But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be
prepared to give an answer 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)
I.
Introduction
In
His final instructions to His disciple, the Resurrected Jesus informed His
disciples that His Heavenly Father, the true and living LORD God, had given Him
all authority in the universe – both heaven and earth.[1] The living LORD God of
heaven and earth (also known as “Yahweh” or the LORD) made His Son Jesus both
Lord and Messiah, and He placed all things and people under His Son’s power and
authority.[2]
After
His appointment of authority, the Resurrected Jesus promised to give His
disciples the Holy Spirit from His Father, so they could continue His earthly
ministry and become His witnesses everywhere — from Jerusalem, throughout
Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.[3] Then, the Resurrected
Jesus empowered His disciples through His Holy Spirit to go and make more
disciples in all the nations of the world and proclaim the Good News of
forgiveness and grace from His Heavenly Father through Him.[4] Furthermore, the
Resurrected Jesus instructed His disciples to teach and train these new
disciples to obey all His commands He had given them.[5] Finally, the Resurrected Jesus
promised that He would always be present with His disciples by the Holy Spirit as
they witnessed to the world about Him and His Gospel message.[6]
Ever
since Jesus’ commissioning, Christians have understood their privilege and
responsibility to witness and share the Gospel of the Resurrected Jesus and His
grace to others.[7]
Christians know that Jesus is the only hope for this world.[8] However, many Christians
question how to proclaim Jesus’ Good News message of forgiveness, hope,
and grace to the nations.
II.
Witnessing for Jesus
In the book of Acts, the Gospel writer Luke continued
the Resurrected Jesus’ story and ministry on earth through the Holy Spirit and
His disciples.[9] With the Holy Spirit’s power and
grace, Jesus’ disciples continued to proclaim the Resurrected Jesus and His
Gospel messages of repentance, forgiveness, salvation, healing, hope, abundant
life, and peace that come to all people and nations through faith in Him, who
is Lord and Judge of all creation.[10] Even
more, these disciples continued the Resurrected Jesus’ Gospel message about
God’s Kingdom and Jesus’ good and life-giving works.[11] Moreover, in the book of
Acts, Jesus’ early disciples proclaimed the existence of the living LORD God –
the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob – and His Son, Jesus.[12] Through these disciples’
Good News messages about God and His Son Jesus, many people who believed
received healing, salvation, righteousness, joy, and deliverance from the evil
one because the Holy Spirit’s power was with Jesus’ disciples.[13]
Moreover,
these early disciples proclaimed the message that the Resurrected Jesus is the
Son of the living LORD God of heaven and earth.[14] All the more, these early
disciples, who were Jews, proclaimed and reasoned from the Holy Scriptures —
from Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth the
Good News that the Resurrected Jesus is the long-awaited and promised Jewish
Messiah and Lord as predicted by the Old Testament Jewish prophets.[15] These early disciples witnessed
and proclaimed the Resurrected Jesus, particularly the Apostle Paul, because
they personally experienced and eyewitness the Resurrected Jesus’ power and
heard His message, and their lives were forever changed.[16] These disciples saw
Jesus’ glorious Light, and they could testify that Jesus is the Light and hope
of the world.[17]
Through
the Holy Spirit's providential work, the Good News message of the living LORD
God and His Son Jesus was taken from a small gathering of one hundred and
twenty (120) Jews in Jerusalem to the ends of the earth.[18] The Holy Spirit empowered
these small group of Jews to proclaim the Gospel message not just to Israel but
to the entire world.[19] The early disciples’ of Jesus were empowered
by the Holy Spirit, which is the power of God.[20] The Holy Spirit’s power
gave ordinary people divine power to proclaim the Resurrected Jesus’ Gospel
message.[21]
Even more, God’s Holy Spirit empowered and strengthened Jesus’ disciples to
proclaim God’s message with boldness, wisdom, and divine reason and testify
about Jesus.[22]
The early disciples’ message was one of abundant life through faith in the
Resurrected Jesus, the Author of Life.[23]
Many
people often ask, “Who is the Holy Spirit, and how can I receive the Holy
Spirit?” The Holy Spirit is part of the One God, who exists in Three Persons –
God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Spirit.[24] The Triune God – God the
Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Spirit – are One in essence and nature.
