Apologetics: A Logical Defense

A friend of mine visited a church congregation this past weekend.  He met with different people and was also able to spend a brief time speaking with the pastor of this church congregation.  As they conversed with the pastor, the pastor asked them what genre of books they had read lately.  When my friend said, apologetics, the pastor was quick to state, I hope you have not done so to fight.  Consequently, my friend found themselves explaining to this pastor what apologetics is and the importance of its usage.

I share this brief encounter, because there are many self-professed Christians who have harnessed an assumption that apologetics is designed for fighting with others over their frame of thinking for what is right.  However, the truth of the matter is that apologetics is about a defense, a defense of one's internalized convictions, in particular those that are attributed to Christ Jesus; for those who are of the Christian faith.

In the scriptures, 1 Peter 3:15-16, of the Amplified Bible states:

"But in your hearts, set Christ apart as holy [and acknowledge Him] as Lord. Always be ready to give a logical defense to any one who asks you to account for the hope that is in you, but do it courteously and respectfully.  [And see to it that ] your conscience is entirely clear, so that , when you are falsely accused as evil doers, those who threaten you abusively, and revile your right behavior in Christ, may come to be ashamed [of slandering your good lives]."

As a Christian, I have a responsibility and a duty to present a "logical defense" of my internalized convictions in Christ Jesus; "courteously and respectfully".  With hope, a witness may come to observe Christ Jesus through my way of being and life. With hope, they may find a person striving to live a life worthy to bear the name of Christ Jesus.  Yet, not out of my own strength or perseverance, but out of a strength that arises from the Lord Christ Jesus and the continual filling of the Holy Spirit.

Let Us Pray.  Lord God, I just want to ask you this day, to help me to be a ready, at all times, to present a "logical defense" in Your Son, Christ Jesus.  May my "logical defense" bring not strife or wrath but love and unity in Your Son's name.  May it not bring glory to me, but to You and Your Son, oh Lord my God.  Amen.