Learning about apologetics through the Book of Acts provides practical insight into how we should approach the world around us.

What is Apologetics? 1 Peter 3:15 instructs us to give a reason for the hope that we have in Christ and to be ready to always give a defense of the Gospel. And that means at 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, as you delve into this study, I believe you'll have some good stimulating discussions. It is my prayer that you'll come away with practical ideas of how to better present as well as represent Jesus Christ in you to your family, friends, neighbors, and strangers.

At the end of the book, you’ll find a list of excellent resources from various Christian authors, going through foundational Biblical truths, exposing current "post-modern" and "post-Christian" thought and worldviews, and how to properly defend YOUR faith.

Introduction. Here are some thoughts on the purpose behind this study using God's Word (the Book of Acts) to prepare yourself and your small group with the basics of Apologetics as we share our faith with other believers and nonbelievers as well. God call us to think deeply, using every resource He’s given to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ with clarity, purpose, and impact to a world that desperately needs Him.

What is Christian Theism? – Let’s start by understanding what we’re talking about. 

Who is God? – We must build a firm foundation of Who He is and who we are.

From Doubt to Defense - Chapter 1 of the Book of Acts is packed with the basics of Apologetics and how Jesus Christ Himself, teaches us how to approach our world.

Speaking in Tongues – We will look at how Chapter 2 of the Book of Acts provides an insight as to how we should speak and what the Gospel message should be.

Spiritual Gifts – Speaking in tongues is just one of the many Spiritual Gifts that God the Holy Spirit gave to God’s people in the early church. Each of these gifts is meant to be used to help advance God’s Kingdom and to fulfill His plan.

Christ's Keys of Truth – In Chapter 2 of the Book of Acts, the Apostle Peter – a former Galilean fisherman – follows Jesus' instruction and boldly speaks. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, his words lead 3,000 people to faith in Christ.

Peter’s Keys to Apologetics – Understanding 1 Peter 3:15-16

Follow Peter’s Example – Understanding 2 Peter 3:14-18

The Unbelieving Mind – Why understanding the book of Romans, chapter one is critical in understanding the unbelievers around us.

Practicing what we Preach - Chapter 2 of the Book of Acts ends with a word picture of how this new community of believers were leading their lives and their impact on the surrounding neighborhood. That's very good - but what do we believers do with the Bible? How does the Bible relate to Apologetics?

Who and What is your foundation? – Each of us must have a solid foundation: Who is God and our relationship to Him? Do we know what we believe, and do we believe what we know? Let's stop and take a check of our own personal beliefs or as is called now, our Christian worldview.

The Sin Problem - Sin. That awful, three letter word. Chapter 7 of the Book of Acts details Stephen's incredible "apologia" to the Jewish Sanhedrin. Stephen knew that man needed a Savior and God had set the wheels in motion millennia earlier. He told the Truth and for that they took his life. What are the noetic effects of sin?

Dignity and Depravity – Christianity is the only religion or belief system that fully demonstrates mankind’s divine dignity and utter depravity.

The Redemption Solution - Sin is ugly but the Redemption we have in Jesus Christ is Glorious! Redemption begins in the mind and then permeates through our entire being restoring our relationship to the way God had intended. Acts Chapter 8.

Defining a Worldview, Part 1 - What is a "worldview"? Everyone has one. What makes up a worldview and why it is important to understand as we formulate our apologetic. Born again, Bible believing Christians have a worldview. Do you understand yours? How do you not only express it but live it. The first three aspects of what constitutes a worldview.

Defining a Worldview, Part 2 – The fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh aspects of what constitutes a person’s worldview.

Non-Christian (unbeliever’s) Worldview - The unbelieving worldview is radically different. In forming our apologetic, we must understand how they think and more importantly, why they think the way they do. 

The Gospel vs. the Hamster Wheel of the “isms” – The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the good news for everyone, no matter their background, status or circumstances. God wants people to “come as they are” – He’s here to heal, restore, redeem, and provide purpose in our lives. The Gospel offers true freedom for life and living in contrast to the endless cycle of striving and struggling without purpose – like running on a hamster wheel.

Actions and Attitudes - Acts 11:1 - 18; 17:1 - 9; 23:1 - 10; 24:24 - 27. The myths of Neutrality and Autonomy. What is the Christian believer's attitudes and actions to be like when presenting our Apologetic?

Apologetic Strategies - Acts 25 - 26. Paul is standing before 2 leaders that "hold" his fate: the Roman Governor Festus and the Jewish King Agrippa. As we construct our own apologetic, we depend on God, His Word and His working in our lives. We remember that God is our Foundation as well as our Defense.

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.

Key Verses & Passages – These thoughts form the foundation and framework for constructing your personal apologetic.

Resources – A listing of the various books and their authors used in this study.

Appendix– Study Leader notes for each lesson.