The Holy Spirit is the power of God, and this power confirms the truth and
existence of God, Jesus, and the Gospel message.[25] In addition, the Holy
Spirit is the Spirit of Truth, and the Spirit of Truth testifies and confirms
through the Gospel message the integrity and existence of God and His Son,
Jesus.[26] The Holy Spirit gives life and understanding
to the disciples’ message of the Good News about Jesus.[27] Finally, the Holy
Scriptures declare that Jesus received the Holy Spirit from His Holy Father –
the living LORD God of heaven and earth.[28] Then, the living LORD God
and His Son Jesus graciously give the Holy Spirit – leading to repentance and
new life – to everyone who believes and obeys Jesus.[29] Everyone who believes and
obeys Jesus receives the Holy Spirit of God and adoption into the living
Sovereign LORD God’s family.[30]
III.
Proclaiming Christ
Throughout
the centuries, classical, modern, and postmodern apologists have taken various apologetic
approaches to witness and proclaim the Good News of forgiveness and peace with
God, healing, and salvation through faith in Jesus as the Jewish Messiah
(Christ) and Son of God.[31] Such apologists Augustine,
Thomas Aquinas, John Calvin, C.S. Lewis, Francis
Schaeffer, Ravi Zacharias, and Timothy Keller have used various methods to
proclaim Christ in a diverse and religiously multicultural world. These classical
and modern apologists have used reason, dialogue, metaphor, and even sarcasm to
explain the true message of the Resurrected Jesus to others so they could
believe and discover the hope of the world.[32]
IV.
Definition of Apologetics
Apologetics
is the process of proclaiming and witnessing the Resurrected Jesus and His
gracious message to others. The best proof text for apologetics comes from 1
Peter 3:15:
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be
prepared to give an answer 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)
In
1 Peter 3:15, the Apostle Peter first acknowledged that anyone wishing to
proclaim Jesus must set apart and honor in their hearts that Jesus is the Christ
(Messiah) and Lord.[33] Then, the Apostle Peter encouraged
the early church to be ready and prepared to give an answer and reason to anyone
who asks about their living hope in Jesus. However, the Apostle Peter explained
giving an answer and explanation must be done with gentleness and respect. A
believer’s gentleness and respect involve listening carefully to the other side
and respecting other faith systems' beliefs without heated arguments or
controversy.[34]
Apologetics
has many different definitions from people. Essentially, apologetics means
defense and a type of witnesses and encompasses both dialogue and polemics
(arguments).[35]
Sometimes apologetics is offensive and sometimes defensive.[36] Often, apologetics flows
between defending the faith and promoting the reasonableness of our faith in
the Resurrected Jesus.[37] Without this balance, one
can lead to pluralism, inclusivism, and universalism. On the other hand,
defending the faith can lead to exclusivism. Thus, apologetics involves a
continuous flow of defending our faith in the Resurrected Jesus and promoting
our faith's reasonableness.
There
are basically three reasons for apologetics – preparation, defense, and
refutation.[38]
First, apologetics instructs believers of Jesus to honor Him as Lord of their
life. Further, apologetics provides a defense for the Resurrected Jesus against
attacks by other religions, philosophies, or doctrines. Finally, apologetics
offer methods to disprove heresy, false beliefs, and sacrilege about Jesus. The
goal of apologetics is to defend the truth that Jesus is the Christ (Messiah)
and the Son of the living LORD God, and He is the Savior and hope of the world.[39]
Truly,
the Sovereign LORD of heaven and earth sent His Son Jesus to be the Lord and
Savior of the world.[40] Jesus is the Prince of
God, Savior of the world, and He is Lord.[41] The Lord Jesus came to
earth to take away humanities' sins as the sacrificial and sinless Passover
Lamb of God on Calvary’s Cross so that we might die to sin, become healed
(saved), and live for goodness.[42] Salvation is found in our
Lord Jesus and no one else, for there is no other name nor human under heaven
given to humankind by which we may be saved from God’s wrath and judgment.[43] Through faith and
obedience to Jesus, we receive salvation (healing and safety), changed hearts
and lives, and have our sins forgiven.[44]
A
good biblical example of apologetics is found in Acts 17. In Acts 17, when the
Apostle Paul appealed to the “unknown god,” he proclaimed the message of the
true God of heaven and earth and His Son Jesus through dialogue and polemics.
