Apologetics: Introduction Lesson
Apologetics: Spring Retreat 2021 • Sermon • Submitted
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· 7 views"We are here this weekend to help you believe that your faith is rooted in God's truth and that He is trustworthy and reliable."
Notes
Transcript
Introduction
Introduction
George Washington Carver became one of the most honored and respected scientists of his generation by focusing on the very simple peanut. Eventually he would discover some three hundred uses for this most basic and seemingly insignificant common food. Carver attributed all of his scientific discoveries to God.
He once said that he had asked God to explain the universe to him, but that he felt God saying that was too large a task. When he asked for something he could handle, Carver said that God directed his attention to the peanut. His focus and search for value produced amazing results. Carver never doubted that God was rewarding his faith and effort, and he said, “Without God to draw aside the curtain I would be helpless.”
In a day when many people deny that truth even exists as an absolute reality, those of us who know God need to be more focused than ever on seeking for it. Truth is not an abstract concept that varies with time and place and can never be fully known. Truth is part of the very nature of God.
It is the glory of God to conceal a matter
and the glory of kings to investigate a matter.
I love this verse of the Proverb, because that is what this weekend is designed for. Yes, I know some of you are excited to go fishing and paddle boating. I know that some of you are excited for the great food. I know that some of you are excited to just take this time to grow deeper relationships with one another. My hope and prayer, while you are excited for all these things (and it’s okay to be!), that you are just as excited to grow in your salvation with the Lord Jesus Christ. Our goal for this weekend is to help you discover the truth of Jesus Christ, grow in His truth through the Word of God, and to share the hope and light of Jesus Christ into your circles of influence.
(Prayer)
Apologetics: the branch of theology concerned with the defense or proof of Christianity.
Throughout the 20th century, there was a heavy emphasis on truth and knowing the truth. Atheists and Christians held many heated debates at universities and public forums. Debates still go on today, but many of the debates happen online. What’s interesting about these debates is that many don’t want to know truth, they only care about what makes them “feel good.”
(Examples: YOLO)
Truth has taken a backseat to happiness and personal pleasures. But, whether or not we care about it, truth matters in this life and for the one to come after.
Where does the source of truth come from?
God Is The Ultimate Source of Truth
God Is The Ultimate Source of Truth
(Interaction: Who’s heard the phrase “Do what makes you feel good.”)
Because of this type of thinking that the world system has sold us on, many would rather “feel happy” then know the truth. Because of this, sometimes we don’t want to tell people the truth because of fear of making the other person feel bad.
Calling the crowd along with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me and the gospel will save it.
While feelings can easily drive us or motivate us, we need to recognize that submitting our lives to Jesus Christ won’t always “feel good.”
(Personal Example: Best Friend’s Wedding)
Question to ask ourselves: Will we still follow God even if our life doesn’t feel good?
Are Feelings/Emotions Bad?
God created us to have emotions, but we shouldn’t idolize our emotions.
for they themselves report what kind of reception we had from you: how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God
Question to Ponder: Do you rest in comfort and good feelings, instead of running to the truth of God’s Word says?
If God is truth, how does He reveal His truth?
God Reveals Truth:
God Reveals Truth:
1.) Jesus Christ:
Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Jesus Christ is our example!
Imitate me, as I also imitate Christ.
2.) Scripture:
Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you continue in my word, you really are my disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
“The Bible is not a rule book meant to enslave us, it’s teaching set us free!
(Example: Who created us and what’s the meaning of life?)
What is true freedom?
“True freedom, is the privilege and power to become all that God wants you to become. Freedom is the opportunity to fulfill your potential to the glory of God.-Rick Ezell
Therefore, whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to be pleasing to him.
For this is God’s will, your sanctification: that you keep away from sexual immorality, that each of you knows how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not with lustful passions, like the Gentiles, who don’t know God. This means one must not transgress against and take advantage of a brother or sister in this manner, because the Lord is an avenger of all these offenses, as we also previously told and warned you.
3.) The Holy Spirit:
Jesus gives us the Holy Spirit.
He is the Spirit of truth. The world is unable to receive him because it doesn’t see him or know him. But you do know him, because he remains with you and will be in you.
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth. For he will not speak on his own, but he will speak whatever he hears. He will also declare to you what is to come.
(Example: T.V. Commercials with Devils and Angels on our shoulders)
4.) Other Disciples:
Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.
“There are men and women God will put into your life that will guide you on your journey. “
How do we share the truth?
Sharing The Light In A Dark World:
Sharing The Light In A Dark World:
Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
I am not praying that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.
“As a Christ-Follower, we have a responsibility/duty to share the truth of Jesus Christ. It’s the most loving thing we can do.”
Closing:
Closing:
Share why you are passionate about finding and teaching the truth of God’s word.
It is the glory of God to conceal a matter
and the glory of kings to investigate a matter.