As was our regular habit, in the car leaving church, my parents would ask me what I thought about the sermon. This particular Sunday my mother had given the message. I sat for a minute then firmly said “I will not apologize”. At first confused, she realized what had happened. My 2nd grade self confused apologetics with apologizing.
The origin of apology does come from apologetics but over the years it has come to mean “I am sorry” and not its original form; to speak in return or defend oneself. We see this happening today, the church saying “I am sorry” instead of defending truth. This lets sin in. In today’s culture, man is still seeking that one thing that will explain all things. The God space in their hearts are being filled with worldly notions and they are finding they are still empty. And the “church” struggling to remain relevant is riding the fine line between acceptance and offering approval of these worldly notions. Acceptance and acknowledging someone, does not mean approval of their choices. We are charged with loving all who are created in His image. However, that does not mean we can avoid the sin truths.
Thus we need to take a stand as Paul did. Paul had an urgency to share the gospel in a manner that was simple and without deception. Paul understood and believed that the gospel was enough. There did not need to be a lot of flash to effectively reach souls. What Paul did do was go to the people, the least likely to hear the good news.
Paul found the common ground; that we are all sinners needing the good news of the gospel. He respected those he came to interact with on the most basic level and used his background and education to establish a dialogue that was coherent and compelling. Paul listened and asked questions ultimately using secular sources to explain the gospel. He adapted so they would understand his message but he never compromised the integrity of the gospel story or of the importance of Jesus.
Foundations of faith are built on the experience of the individual, the scripture they read, and the doctrine they study. Joshua 1:8 says “Let the words from the book of the law be always on your lips. Meditate on them day and night so that you may be careful to live by all that is written in it. If you do, as you make your way through this world, you will prosper and always find success” We should take these words to heart. Our doctrine ascribes to the importance of scriptural authority and we must know and hold to its words.
This foundation tied with the understanding of history (who, what, where, when, why, and how) allows us the knowledge to express our faith, our transformation, and our hope. 1 Peter 3:15-16 Tells us to “exalt Him as Lord in your heart. Always be ready to offer a defense, humbly and respectfully, when someone asks why you live in hope. Keep your conscience clear so that those who ridicule your good conduct in the Anointed and say bad things about you will be put to shame.”
Ephesians 4 urges us to “live a life that is worthy of the calling He has graciously extended to you. Be humble. Be gentle. Be patient. Tolerate one another in an atmosphere with love.” This sets the tone for how we should love a world that doesn’t think or act according to a Biblical Worldview. It continues by saying “make every effort to preserve the unity the Spirit already created, with peace binding you together.”
Wesley used logic to defend the method and argue foundational Christianity.
His sermons are a great resource in examples of apologetics. As a “new” Wesleyan are there any resouces based on the Dicipline that you have come to uses?