Apostle Paul gently and respectfully defended His faith in the God of Israel
and His Son Jesus and refuted error about other gods so that these unbelieving
Greeks could come to God and His Son Jesus as the source of all truth and the
Savior of the whole world.
V.
Apologetic Methods
Apologetics
means understanding both sides of the arguments by defending what one believes
and refuting error. To do this successfully require various methods, faith, and
reason.[45] Different apologetic
approaches have been used throughout the centuries to proclaim the Gospel
message of the Resurrected Jesus. The Holy Scriptures do not outline any single
definitive method to proclaim the Gospel message. Instead, the Holy Scriptures
uses different kinds of apologetic appeals and persuasions to make a case for
the Resurrected Jesus.[46] Moreover,
throughout church history, apologists have used various Biblical and
extrabiblical methods to explain and proclaim the Gospel message.[47] Therefore, the diversity
of the apologetic appeals found in the Holy Scriptures and the various
apologetic methods found in church history warn readers today not to be rigid
when proclaiming the Gospel message.
Today,
apologetic scholars have set forth six apologetic methods to proclaim the
Resurrected Jesus and His message. The six apologetic methods include the
following: classical,
evidential, presuppositional, Reformed epistemology, experiential/narratival
(storytelling), and cumulative case. [48] Classical, evidential,
presuppositional, and experiential/narratival (storytelling) are considered
“traditional” methods.[49] The classical and evidential
methods rely upon general revelation, inductive reasoning, and evidence.[50] These methods follow
Aristotle’s method of reason and philosophy.[51] However, the presuppositional
and experimental/narrative methods rely upon special revelation, theology, and
faith.[52] The philosopher Plato
also used faith and theology in his arguments. The Reformed epistemology method
uses special revelation.[53] The cumulative method
combines or pools together classical, evidential, presuppositional, Reformed
epistemology, and experiential/narratival (storytelling) methods to effectively
proclaim the Resurrected Jesus and the Gospel message.
Scholars
have debated for years which apologetic method works best when making a case
for Christ. Nevertheless, many scholars have come to recognize, such as John
Frame, when arguing for their specific apologetic method that there are other
ways to make a case for Christ.[54] Finding the best map that
leads to the Resurrected Jesus and His life-saving message is not based upon
finding an eternal or universal apologetic map but by using many different
methods.
Of
the six apologetic methods, this author prefers the cumulative case method to
proclaim and witness the Resurrected Jesus. The cumulative case method does not
separate the other methods. Instead, the cumulative case method believes there
are many possible ways to make a case for the Resurrected Jesus and His message
and recognize all apologetic methods' validity.[55] The cumulative case
method uses a collection of arguments and reasoning from the classical,
evidential, presuppositional, Reformed epistemology, and
experiential/narratival approaches to argue a case for Christ. In many ways,
the soft version of each of these methods is the cumulative case method.[56] The cumulative case
method argues Christ's case based on the person's circumstances. Besides, the
other apologetic methods are not sealed off from the other methods. In his book
The Reason for God, Timothy Keller contextualize and creatively used
various apologetic methods to make his case for Jesus and His message.[57]
The
cumulative method has become more popular because this method cuts across the
fabric of the other apologetic methods. Because of its flexibility, the
cumulative method focuses the situation and evidence. Thus, the cumulative
method seems to be a more balanced way of approaching many of the issues
believers face with witnessing and proclaiming the real message of Jesus.[58]
A
good example of the cumulative case method is found in
1 Corinthians 9:19-23.[59] In 1 Corinthians 9:19-23,
the Apostle Paul used various arguments, ideas, and philosophies when making a
case for Christ. The Apostle Paul recognized that different people find
different arguments more persuasive than other arguments.[60] Any good witness for
Christ will use the method that best suits the hearer.[61] For example, a rigid scientist
would prefer an analytical approach, while a devout Muslim may prefer another
approach when proclaiming Christ.
Essentially,
the cumulative case method recognizes that the best apologetic method is
person-specific and what is best for others.[62] The best apologetic
method – whether classical, evidential, presuppositional, Reformed epistemology,
or experiential/narratival – is others-centered. The cumulative case method
applies the apologetic approach that best fits others and the situation.
