Using Apologetics in Evangelism: How to make this practical.

Transcription

1 Using Apologetics in Evangelism: How to make this practical. Introduction: SLIDE 1: Prayer. My talk this evening is going to be about evangelism and how to make things practical. One of the challenges concerns making the talk like this relevant and real. So, how might I bring some reality into this talk? Well technology has its good and bad aspects, but one of the good things is that it permits us to bring into the sanctuary someone who shares in some ways the views of many of folks that you and I are attempting or would like to attempt to reach with the Gospel. SLIDE 2: Run video clip Well there you have it straight from the horse s mouth. Now there is much that can be gleaned from this video and while there are a number of things that I would disagree with, some of the things that this chap says of Christians are nevertheless true. Some of the ideas that this chap believes are believed by many in the current culture. Many of the ideas expressed in this video are shared by many Christians in the Church today. The reason for this sadly is, that it is often the case the Church has failed in the task of teaching its own congregants about the reasonableness of the Christian faith. SLIDE 3: Books and Models on Evangelism Current Efforts in Evangelism: Books and Models of Evangelism: There have been numerous books and models written on evangelism over the years. As with most things some of these are good and others not so good. Some of these have been used by the Lord with great effect, but some have also become dated because the culture in which we find ourselves has changed. Models of Evangelism: Two well know models of evangelism are the four spiritual laws and the way of the master. The four spiritual laws in my opinion is now dated and while God has used this approach with great effect to begin with, God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life is a number of preliminary problems. It assumes God exists, and there are many other religious belief systems that hold that their God has a course for a person s life. A model which is particularly popular today is the friendship evangelism model. This model has been used with some success, but I also think that it has some serious problems. It begins on

2 SLIDE 4: Book and Models on Evangelism SLIDE 5: Things to be weary of. the conviction that in order for a productive conversation that a person must first establish a relationship. I think that the Gospel is fit for both friends and strangers and I also believe that this approach is at times guilty of a bait and switch in that the unbeliever might think that the Christian took an interest in him for the sake of an opportunity to share the Gospel, rather than on the basis of the intrinsic worth of the person. Some here might even remember evangelism explosion: an evangelistic model produced by D. James Kennedy. The alpha course an outreach model is perhaps the best evangelistic model that I have seen come out of the UK, and has been used by many Churches with some excellent success. I am surprised why more Churches in the US have not availed themselves of this program. Books on Evangelism: Well the same can be said of books on evangelism. Many have been written and some of them are good and others not. One that I highly recommend is David Geisler s Conversational Evangelism. A good friend of mine has also recently wrote an excellent book called Unsilenced. Great Koukl s book tactics is an extremely useful book in helping a person in the actual art of conversation and learning how to ask meaningful questions. Doug Pollock s book God Space is also very helpful. There are many good books out there which can certainly help the Christian with the task of evangelism. However, my talk this evening is not going to be about giving an extensive a survey of the various evangelism models and books available and then talking about their strengths and weaknesses. But if I were to offer a very brief critique of evangelism models and books it would certainly include these two things: 1) Many evangelists are guilty of reductionism. What is reductionism? This is the practice of taking some problem or challenge and distilling it down to one thing or a few things. There is no silver bullet or one size fits all when it comes to evangelism and there is good reason for this. People and all that makes up life and experience is a rather complicated affair. In addition to this sin does all manner of strange things to people. Our evangelism needs to conform to the person with whom we are sharing the Gospel and then move them towards truth. This can look very different depending upon whom it is the Christian is speaking. Unfortunately I have had learn this lesson the hard way. Evangelism is a dynamic event and the skill of the evangelist comes in using wisdom in the encounter so that the conversation might be taken to be both sincere and meaningful by the hearer. Notice I am not saying here that the encounter will be well received.

