Introduction to Apologetics

Himitsu Ministries Podcast

At Himitsu Ministries, our mission is to help you cultivate a deeper understanding of God’s Word primarily through bible prophecy and apologetics.

Introduction to Apologetics

byAyo Shosanya

In this episode, I introduce apologetics, its importance for Christians and the goal of apologetics, emphasizing that it should be used as a tool to share the gospel and help others rethink their worldviews through thoughtful questions.

I drew from Greg Koukl's book, ”Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions” which covers practical tactics to facilitate productive conversations about faith.

The goal of this episode is to encourage believers to practice these tactics to become more comfortable and effective in sharing their faith.

Show Notes: https://himitsustudy.com/introduction-to-apologetics/

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to the Episode
01:19 Understanding Apologetics
03:24 The Goal of Apologetics
05:52 Common Questions and Tactics
10:27 The ”Columbo” Tactic
16:11 Reversing the Burden of Proof
21:37 ”Taking the Roof Off”
30:30 Conclusion and Encouragement

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Episode Summary: In this episode, I introduce apologetics, its importance for Christians and the goal of apologetics, emphasizing that it should be used as a tool to share the gospel and help others rethink their worldviews through thoughtful questions.

I drew from Greg Koukl’s book, “Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions” which covers practical tactics to facilitate productive conversations about faith.

The goal of this episode is to encourage believers to practice these tactics to become more comfortable and effective in sharing their faith.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to the Episode

01:19 Understanding Apologetics

03:24 The Goal of Apologetics

05:52 Common Questions and Tactics

10:27 The “Columbo” Tactic

16:11 Reversing the Burden of Proof

21:37 “Taking the Roof Off”

30:30 Conclusion and Encouragement

What is Apologetics?

Apologetics comes from the Greek word “apologia” which means “verbal defense, speech in defense” or “a reasoned statement or argument”. Peter uses “apologia” in 1 Peter 3:15 when saying we should give a defense of the hope that is in us. 

The bible tells us we should be ready to give an answer to people for the hope that is in us:

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear,” (1 Peter 3:15). 

We’re also told to “contend earnestly for the faith”:

“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 1:3).

Quotes Referenced from Tactics

“The key to the Columbo tactic is to go on the offensive in an inoffensive way by using carefully selected questions to productively advance the conversation” (Tactics, 47).

“Sometimes the little things have the greatest impact. Using simple leading questions is an almost effortless way to introduce spiritual topics to a conversation without seeming abrupt, rude, or pushy. Questions are engaging and interactive, probing yet amicable. Most important, they keep you in the driver’s seat while someone else does all the work” (Tactics, 48).

“Think of an argument like a simple house, a roof supported by walls. The roof is the conclusion, and the walls are the supporting ideas. By testing the walls, we can see if they are strong enough to keep the roof from tumbling down” (Tactics, 60).

“The first Columbo question helps you know what another person thinks. This second question helps you know why he thinks the way he does” (Tactics, 61).

“Don’t let someone flatten you by dropping a roof on your head. Make him build walls underneath his roof. Ask him for reasons or facts to support his conclusions” (Tactics, 61).

“Reversing the burden of proof is not a trick to avoid defending our own ideas. When we give opinions, we have to answer for them just like anyone else. We have a responsibility, but so do they…” (Tactics, 65).

The Gospel

We’ve all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Psalm 51:5, Romans 3:23). Because God is Holy he must judge sin. The penalty of this sin is death and ultimately the Lake of fire (Romans 6:23, Revelation 20:11-15). There’s nothing we can do to save ourselves (Isaiah 64:6).

But God, in his love has provided a way to escape his wrath through Christ (John 3:16-18, John 14:6). Jesus paid for our sin penalty by taking God’s wrath in our stead on the cross (Romans 5:8). He died for our sins, was buried, and rose again 3 days later (1 Corinthians 15:1-5).

You can accept this free gift of salvation by believing in Christ (Acts 16:30-31, Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:8-9). Make sure you’ve made the right decision about Jesus today (2 Corinthians 6:2)! It will be the most important decision of your life, for eternal life.