Apologist
Francis Schaeffer once wrote:
If
we are truly personal, as created by God, then each individual will differ from
everyone else. Therefore, each man must be dealt with as an individual, not as
a case or statistic or machine …. There is no set formula that meets everyone’s
needs, and if only applied as a mechanical formula, I doubt if it really meets
anyone’s need – short of an act of God’s mercy.[63]
VI.
Combing Holy Spirit and Apologetics
This
author believes the cumulative method combined with the Holy Spirit is the best
apologetic method. In our modern setting, such apologists as Ravi Zacharias and
his organization RZIM have exemplified how to unite apologetics and the Holy
Spirit to proclaim Jesus and His Gospel message.[64] Essentially, the Holy
Spirit is the Chief and active Apologist.[65] The goal of apologetics
is seeking the truth about God and His Son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit confirms
this message. The Holy Spirit works in and through all human apologetic methods
and efforts to proclaim and reason the truth about God and His Son Jesus. The bottom
line, without God’s Holy Spirit, no one can proclaim the Gospel message of
Jesus that brings people to God and salvation even with their best human reason
and methods.[66]
No
human efforts or human methods without reliance on the living LORD God and His
Holy Spirit.[67]
VII.
Apologetics and Good Works
In
the New Testament, Jesus and His disciples encouraged believers to study and
obey the Holy Scriptures and to teach others to do the same.[68] Knowing the Holy
Scriptures allows believers to communicate their hope and belief in the
Resurrected Jesus effectively.[69] Nevertheless, apologetics also encourages
believers of Jesus to know and understand other belief systems so that
Christian believers will be ready and able to answer questions about their
faith and their future hope.[70]
As
mentioned earlier, the Apostle Peter instructed Jesus’ disciples to first
submit to Jesus as both Lord and Messiah in their hearts before proclaiming the
Good News message.[71] Next, the Apostle Peter
instructed Jesus’ disciples to proclaim the Good News of Jesus to others with
gentleness, compassion, respect, humility, and most importantly with the truth.[72] Gentleness and respect
involve listening carefully to the other side and respecting their belief of
faith without leading to heated arguments, fights, and controversy. [73] While knowledge makes us
feel important, love and mercy strengthen the church and draw people to Jesus.[74] In proclaiming the Good
News message of Jesus, believers must make every effort to do what leads to
peace and mutual upbuilding for God’s glory and goodness towards others.[75]
Furthermore,
the Apostle Peter encouraged fellow believers to have a good conscience and
live holy lives so that, if anyone insulted or despised them, their good deed
and holy behavior in Christ Jesus would put them to shame.[76] No one will want to harm
believers of Jesus and their message for doing good, but even if they suffer,
God will reward their good deeds.[77]
Finally,
the Apostle Paul instructed believers to be courageous and strong in the Lord
Jesus and His mighty power and put on our full spiritual armor of God when
proclaiming Jesus.[78] Believers must rely upon
the Lord Jesus’ Spirit for the power and might and use His weapons of
righteousness to proclaim His life-changing message.[79] As we proclaim the Good
News of Jesus, believers will often battle and fight against rulers,
authorities, powers of this dark world, and spiritual forces of evil in the
heavenly realms.[80]
Therefore, the Apostle Paul encouraged fellow believers to stand firm for their
faith in Jesus.[81]
While standing firm, the Apostle Paul instructed believers to be filled with truth,
goodness, peace, faith, prayer, patience, and most importantly, the Word of God.[82] Often, people of the
world are captives of the evil one, his worldview, and trickery. Jesus’
spiritual armor helps you to fight against the evil one and his dark powers.[83] The Resurrected Jesus has
been given by His Heavenly Father all authority and power on earth and the
heavens.[84]
To
effectively proclaim Jesus to the world, believers of Jesus must develop a good
knowledge of the Bible and “fighter” verses such as Ephesians 2:8-10; John 1:1;
and 1 Peter 3:15.[85] Sometimes, other faiths
will misquote or misinterpret the Holy Scriptures out of context. Therefore,
believers of Jesus must study, understand, and know God’s Word to defeat the
evil one’s trickery.[86] Also, believers must know
how to defend the historical resurrection of Christ.[87] Jesus’ resurrection is
the greatest evidence that Jesus is God.[88] Moreover, believers of
Jesus must defend the Holy Scriptures' authority and truth as the revealed Word
of God and not become “sidetrack” on minor issues such as scribal errors.[89] The Word of God is true and
eternal from everlasting to everlasting and never changes.[90] Furthermore, believers of
Jesus must also understand the teaching of a particular religion or cult and
how they compare to Jesus.[91] Finally, believers must
rely on God and His Holy Spirit when proclaiming Jesus’ message. Believers
cannot convict people. As disciples of Jesus, our task is to proclaim Jesus and
His Good News and allow the power of the Holy Spirit to change and save.[92] Therefore, believers are
to proclaim the Resurrected Jesus as lovingly, effectively, and truthfully as
possible knowing He is always with us (see Matthew 28:20).