3 Because in many instances how people respond to evangelism is beyond our control and yet some folks are of the opinion that all conversations that Christians may have with other non- Christians are going to be pleasant and civil. Study the life of Paul and you will notice that nothing has changed. 2) My second critique is that any system of evangelism which dismisses or makes light of apologetics is unbiblical. What is apologetics? Apologetics does not mean that Christian are saying sorry for being a Christian, but apologetics is a word that we get from the Bible which talks about giving a reason for one s faith. Now I will certainly encourage you to go out and read these books and consider some of the programs some of which are very helpful. Learning about the art of listening, finding common ground, asking questions, avoiding things that lead to a contrived conversation, watching the words that you use in your conversations, being clear on what the Gospel and so forth is very important. All of these suggestions and advice that a person can find in books and models is often very helpful, but I do think that if you begin with these programs and books first that you do have the cart before the horse. In my investigation into evangelism books and models, and by no means has it been exhaustive, I found that many of the approach are often at odds with the model of evangelism that we find in the NT, which I find to be extremely persuasive, reasonable, and certainly practical even 20 centuries later. Evangelism in the NT: SLIDE 6: Apologetics Vindicated So let us take a look at the Bible and some evangelistic encounters and see what we can learn from these. This is very important because one of the slogans which has become sacred within the Church is the dictum: We should preach the Gospel and if necessary use words. This is the default of many today, and the reason I believe that this is the case is because the prospects of engaging the skeptical generation in which we find ourselves is not the most enticing environment in the minds of many Christians. Another popular Christian slogan is People won t care about how much you know until they know how much you care. I also believe that this slogan provides comfort for many who think that living as a Christian consistently is enough, and this would spare the person of having to tell people verbally about Jesus and the forgiveness of their sins. Some conclude that we need to just preach the message and not give much thought the circumstances, convictions, and objections of others. The Gospel is like a lion it does not need to be defended only set free, is the kind of things I have told in the past. This approach is often backed by wrong headed theological convictions which end up doing violence to the role of apologetics in evangelism. This quote comes from the well respected Martyn Llyod Jones The authority of the Scriptures is not a matter to be defended, so much as to be asserted. I address this remark particularly to Conservative Evangelicals. I am reminded of what the great Charles Spurgeon once said in this connection: There is no need for you to defend a lion when he is being attacked. All you need to do is to open the gate and let him out. We need to remind ourselves frequently that it is the preaching and exposition of the Bible that really establish its truth and authority. This sentiment

4 while sounding particularly pious is both pious nonsense and unbiblical from two men who should know better. There is nothing pious about being wrong about God or what the Scriptures teach. The Bible teaches very clearly that Christians are to be about proclaiming and defending the Gospel. Paul says I have been put here for the defense of the Gospel. (Phil. 1:16). Paul goes on to implore that believers should stand together contending as one man for the faith of the Gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. (Phil.1: 27-28). In many other places believers are told that they ought to be able to give a reason for the hope that is within (1 Pet. 3:15, Col. 4:4-6, 2 Corn. 10:3-5). Further, regarding the notion that exposition is what needs to be done, which is what we continue to hear from many of the very best preachers in the country today, is really only half the story. Paul says in Titus is that an elder is expected to do two things which also distinguish an elder from a deacon: Of elders Paul says, He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage other by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose. Perhaps part of the problem of the Church losing in the cultural warfare is not because of a lack of good preach, but also perhaps because those who are preaching well are feeble in the efforts at defending the faith. And in closing the preaching and exposition of the Bible that really establishes its truth and authority This is simply not true. The truth of the Bible is grounded upon the fact that what it declares corresponds with reality. And the authority of the Bible is demonstrated by God raising Jesus from the dead. SLIDE 7: The Book of Acts Please open your Bible to Acts 17: Why go to Acts? In the same way that Josephus is considered to be a historian unto the Jews, and Herodotus and Thucydides are considered to be historians unto the Greeks; it can be said that Luke is a historian unto the Christians. In the opening chapter of the Gospel of Luke, Luke declares the purpose of his letter: That is, to give an orderly account of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus and a brief history of the early Church. Why? In order that the reader of the letter Theophilus might know the certainty of the things that Luke will share with him. We find this declaration at the beginning of the Gospel of Luke. We do not have the time to go through the entire book and indeed we could spend an entire week in just one chapter. Read Acts 17:1-3. Now why would Paul reason with the Jews from the Scriptures? One of my frustrations is that we get very little from Acts regarding what was actually said to the Jews in the synagogues. This was perplexing to me for quite some time when it then dawn upon me that maybe we do have some insight into the matter. Consider Romans and Galatians. Paul continually interrupting himself to attend to the Jews and their specific objections. Key to Paul s argument is: Scripture and Christ death and resurrection. Read Acts 17:11. This is a very important verse, because we find some folks who are being commended for something that unfortunately is rare in the Church today. Read Acts 17: Well there is so much for us to consider in this passage. But let us note a few things. Evangelism is always going to get a variety of receptions. Paul continues with his ministry to the Jews, but he takes the opportunity with others. In this instance he engages the philosophers of his age. They

