1 Peter 3:13-16

Because the Bible tells me I

do!

Why do I need Apologetics?

13 Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not

1 Peter 3:13-16

be troubled, 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

1 Peter 3:13-16

gentleness and reverence; 16 and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.

1 Peter 3:13-16

Tacitus on Nero’s Post-Fire Treatment of

Christians“Neither human resources, nor imperial munificence, nor appeasement of the gods, eliminated sinister suspicions that the fire been instigated. To suppress this rumor, Nero fabricated

Tacitus on Nero’s Post-Fire Treatment of

Christiansscapegoats and punished with every refinement the notoriously depraved Christians (as they were popularly called) . . . First, Nero had self-acknowledged Christians arrested.

Tacitus on Nero’s Post-Fire Treatment of

ChristiansThen, on their information, large numbers of others were condemned—not so much for incendiarism as for their anti-social tendencies. Their deaths were made farcical. Dressed in wild

Tacitus on Nero’s Post-Fire Treatment of

Christiansanimals' skins, they were torn to pieces by dogs, or crucified, or made into torches to be ignited after dark as substitutes for daylight. Nero provided his Gardens for the spectacle, and exhibited

Tacitus on Nero’s Post-Fire Treatment of

Christiansdisplays in the circus, at which he mingled in the crowd—or stood in a chariot, dressed as a charioteer. Despite their guilt as Christians, and the ruthless punishment it deserved, the victims

Tacitus on Nero’s Post-Fire Treatment of

Christianswere pitied. For it was felt that they were being sacrificed to one man's brutality rather than to the national interest.”

Annals 15.44

Apologetics Principle

You will never win anyone that you don’t

love.

Nor anyone that doesn’t know that you love them.

Apologetics Principle

Apologetics is more than knowing a lot of

answers.

It is knowing how to relate to people in such a way that

they discover the truth—and are transformed as a result.

Because sharing Christ demands

that I do!

Why do I need Apologetics?

Characteristics of Idolatry/Paganism

1. Idolatry is Self-Centered.

2. Idolatry is Syncretistic.

3. Idolatry is Absurd.

Oprah Winfrey

“There’s been a return to God since 9-11 and I think that’s a great thing; and I want to encourage your return to God whatever he, she, it

or they is to you. I

Oprah Winfrey

don’t think we should get so hung up on the word we use for her. The important thing is that we seek it . . . whatever it is to you.”

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For

Romans 1:18-23

since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. For even though they knew God, they did not

Romans 1:18-23

honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of

Romans 1:18-23

birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures.

Romans 1:18-23

The True God

1. Is not Material

2. Lacks for Nothing

3. Created Humanity

Truths About Humanity

1. We are all related

2. We are dependent on God

3. We can know God

God’s Judgment Is

1. Universal

2. Righteous

3. Through Christ

4. Certain

“The heart is deceitful and desperately wicked; who can know it?”

Jeremiah 17:9

1 Peter 3:13-16