The
Apostle Paul modeled these qualities when he proclaimed the message of Jesus to
the Athenians at the Areopagus.[93] In that message, the
Apostle Paul explained the unchanging Gospel message of Jesus so that the
Athenians could understand and appreciate.[94] At the same time, the
Apostle Paul did not shrink from proclaiming the Resurrected Jesus’s life and
ministry, including His resurrection from the dead and ascension to heaven.
Like
the Apostle Paul, when believers share the Gospel message of Jesus to others,
we must be mindful of our culture and yet never compromise the truth about
Jesus.[95] We must always season our
invitation and declaration of Jesus to others with compassion, truth, love, and
patience so that unbelievers may see our good deeds and glorify our Father in
heaven.[96] Reaching out to others
and proclaiming Jesus requires faith, patience, and the love of Jesus.[97]
References
ESV
Study Bible,
English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008).[i]
NIV
Essentials Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2013).
Zondervan
NIV Study Bible
(Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).
Chatraw
Joshua D. and Allen, Mark D. Apologetics at the Cross: An Introduction for
Christian Witness (Grand Rapids, MI:
Zondervan Academics, 2018).
Dr.
Daniel Janosik, Ph.D., Professor of Apologetics and World Religions (Due West,
SC: Erskine Theological Seminary, Fall 2020).
Janosik,
Daniel. Answering Muslim Objections to the Gospel.
Janosik,
Daniel. Toward a New Paradigm for Apologetics.
Richey,
Lola. Real Life. (Greenville, SC: Amazon Kindle, 2020).
Taylor, Mark. Adult Discipleship Leader
Training (Simpsonville, SC: Brookwood Church, 2020).
[1] Matthew
28:18; e.g., see also Daniel 7:13-14; Matthew 11:27; John 3:35; Colossians
2:9-10; Hebrews 1:2.
[2] E.g.,
see Exodus 3:14-15; Matthew 16:16; Mark 9:7; John 13:3; John 17:2; John
20:30-31; Acts 2:36; Acts 5:31; Romans 14:9; 1 Corinthians 15:27; Ephesians
1:10, 20-22; Philippians 2:9-10; 1 Peter 3:22.
[3] Acts
1:4-5, 8, 22; see also John 15:26-27; Acts 2:33.
[4] Matthew
28:19; see also Mark 16:15-16; Luke 24:46-48; Acts 1:8.
[5] Matthew
28:20; see also John 14:15.
[6] Matthew
28:20; see also Matthew 1:23; John 12:26; John 14:15-21, 23-24; Acts 1:4-5, 8;
Acts 18:9-10. The Gospel and the Good News are used interchangeably when
referring to Jesus. Christians use the word Gospel or Good News as the message
of God's saving activity through the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of
God's only and unique Son, Jesus.
[7] E.g.,
see Acts 4:19-20; Acts 5:29-30.
[8] E.g.,
see Matthew 12:21; Romans 5:1-2; Hebrews 3:6.
[9] See
Acts 1:1-5.
[10] Acts
4:8-12, 33; Acts 5:31; Acts 8:35; Acts 10:34-36, 42; Acts 13:4, 48-49; Acts
15:11; Acts 16:30-32; Acts 20:21, 24; Acts 24:24-25; Acts 26:18, 20; e.g., see
also Luke 24:45-49; Romans 1:16-17; Romans 10:9, 11-13.
[11] Acts
3:13-15, 19-20; Acts 8:12; Acts 10:37-38; Acts 19:8; Acts 28:30-31; e.g., see
Matthew 4:23-25; Mark 1:14-15.