5 seem to be about the same thing as many in our culture today: Sitting around discussing the latest ideas. If we read on in the chapter and consider the content of Paul s address we find are a few thing worth noting: Paul is mindful of their religion and is looking for some common ground. Verse 28 is most interesting for we see Paul doing something which many Christians would take to be unbiblical. Paul quotes some pagans in order to make his case. This presupposes that Paul was familiar with what the pagans were saying or writing. In the same manner so should we also be familiar with the philosophers, poets, and ideas of men and women of influence in our age. We would need to spend an entire day discussing the ideas in Paul s address, but we do not have the time. In summary Paul critiques the God of the Greeks and attempts to make a distinction between these idols and the true God, that is, the God who does not live in temples built by hands. Significantly this is not any God but the God who has revealed Himself to all men through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Interestingly we find something in his engagement of the Greeks that is different from his engagement of the Jews. Paul does not reason from the Scriptures with the Greeks. Quoting OT passages to Greeks would have been bizarre. I suspect that what Paul was up against in his day is not unlike the skepticism of our friend in the video clip. This is an issue and question of authority. Acts 17 is a great passage to study and it is clear than in Paul s evangelistic efforts in this passage that a few things are certain. Paul knows the Scriptures and He knows of whom it speaks. Paul knows his audience and is able to adjust to the difference between them. This being said the message he gives although starting at a different points moves towards what is critical, that is, the death and resurrection of Jesus. When there are those who think that apologetics is not essential I would ask them from this passage to show me how they might separate Paul s evangelism from his apologetics. Paul reasons with the Jews from the Scriptures. This is Biblical apologetics. Paul critiqued the Greek gods of the day with philosophical arguments. And there were some who were saved. Chapter 18 is often missed when discussing apologetics and evangelism, but this chapter also has much to yield. In verses 4 Paul is back in the synagogue reasoning with the Jews. Despite frustration and difficulty a number of people become Christians including the synagogue ruler Crispus. Increasingly I have come across articles which are critical of apologetics. These evaluate the efforts of apologetics on the basis of a pragmatic concerns, or a failure to successfully combat the philosophy which dominates our current age. Paul then leaves Corinth and travels to Ephesus and what does he do? He goes to the synagogue to reason with the Jews. The end of chapter 18 is very interesting. Here we are introduced to Apollos verse 24. However, there was something absent from his message and Priscilla and Aquila helped him on this matter. Apollos takes this knowledge and what does he do with it? He desires to go to Achaia and the believers support him in this decision. Read verses He argues with the Jews in public debate and this served as

6 encouragement to the believers. Apologetics and is not just for the unbeliever. There seem to be benefits for the believer. What do we have working alongside evangelism? The handmaiden to evangelism is apologetics. Dr. Lennox and the critics. Dr. Lennox and how his work inspires and instills confidence. Dr. Craig in South Africa: And attending to the liberals and the impact of this event in South Africa. In chapter 19 the work continues. Paul in verse 8 is back in the synagogues. But he also takes his message to the public in a very public manner for a period of two years. Read verse 8-10 Let us now move ahead and let us take a look at my favorite passage of Paul doing evangelism in the NT. Turn to Acts 26. Here we find Paul on trial before Agrippa. Paul had returned to Jerusalem and he is arrested. Paul s arrival caused a ruckus and while the Jews were trying to kill him the Romans intervened and rescued Paul. In chapter 26 we find Paul is giving his defense before Agrippa. Read Acts 26: 1-8 Paul begins his defense and again we find Paul concluding with the death and resurrection of Jesus in verse23. Agrippa interrupts Paul. Read There are some very important things for us to mine out of this passage. First note what Paul says at the end of verse 25. What I am saying is true and reasonable. Do we think that Christianity is reasonable? Do we even teach that Christianity is reasonable in our own Churches? What then would be those reasons for the reasonableness of the Christian faith? Getting back to the passage in Acts: In verse 26 and 27 we see a clear example of what? Evidential apologetics happening alongside what? Evangelism. These things were not done in a corner. The king is familiar with these things. What things is Paul speaking of. The death and resurrection of Jesus. Well what do we know about this event. Turn to 1 Corn. 15. This is an outstanding chapter from the same person Paul on what subject? The resurrection of Jesus; and in this chapter there is so much that we can unpack. For our purposes two things are worth mentioning Christianity is a historic faith and therefore we can say with confidence that it is true and reasonable. In an age of skepticism do you think that some skeptics might be looking for something that is true and reasonable? Remember that one of the chief accusations leveled against Christians is that we do not think. In many instances this criticism is legitimate. Charles Malik was correct when in he declared that the greatest danger facing the Church in our time would be the danger of anti-intellectualism. Do any of you know who Secretariat was? Folks it is not enough that we have hearts the size of Secretariat for Jesus but our minds be diseased and feeble!!!

