Christianity • Spiritual warfare is real
Two Big categories • Doctrinal Issues • Personal Issues • Which is it?
The Big Question WHAT HAPPENED?
A Walk Back Home: A Progression of Degree to gain ground • Is it Possible? • Is it Probable? • Is it Likely? • Is it Actual?
Answering Biblical Questions Apologetically Without Being Sorry 1 Peter 3:15 Cary Christian
Answering Biblical Questions Apologetically Without Being Sorry 1 Peter 3:15 an example
Question #1 Cults, World Religions, Christianity & The Gospel
Key Verse 2 Corinthians 11:4 (Context of all of Chapters 10 & 11 – Specifically 11:1-4)
For if one comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted, you bear thisbeautifully. (NAU)
Key Indicators • Another Jesus • A Different Spirit • Another Gospel • K.I.S.S. method - simplicity
Brief overview of Mormon experience • Met with a couple (Fosbergs) that we bought our Corgi from • They had suffered a lot of loss and little to no aid from their Baptist and Methodist backgrounds • Mormons helped them a lot • They thought they were still in a Christian church
Mormons – The Dialog • Generally, one of two situations • New Mormons • Elders at the Door • Most successful pseudo-Christian cult
The Fosbergs – New Mormons • Thought it was Christianity • Came from “Christian” backgrounds • Something usually happens • Zealous about newfound faith • Attempted to go to Scripture • Clarified for me on doctrines on “topic” • “Hiccup”
The Topic – Three Heavens • Doctrine • Terrestrial Heaven • Telestial Heaven • Celestial Heaven • Text – They could not find, but 2 Cor. 12:2 • Question – “Why three heavens?” • Why are three needed? • Answer: Because God would never send away even a wayward child – only deny Christ get’s you sent away. • Question – “What about Matt. 7:21-22; 25:41?” • “I never thought of that before . . .” - “Hiccup”
SO… • Are we really debating? • What are we doing? • Key verse and 3 indicators with cults? • Is Mormonism Christianity?
SO… • Are we really debating? NO • What are we doing? Listening • Key verse and 3 indicators with cults? 2 Cor. 11:4 • Is Mormonism Christianity? NO
Answering Biblical Questions Apologetically Without Being Sorryfurther examples 1 Peter 3:15 New Life ABF
First . . . REVIEW
Answering Biblical Questions Apologetically Without Being Sorry
apologetics. Occasionally called eristics, apologetics is the formal defense of the Christian faith. Pocket Dictionary of Theological Terms (Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 1999), 13.
Not to be confused with….. Apologizing
Why are we doing this? • 1 Peter 3:15
15. 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; -Peter 3:15 NAU
Why are we doing this? • In 1 Peter 3:15 • Apologia • Means to give a defence • Used in the phrase, “Defence of the Gospel” • Phil. 1:7 • Phil. 1:16
How do we do this? • Be “Sleq” • Start • Listen • Evaluate • Question • Write if possible • Look for “hiccup”
Answering Biblical Questions Apologetically Without Being Sorryfurther examples 1 Peter 3:15 CCs Apologetics
Cults and Religions Discussed • Mormonism • Jehovah’s Witnesses • Catholicism • 7th Day Adventists
Key verse for cults • 2 Corinthians 11:4 • For if one comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted, you bear this beautifully. • Another Jesus • Another Spirit • Another Gospel