Acts & Apologetics: A Bible Study
Why Christian Apologetics?
Learning about Apologetics using the Book of Acts gives practical insight as to how we are to approach the world around us.
Here's a study using God's Word (the Book of Acts) and Richard Pratt's book, "Every Thought Captive" to prepare yourself and your small group with the basics of Apologetics (apologetics is a defense of the Gospel). I like to think of apologetics as a way of being a good steward of what God has given us: His Word.
1 Peter 3:15 instructs us to give a reason for the hope that we have in Christ and to be ready to give a defense of the Gospel at all times. And that means ALL times by EVERY one of us. We are living in times alluded to in 2 Peter 3:15 - 18 which touches on the urgency and power with which we believers need to properly defend our Faith.
Over the weeks, you'll have fun and good stimulating discussions. It is my prayer that you'll come away with practical ideas of how to better present Christ in you to your family, friends, neighbors, and strangers.
Richard Pratt's book "Every Thought Captive" is an excellent resource going through foundational Biblical truths and exposing current "post-modern" and "post-Christian" thought and world views and how to defend YOUR faith properly. Here are several other resources to consider.
All Scripture references are from the New International Version 1984.
For lesson backgrounds, click on the links to the notes. All downloads are free for you or your church or home Bible study.
CLICK ON THE PICTURES TO BE LINKED TO EACH LESSON.
Acts & Apologetics: lessons
Introduction
Introductory thoughts as to the purpose of this Study. God wants us to think and use every resource available as we properly & purposefully spread the Gospel to the world.
1. Acts & Apologetics
Chapter 1 of the Book of Acts is packed with the basics of Apologetics & how Jesus Christ Himself, teaches us how to approach our world.
2. Speaking in Tongues
Chapter 2 of the Book of Acts offers some further insight as to how we are to speak and what we are to speak of.
3. Peter's Keys
4, Practicing Preaching
Chapter 2 of the Book of Acts continues as the Apostle Peter follows Jesus' instruction & speaks. The Holy Spirit uses him to help bring 3,000 people to faith in Christ.
4, Practicing Preaching
4, Practicing Preaching
4, Practicing Preaching
Chapter 2 of the Book of Acts ends with a word picture of how this new community of believers was leading their lives & their impact on the surrounding neighborhood.
5. Right Relationship
4, Practicing Preaching
4, Practicing Preaching
Who is God & our relationship to Him? Do we know what we believe & do we believe what we know? Let's stop and take a check of our own beliefs & our Christian worldview.
6. The Sin Problem
7. Redemption Solution
7. Redemption Solution
Chapter 7 of Acts details Stephen's incredible "apologia" to the Jewish Sanhedrin. He told the Truth and for that, they took his life. What are the noetic effects of sin?
7. Redemption Solution
7. Redemption Solution
7. Redemption Solution
Redemption begins in the mind & then permeates through our entire being restoring our relationship to the way God had intended.
9. Non-Christian Worldview
9. Non-Christian Worldview
9. Non-Christian Worldview
The unbelieving worldview is radically different. In forming our apologetic, we must understand how they think & why they think the way they do.
10. Islamic Worldview
9. Non-Christian Worldview
11. Actions & Attitudes
What do they believe, how do they think? How do we Christians share Salvation in Christ to this part of creation that God loves?
11. Actions & Attitudes
9. Non-Christian Worldview
11. Actions & Attitudes
The myths of Neutrality & Autonomy. What are the Christian believer's attitudes & actions to be like when presenting our Apologetic?
Acts & Apologetics: final lessons & extras
Why Christian Theism
12. Apologetic Strategies
12. Apologetic Strategies
We need to understand why Christian theism is not only a superior worldview & philosophy, but it has eternal repercussions.
12. Apologetic Strategies
12. Apologetic Strategies
12. Apologetic Strategies
As we construct our own apologetic, we depend on God, His Word & His working in our lives. We remember that God is our Foundation as well as our Defense.
Final Thoughts
12. Apologetic Strategies
Final Thoughts
A few closing personal thoughts on the importance of Apologetics. Apologetics is not the be all, end all. We need to have a heart for the lost.
Peter Says 1
Unbelieving Mind
Final Thoughts
More on 1 Peter 3:15-16
Peter Says 2
Unbelieving Mind
Unbelieving Mind
More on 2 Peter 3:14-18
Unbelieving Mind
Unbelieving Mind
Unbelieving Mind
What Romans 1:18-25 says about the unbelieving mind.