Answering Biblical Questions Apologetically Without Being Sorry

2. Answering Biblical Questions Apologetically Without Being Sorry 1 Peter 3:15

3. Why are we doing this? • 1 Peter 3:15

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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”

7. IGOR

8. “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?

9. 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?”

10. 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?!?”

11. Evaluate their Words • Pick out buzz words • Organize thoughts • Ask for clarification • Igor – “What do you mean by ‘errors’? Based on what?”

12. Ask Questions about what they Said • Ask for more clarification • Test with hypotheticals • Offer conclusions/comparisons • Igor – “Can we talk about the top 50?”

13. 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?”

14. 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!

15. 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.

16. 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

17. 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

18. Terms of Distance • Doctrinal Conclusions • Satanic Influence • Genuine thoughtful doctrinal view, opposing biblical Christianity • Spiritual warfare is real

19. Two Big categories • Doctrinal Issues • Personal Issues • Which is it?

20. WHAT HAPPENED? The Big Question

21. A Walk Back Home: A Progression of Degree to gain ground • Is it Possible? • Is it Probable? • Is it Likely? • Is it Actual?

22. Answering Biblical Questions Apologetically Without Being Sorry 1 Peter 3:15 Cary Christian