1 Peter 3:15 CSB

but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.

Titus 1:9 CSB

holding to the faithful message as taught, so that he will be able both to encourage with sound teaching and to refute those who contradict it.

Ephesians 4:13–15 CSB

until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness. Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit. But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head—Christ.

I. INTRODUCTION TO CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE

Outline

The Purposes to Defenders Class

 To train Christians to understand, articulate, and defend basic Christian truths.

To reach out with the Gospel to those who have not yet come to know Christ, always being ready to give a defense to anyone who should ask for a reason for our hope.

To be an incendiary fellowship of mutual encouragement and care.

What is Christian Doctrine?

Jaroslav Pelikan

What the Church believes and teaches.

Why Study Christian Doctrine?

Every Christian is a Theologian

Right Living Presupposes Right Thinking about God

The Study of Doctrine is an Expression of Loving God

Christ Cannot Be Separated From Truths About Christ

Why Study Christian Apologetics?

Shaping Culture

Strengthening Believers

Evangelizing Unbelievers

Summary and Conclusion