First, may I just thank those of you who have been praying for me, and giving me some wonderful and helpful advice. My pity party is over and I’m feeling so much better. God is faithful to His promises, and He ”upheld me in His righteous right hand,” and did not let me sink to the depths that I have known many times before in my life. As the song goes, “our God is an awesome God.”
Onward…
Recently, I learned about this word ‘apologetics,’ and it confused me because of it’s close resemblance to the word ‘apology.’ So now I get it, there is a whole branch of theology which seeks to defend the divine origins of the Bible and Christianity.
Here’s the extent of my defense:
“Yes, Jesus loves me,
for the Bible tells me so.”
When confronted with challenges to my faith, I am totally inept. I keep reverting back to faith: faith in the Word of God, faith that the Word is God-inspired, faith that what God says in the Word can be trusted.
“…because that’s what the Bible says…”
“…because God said so…in the Bible…”
“…because I believe it, I have faith that it is true…”
Okay, seriously, how convincing can that sort of defense be?
There are books, I believe, which can help me with this. I’m not looking to be argumentative, mind you. But let’s face it, obviously I need help when people challenge me about the validity of the Bible, God, and the validity of faith.
Can anyone recommend some good books on this subject, or even links to online information? Anything would be helpful and appreciated.
5 responses so far ↓
totaltransformation // March 16, 2007 at 12:35 pm
First I would suggest lots of time in the word daily. But I know what you mean. So why not consult some outside source in addition.
Buy a use copy of Geisler’s, “I Don’t Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist.”
Found here
http://www.amazon.com/Dont-Have-Enough-Faith-Atheist/dp/1581345615/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-3577849-0445506?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1174077225&sr=8-1
It will take you along all the steps from atheism, to Christianity in a well ordered and informative manner.
heaintthroughwithmeyet // March 16, 2007 at 4:43 pm
Novice…wonderful post…and exactly what my thoughts are as well. I cant defend my faith…whats wrong with me???
Tell you what, I email you something…and you tell me what you would about that!
I need serious help in that too!
Blessings Andrea
PS Do you know why “mom” aint posting lately?
cumby // March 16, 2007 at 9:24 pm
A life of love is the best witness to the world.
Besides the Bible, I spend lots of time with the patriarchs of faith. My favorites are the healing evangelists Smith Wigglesworth and John G. Lake.
A google search will take you to tons of sites dealing with the topic of apologetics. We have the greatest library in history at our fingertips.
When dealing with unbelievers on my blog, in ministry or in person; I don’t argue with them. I pray for a scripture and give them that. The power of the Word of God will trump any argument.
Remember that they are blinded to the truth of the Gospel and that what we believe is foolishness to them.
2 Corinthians 4:4 “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”
1 Corinthians 2:14 “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”
novicechristian // March 18, 2007 at 3:27 pm
Thanks for the information, tt. I will pick up a copy of that book. I checked it out and it seems to have exactly the info I’m looking for.
Andrea, I got your mailing and sent it back to you. Maybe you should pick up that book, too (see above)!
cumby, always nice to have you here. And I did do some research, but there are so many out there and I only have so much money. So I’d much rather get the ones that someone has read and said is good and Biblically sound. I agree with you, though, arguing is not the answer. Thanks!
Catherine
jimsave // March 24, 2009 at 7:57 am
After 23yrs of having trials and victories, I would say the best book is to kneel and speak to the author, he has interesting ways of answering, it is written those who seek the Lord understand all.