WHY BELIEVE? DEFENDING THE FAITH A Faith Worth Living - Part 1 3/30/2025 But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15 ESV "defense" is apologia (ἀπολογία): a reasoned argument or justification. KNOW WHAT YOU BELIEVE He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter replied, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’ Matthew 16:15-16 ESV Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’ John 14:6 ESV EVIDENCE FOR CHRISTIANITY 1. Historical Evidence - Extra-Biblical Sources - The Empty Tomb - Early Christian Creeds 2. Eyewitness Testimony For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 1 Corinthians 15:3-6 ESV 3. Transformed Lives 4. Natural Revelation For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. Romans 1:20 ESV HOW TO DEFEND YOUR FAITH 1. Be Ready to Answer, Not Argue All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching. for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16 ESV 2. Be Gentle and Respectful “...yet do it with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15 ESV Winning the person is more important than winning the argument. 3. Be Authentic - Share your own testimony of Christ’s work in your life. 4. Equip Yourself for Conversations 5. Pray for Opportunities to Share Talk About It 1. What are the biggest questions you (or others) have about Christianity? 2. How confident are you in explaining why you believe in Jesus? 3. When was the last time you shared your faith? How did it go? 4. How can you improve your knowledge of Scripture to defend your faith? 5. Who in your life is seeking answers? How can you lovingly engage with them?