What Is Apologetics? In the book Therefore Stand, Wilbur Smith defines apologetics as “a verbal defense, a speech in defense of what one has done or a truth which one believes.” First Peter 3:15 says, “But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you …
Author Archives: Jonathan Kobayashi
67010 Articulating the Gospel
What’s Your Style? In the book Becoming a Contagious Christian by Mark Mittelberg and Lee Strobel are six evangelistic styles: (1) direct (Peter in Acts 2); (2) intellectual or apologetical (Paul in Acts 17); (3) testimonial (blind man in John 9); (4) interpersonal or friendship (Luke 5:27–29); (5) invitational (Andrew told Peter, “We have found …
67008 Asking Questions Using Conversations
Every day we have conversations about things such as sports, hobbies, health, diets, politics, finances, weather, shopping, family, children, pets—you name it. I recently was at the airport, and standing next to me was a man in a suit who looked like he worked there. I asked him if he worked at the airport, and …
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67007 Attitudes and Approaches
Be Humble and Positive Paul said in Philippians 2:5, “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond servant.” Humility and patience with people …
67006 Your Personal Testimony
Your personal testimony is one of the greatest tools you have when you share the gospel. People like stories, especially ones that are true. Stories emotionalize information. Jesus often told stories (parables). No persuasive argument will ever be a substitute for your personal testimony. To be an effective witness, you simply need to tell others …
67005 The Power
Power Source #1: The Holy Spirit Evangelism is about the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit who enables us to share the good news. The Holy Spirit is the One who causes a person to put their faith in Christ. In Acts 1:4, Jesus commanded His disciples to wait for what the Father had promised—to …
67014 Answering Specific Objections
I’m an Atheist An atheist believes that nothing × nobody = everything. Sam Chan recommends Tim Keller’s book Making Sense of God because it focuses on the reasons we need to believe in the existence of God. Anthony Flew, probably the most respected atheist of the last 100 years, changed from atheism after studying DNA …
67018 Survey
Evangelistic surveys can be effective in sharing the gospel. Here are a few samples from a church in Washington state that uses them when they visit malls, parks, and bus stations to engage people in conversations about the gospel. Christmas Survey Easter Survey General Spiritual Interest Questionnaire Future Events Survey Date: _________________________________ Name: _________________________________ Romans …
67017 Resources
Books on Evangelism and Discipleship Books for Sharing with Jewish People Resources for Sharing with Muslims Resources for Sharing with Hindus and Buddhists Resources on Apologetics Web Resources Websites, DVDs, YouTube, and Apps Witnessing Tools and Resources
67016 Next Steps and Final Thoughts
Now What? We are to be involved in the Lord’s command to fulfill the Great Commission. It’s as simple as ABC. A—ASK Ask the Lord to show you who in your life needs Jesus. God has put you in certain people’s lives to share the good news with them. Lee Strobel concludes his book The …