[12] E.g.,
see Acts 14:15; Acts 15:19; Acts 17:24-31.
[13] E.g.,
see Acts 3:6-8, 16; Acts 4:12-16; Acts 8:5-8; Acts 9:34-35; Acts 10:43; Acts
11:21; Acts 13:38-39.
[14] E.g.,
see Matthew 16:16; John 1:34, 49; Acts 9:20
[15] Acts
2:36; Acts 5:42; Acts 8:4-5; Acts 9:22; Acts 17:2-3; Acts 18:5, 28; see also
Isaiah 11:1-10; Isaiah 42:1-9; Ezekiel 34:23-24; Micah 5:1-6; Matthew 1:1,
16-17; Matthew 16:16; Matthew 28:18; Luke 2:11; John 1:41; John 4:25-26; John
11:27.
[16] E.g.,
see Acts 9:1-9, 27; 1 Corinthians 15:1-9; Galatians 1:16; 1 John 1:1-4.
[17]
E.g., see Matthew 12:21; Matthew 17:2; Luke 9:29; Acts
9:3; Acts 22:6-8; Acts 26:13-14; Colossians 1:23, 27; Revelation 1:16;
Revelation 10:1.
[18] E.g.,
see Acts 1:8, 15; Acts 9:15, 17; Acts 13:9.
[19]
Chatraw Joshua D. and Allen, Mark D. Apologetics at the Cross: An
Introduction for Christian Witness (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Academics, 2018), p. 47.
[20] See
Acts 9:17; Romans 1:16-17; 1 Corinthians 1:18, 24.
[21] E.g.,
see Acts 14:1, 7, 15-18.
[22] E.g.,
see John 15:26-27; Acts 4:13, 29, 31; Acts 6:8-10.
[23] E.g.,
see John 1:4-5; John 6:63, 68; John 10:10; Acts 3:15; Acts 5:20.
[24]
E.g., see Deuteronomy 6:4-6; Matthew 6:9; Matthew 16:16; John 1:1-5; John
20:21-22; 28; John 20:30-31. To discover more about the Holy Spirit and His
works, read John chapters 14 through 16 and Romans 8
[25] See
Romans 1:16-17; 1 Corinthians 1:18, 24.
[26] E.g.,
see John 4:24; John 14:6, 17; John 15:26-27; John 16:13-15; 1 Corinthians
2:6-16.
[27] E.g.,
see John 6:63; 1 Corinthians 2:10, 14; Ephesians 1:17-18.
[28] E.g.
see Acts 1:4-5; Acts 2:33.
[29] E.g.,
see Mark 1:8; John 3:3-8; John 14:15-21, 23-24; John 15:4-5; Acts 2:38; Acts
5:32; Acts 11:15-18.
[30] E.g.,
see John 1:12-13; John 3:3-8; Acts 5:32; 1 John 4:15-16.
[31] E.g.,
see Acts 9:20, 22. Messiah is the Hebrew form of the Greek name Christ or
Christos, which means Anointed One (John 1:41; John 4:25-26; see also Matthew
1:16-17). At Jesus’ birth, the holy angels announced Jesus’ titles: Savior,
Christ (Messiah, Anointed One), and Lord (Yahweh, or God) (Luke 2:11, see also
Matthew 1:21; Acts 2:36). The title Son of God can serve as a synonym for
“Messiah.”
[32] Chatraw
at pp. 70-78, 95-96, 101, 137, 176, 218-219.
[33] E.g.,
see Matthew 1:1, 16-17; Luke 2:10-11; John 3:16-17; John 4:42; Acts 5:31;
Romans 10:9-10.
[34] Janosik,
Daniel. “Answering Muslim Objections to the Gospel” p. 1.
[35] Janosik,
Fall 2020.
[36]
Ibid.
[37] Janosik,
Daniel. Toward a New Paradigm for Apologetics. pp. 1, 11.
[38] Janosik,
Daniel. Toward a New Paradigm for Apologetics p. 3.
[39] E.g.,
see Matthew 16:16; Luke 2:10-11; John 4:42; John 20:30-31; Acts 4:10-12; Acts
9:20, 22; Acts 13:23, 32, 38-39; Acts 18:5, 22; Jude 1:24-25.
