Intro to Apologetics: e Great North American Need. 1 Peter 3:

Transcription

1 Intro to Apologetics: e Great North American Need 1 Peter 3:

2 THE MISSION OF GOD AND CHURCH PLANTING

3 God's mission is to form one people from all peoples for His glory and worship.

4 LOSTNESS IN NORTH AMERICA

5 Population of North America 333,728,942 What percentage are lost?

6 Religious Congregations & Membership in the United States: 2000, published by the Glenmary Research Center (Nashville, Tenn.)

7 In the United States 50% were not members of any church

8 Population of North America 333,728,942 50% = 166,864,471

9 Population of North America 333,728,942 50% = 166,864,471 The SBC Reported 371,850 baptisms in 2005

10 In North America

11 In North America If only 50% are lost SBC baptisms for 2005 represent 0.22%

12 Another view Bobby Welch, the SBC president 2006, challenged Southern Baptist to baptize 1,000,000 during that year.

13 Another view What if Southern Baptists baptize 3,000,000

14 In North America

15 What about all evangelical churches in North America?

16 What about all evangelical churches in North America? Approximately 400,000

17 What about all evangelical churches in North America? Approximately 400,000 Assume each church baptizes the same average as SBC churches 7.6 per church

18 What about all evangelical churches in North America? 400,000 x 7.6 = 3,040,000

19 What about all evangelical churches in North America? 400,000 x 7.6 = 3,040,000 We would almost keep pace with the population growth but still not reduce lostness

20 Another view In North America people are dying everyday

21 United States and Canada Combined 303 people die every hour 7,272 people die every day 2,656,098 people die every year

22 United States and Canada Combined 303 people die every hour 7,272 people die every day 2,656,098 people die every year Over 1500 will die during the 5 hours we are in this meeting today.

23 United States and Canada Combined 303 people die every hour 7,272 people die every day 2,656,098 people die every year Over 1500 will die during the next 5 hours At least 750 are lost

24 Another view The population of North America is increasing

25 United States Source: U.S. Census One birth every 8 seconds One death every 13 seconds One international migrant (net) every 31 seconds Net gain of one person every 11 seconds

26 If we start 1,875 churches in 2007 The population of North America will increase by 3,164,526.

27 If we start 1,875 churches in 2007 The population of North America will increase by 3,164,526. 1,687 members per church to equal the population growth

28 Another Church Planting View

29 Another Church Planting View The population of North America will increase by 3,164,526.

30 Another Church Planting View The population of North America will increase by 3,164, ,658 new churches with 250 members per church to equal the population growth

31 Another Church Planting View The population of North America will increase by 3,164, ,645 new churches with 100 members per church to equal the population growth

32 What is Apologetics? Equipping people with the knowledge to defend their faith.

33 What is Apologetics? 1 Peter 3:15 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, Honor/Sanctify: ἁγιάσατε - dedicate, set apart Being prepared: ready to be used for a purpose. To make a defense: ἀπολογίαν - a speech of defense Gentleness: πραΰτητος - the quality of not being overly impressed by a sense of one s selfimportance, Respect: φόβου - fear/respect that is due officials

34 The Value of Apologetics Whereas easy appeals to mystery prematurely shut off reflection about God, rigorous and earnest effort to understand him is richly rewarded with deeper appreciation of who he is, more confidence in his reality and care, and a more intelligent and profound worship of his person. - William Lane Craig

35 Why is Apologetics needed? in North America & the World To understand where other people are coming from: Asking a Hindu, Are you willing to trust in Jesus Christ? Inevitability of encountering unbelievers

36 Who will we speak to? Skeptic - no one has the right answer. Cynic - Everyone thinks they re correct and religion is just a scam. Critic - Christianity has been corrupted.

37 Who is Apologetics for? Unbelievers: 1) Corrects false thinking patterns 2) Creates an opening for the Gospel Believers 1) Strengthens our faith 2) Strengthens our confidence in sharing our faith

38 What exactly do we defend? Historic/Orthodox Christianity (stay tuned!)

39 Apologetic Approaches Positive Apologetics - Billy Graham Negative Apologetics/Polemics - attacks the lies in other belief systems *Arguing & personality types Cultural/Conversational Apologetics - taking anything at hand to use as an opening for the Gospel

40 Seven Major Objections to Christianity 1) The Talk Show question: It doesn t matter what you believe as long as you re sincere. 2) All religions are basically the same 3) The argument from evil 4) What about those who have never heard of Jesus? 5) Doesn t the Bible have contradictions? 6) Isn t religion just a crutch? 7) Isn t it arrogant to say Christianity is the only way?

41 Choices in Apologetics 1) Do nothing 2) Be obnoxious: difference between being bold and brash. Being bold in the truth vs. attacking the person 3) Let the Holy Spirit open the door

42 Consequence of Apologetics You will be the most effective witness God created you to be.

43 Worldview Weltanschauung = World Look/the way you view the world -Conspiracy theories -Making money -Gaining popularity (notoriety they know you but they re making fun of you. Q# How does a Christ-follower affect your Worldview?

44 Biblical Worldview Deut 6:4-9 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

45 What Apologetic Methodology is used in Scripture? 1) Christ-promotion - John 14:6 2) Contra-Pharisees - Matthew 23 3) Contra-Paganism - Acts 17:16-34

46