7 Much of the evangelism that is going on from folks in the Church today is often being done by folks with great hearts for Jesus and for this people are to be commended. But I can assure you that we have something far more persuasive to say to this culture than God has got a wonderful plan for your life. Folks Christianity is true and reasonable and I am not the person declaring this. The NT declares this, and every new advance in the sciences with discoveries in astronomy, and bio-chemistry for example seems to be screaming the same conclusion. Many do not teach on the reasonableness of the Christian faith because many Christians including evangelicals think that Faith is belief in spite of, even perhaps because of, the lack of evidence. Faith is precisely that quality which enables some to believe in spite of the evidence. SLIDE 8: SLIDE 9: Fortunately this is not the biblical conception of faith. The object of the intellect is truth. The object of our desires is the good and the beautiful. In God truth and goodness are one. It makes perfect sense then that God commands us to love him with all of our heart soul, mind and strength. If our evangelism model or books seek to elevate the emotions over the intellect, which is often the case, then these models are doing violence to the biblical model of evangelism which appeals to both the heart and the mind. We must always be careful of bifurcating the heart and the mind. Again this brings us back to what? The relationship between apologetics and evangelism, for it is apologetics which is the instrument by which we attend to the intellectual obstacles that often lie in the path in the person. Folks will argue. Yes but where does that leave because in all cases we always end up with a problem of volition and will. You cannot argue people into the kingdom of God. 1 Corn. 2 is often used to advance a simplest proclamation of the Gospel and defend the notion that arguing with folks is a worthless endeavor. Well on the same basis why think that you could evangelize anyone into the Kingdom of Heaven?? To these I would have to say. Go and read your Bible again. What are you to be? An ambassador. What does an ambassador do? He represents for another. That is your task. Convicting people of their sin and regenerating them is none of your business. This is the function and role of the HS. So many who are critical of apologetics struggle to understand this relationship. Now that we have examined just a few instance of evangelism in the NT I think that we can all be encourage to see that there is much that we can learn from the bible about evangelism. Let us begin our studies then first with a decent study of the subject in the Scriptures before we attend to some other books. I will close with some advice which I have yet to find in any of the books dealing with evangelism. I do hope that you understand my heart here. Folks we need to begin to dealing with the terrible ignorance that exists with the Church. We are often considered to be the dunces of society and the loss of the academy certainly seems to suggest that there are some good grounds for this accusation. We need to

8 enrich our conversations. The way to liberate a person s mind is to furnish it with truth. Slavery of the mind is the worst form of slavery, because whatever dominates your mind controls you. We can learn all of the tactics and skills; listening, asking questions, patient and so forth, but if we do not take the time to learn and study we will have nothing in the tank to discuss with people except our own narrow little interests. Interesting conversations happen between people who take an interest in the things and affairs of this world, not only for the own sake, but for the sake of enriching our minds in order to converse persuasively with others and avoid bad arguments. Summary: Confusing the roles in evangelism. The role of the spirit. Finding Common Ground: Seems to be a key principle in the NT and is also common sense. But can we sustain the conversation? Asking Good Questions: Why do you believe that? The Importance of Logic and Good Thinking: Spotting informal fallacies. The self-defeating statement. That does not follow. What is wrong with this picture. Man from speakers corner. Beware of the Problem of Evil: Resources: Understanding that some folks are not looking for an argument. But do be ready to give an answer. Conversational Evangelism - David Geisler Unsilenced James Boccardo Tactics Greg Koukl