Encouraging signs at Home group

[Stevo]

Yesterday we had a very productive discussion about Apologetics and being a Christian with a rational mind.

It was interesting to see where people stand on this issue:

• Most have not really thought about it.

• Others, I think, lack confidence in their ability to be rational.

• Still others feel that Apologetics is "anti-love" and all that is needed is "love".

• The minority have thought and acted, but with no real discipline and conviction.

It was great to encourage those lacking confidence and even more, planting a seed in those who didn't realise Apologetics even existed.

Now, I can't debate very well and I am not very eloquent but I realise that even my limited knowledge is far more then the average Christian has. So I have a duty to teach. Love of knowledge and truth is great, but unless this knowledge flows out in love then what use is it? Too satisfy ourselves? I have studied for love of knowledge for many years and it has felt good, I feel better about myself! Knowledge can be sort purely for the ego, for pride and for self.

I am beginning to realise that knowledge is a gift from God. Like other gifts it should be use for the glory of God, to express love of God and love of others. I pray that God will empower me to seek knowledge with the right attitude from this day forth.

[Stevo]

A few weeks ago we were discussing some of the common questions Christians and non-Christians struggle with. The problem of evil came up more then once as did a few other stock questions. To follow this up we watch a short video about the POE by Paul Copan and discussed the main issues that he raised.

Again It became evident that some people are scared when it comes to any tough questions and challenges. When such a reality exists for Christians is it any wonder that Western Christians are afraid to share convictions or retreat into personal testimony? As we finished discussing Copan's arguments I introduced some ideas from Francis Shaffier, in particular his Apologetic/Evangelistic method. We discussed how to use the moral argument while discussing the POE with people and how non-Believers, in particular non-theists, borrow the idea of "Good" from theists. As the discussion came to a close I reminded everyone that genuine questions and doubt are not attacks, but opportunities for the Gospel and opportunies to be honest and respectful. Whenever a non-Christian asks a question about God or Church or Jesus it is literally a God send. These moments should be prepared for and used.

[Zguy28]

A few weeks ago we were discussing some of the common questions Christians and non-Christians struggle with. The problem of evil came up more then once as did a few other stock questions. To follow this up we watch a short video about the POE by Paul Copan and discussed the main issues that he raised.

Again It became evident that some people are scared when it comes to any tough questions and challenges. When such a reality exists for Christians is it any wonder that Western Christians are afraid to share convictions or retreat into personal testimony? As we finished discussing Copan's arguments I introduced some ideas from Francis Shaffier, in particular his Apologetic/Evangelistic method. We discussed how to use the moral argument while discussing the POE with people and how non-Believers, in particular non-theists, borrow the idea of "Good" from theists. As the discussion came to a close I reminded everyone that genuine questions and doubt are not attacks, but opportunities for the Gospel and opportunies to be honest and respectful. Whenever a non-Christian asks a question about God or Church or Jesus it is literally a God send. These moments should be prepared for and used.

IF ever I get a question from an unbeliever that I don't know, I say "I don't know. But I'll find out and get back to you with the answer." There is no harm in admitting that you don't know. In fact 9 times out of 10 the person will respect you more for being honest and genuine.

Just make sure you keep your word and get back with them though.

[Stevo]

Yeah, just the fact that you are willing to go out of your way and study these issues will surely be a great testimony to unbelievers.