[40] E.g.,
see Matthew 1:21; Luke 2:11; John 3:16-17; John 4:42; John 12:47; 1 John 4:14.
[41] E.g.,
see Acts 5:31; Romans 10:9.
[42] E.g.,
see Isaiah 53:9, 11-12; 1 Corinthians 15:3; Hebrews 9:26; 1 Peter 2:24; 1 John
3:5, 8-9.
[43]
E.g., see John 3:15-17, 31-36; Acts 4:12; Acts 5:31; Acts 15:11; see also
Matthew 1:21; Romans 11:14
[44] E.g.,
see Luke 24:47; Acts 4:12; Acts 10:43; Acts 13:23; Romans 10:13.
[45] Janosik,
Fall 2020.
[46]
Chatraw p. 105
[47]
Chatraw p. 105
[48] Chatraw
at pp. 106-107
[49] Dr.
Daniel Janosik, Ph.D., Professor of Apologetics and World Religions (Due West,
SC: Erskine Theological Seminary, Fall 2020).
[50]
Ibid.
[51]
Ibid.
[52]
Ibid.
[53]
Ibid.
[54]
Chatraw at pp. 119, 129.
[55]
Chatraw at p. 106.
[56]
Chatraw at p. 130.
[57]
Chatraw p. 126.
[59] Taylor,
Mark. Adult Discipleship Leader Training (Simpsonville, SC: Brookwood
Church, 2020).
[60]
Chatraw at p. 130.
[61]
Chatraw at 130.
[62]
Chatraw at 130-131.
[63]
Chatraw quoting Francis Schaeffer, “The Question of Apologetics,” at p. 105.
[64]
Chatraw at p. 137.
[65]
Chatraw at p. 48.
[66]
Chatraw at pp. 137-138, 145.
[67] E.g.,
see Jeremiah 17:5-10.
[68] E.g.,
see John 14:15-17, 23; 2 Timothy 3:14-17; 1 Peter 3:15.
[69] E.g.,
see Acts 17:10-12.
[71] 1
Peter 3:15.
[72] 1
Peter 3:15; see also E.g., Ephesians 4:1-3; Colossians 4:6; 2 Timothy 2:25.
[73] Janosik,
Fall 2020.
[74]
E.g., see 1 Corinthians 8:1; 1 Corinthians 13:1-13; 2 Timothy 2:22.
[75]
E.g., see Psalm 34:14; Romans 12:18; Romans 14:19; 1 Corinthians 7:15; 1 Corinthians
10:31-33; Hebrews 12:14.
[76] E.g.,
Hebrews 13:18; 1 Peter 2:12; 1 Peter 3:16-17.
[77] E.g.,
see Titus 2:7-8, 14; 1 Peter 3:13-14.
[78] Ephesians
6:10-18; see also e.g., Romans 13:12; 2 Corinthians 6:6-7; 1 Thessalonians 5:8.
[79] Ephesians
6:10; see also Acts 4:33; Ephesians 1:17-19; Ephesians 3:16; Philippians 4:13.
[80] Ephesians
6:12.
[81] Ephesians
6:13.
[82] Ephesians
6:14-18; see also Galatians 5:22-23.
[83]
Ephesians 4:14.
[84] E.g.,
see 1 Peter 3:21-22.
[85] Janosik,
Fall 2020.
[86]
E.g., see Matthew 4:1-11.
[87] Janosik,
Fall 2020.
[88] E.g.,
see Romans 1:3-4; 1 Corinthians 15:14.
[89] Janosik,
Fall 2020.
[90]
E.g., see Isaiah 40:8; Isaiah 55:11; Matthew 5:18; Mark 13:31; Luke 21:33.
[91] Janosik,
Fall 2020.
[92]
Romans 1:16-17.
[93] Acts
17:16-34.
[94] NIV
Essentials Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2013).
[95]
Taylor, Fall 2020.
[96] E.g.,
see Matthew 5:16; 1 Corinthians 10:31; 1 Peter 2:12.
[97] E.g.,
see 1 Corinthians 9:19-23; 1 Peter 3:8, 9-12.
[i]
This author relied upon ESV Study Bible and Zondervan NIV Study Bible
for biblical cross references.
