Day 1- OUR GREAT HOPE

Read 1 Peter 3:15 and write it out:
This is the theme verse as you study Christian Apologetics this year. Today, your simple task is to memorize this verse.

Day 2- DIVINE DEFENSE

Apologetics is a big theological word. To fully understand what you will be studying this year, look at the definition of apologetics in the original translation of the Bible.
Apologetics: (n): The study of making one’s defense of beliefs, case, or story.
It comes from the Greek verb “Aplogeomai.”
Apologeomai (verb): To defend one’s self, to make one’s defense, to defend a person or a thing, to give full account of, to calculate and consider well.
This Greek work “Apologeomai” is actually used in the Bible. For example:
Read Acts 26:1-2
The Greek word “Aplogeomai” has been translated to defense in your English Bible.
What is Paul about to do?
Read 2 Corinthians 4:3-6
The word “veiled” means hidden. Who is the gospel hidden from?
Think through John 3:16 for your answer to this question. Who are the ones perishing?
Who has blinded those who don’t believe and why?
According to verse 6, what does Jesus give you and why?
As a believer, you have the awesome responsibility of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. During the last three days of this week, you will see there are three different ways you will share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Let’s call it the “Gospel Trifecta.”

DID YOU KNOW

The word Gospel means “good news.” The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the basic message of salvation. Man sins and is separated from God forever. God overcame the problem of sin and separation by sending His own Son, Jesus, to live a perfect life and make the ultimate sacrifice for our sin. He took the penalty of our sin on the cross so we would not have to pay the penalty. He was dead for three days but rose on the third day and conquered death. Jesus saves us from the penalty of death, forgives our sin, and gives us new life that will last for eternity. Doesn’t that sound like the best news ever?

Day 3- THE GOSPEL TRIFECTA PART 1- EVANGELISM

Read Mark 16:15. What does this verse say to do?
The original Greek word for “preach” (and in some versions of the Bible it says “proclaim”) is the following:
Kerusso: (verb): To herald, proclaim, or share
There are many verses in the Bible about sharing your faith. The Bible calls it evangelism. Evangelism is sharing the truth of God with others.
Read Luke 5:31 and Matthew 5:3. Who needs Jesus?
How does Matthew 5:3 explain the heart condition of those who obtain eternal life?
Sharing your faith (evangelizing), is different than defending your faith (apologetics). Defending your faith can lead to sharing your faith. Sometimes, especially if you do not know the person, sharing your faith can turn into defending your faith. There are many people who are not in opposition to the gospel. This means there are no “roadblocks” to be removed before they will listen to the gospel. These people have probably never heard or never fully understood what the gospel means. This is where you get to share the good news about Jesus. It is the person who recognizes brokenness in their life who will see their need and accept His invitation to be their Savior.

Day 4- THE GOSPEL TRIFECTA PART 2- PRE-EVANGELISM

Defending your faith is when you are making a “defense of the gospel” to someone who opposes the gospel. Sharing the simple message of the Gospel may seem pointless because this person may not be ready to hear it due to roadblocks in the way. This person has a problem with the Bible, has been taught the gospel message in an incorrect way, or has made a lifestyle decision that contradicts what God wants. God can use your defense of the gospel and His Word to remove roadblocks in the lives of someone who needs Him. As a follower of Christ, you have been trusted with God’s Word.
Read Titus 1:9
What should you hold firm to?
Why is it important that you hold firm to the Word of God?
Defending the gospel of Jesus Christ or defending the Bible to those who contradict it is called pre-evangelism. You defend your faith not because you want to be right, but because you desire the “roadblocks” of a hardened heart to be removed.
These roadblocks are hindering the person in understanding their need for Jesus.
Have you ever had to make a defense of the gospel or God’s Word in general?
Write down what your opposition was like.

DIG DEEPER

God uses an analogy in the Bible to understand the difference between the lives of someone who believes in Jesus and someone who does not. Notice the “storm” happens to both people, but look and see who is not “knocked down” for good. Read Matthew 7:24-27. How does this explain how our lives can show others the message of Jesus?

Day 5- THE GOSPEL TRIFECTA PART 3- CONTINUAL EVANGELISM

Read Matthew 5:16
What should your light do? According to this verse, why is this important?
Read Galatians 5:22-23
If you believe in Jesus you have the Holy Spirit inside of you.
What should your life look like?
Read Titus 2:7
What does this verse call you to be? What are the reasons why?
The gospel of Jesus Christ is the light that is inside of you. You can share and defend your faith, but you must also live out your faith. Think about it… why should anyone listen to you if your life looks no different than theirs? Your best defense of the Gospel is your life. It’s not because your life is awesome and easy, but you have hope and joy in the good and bad of life because of Christ. Living for Jesus produces good things in your life and the lives of others. The good news of Jesus gives all things purpose in your life. These are things the world does not understand but can be seen in those who follow Christ. Building relationships with people and letting them see your light for Christ will open doors to defend or share your faith.