The Apologists Of Faith

Luke 24:13-34

Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. (Luke 24:27)

AFTER HIS RESURRECTION, Jesus met two of his followers on the road to Emmaus and, without disclosing his identity, had a lengthy conversation with them about the events of the crucifixion and resurrection. Mystified by the claims of those who insisted he was alive, these followers marveled at the possibility. Jesus rebuked them for their denseness—playfully, we hope—and went on to explain how thoroughly the Hebrew Scriptures pointed to him. He became the first apologist for the truth of his own identity.

The field of apologetics is much wider today. Few nonbelievers buy into the authority of our Scripture; philosophies have diversified beyond ancient imaginations; science has presented far more challenges than most believers are equipped to deal with; and secularism has produced a vast population that simply does not care what the arguments are. Regardless of how rational our faith is, most who do not believe are convinced that our faith is either irrational or irrelevant. Arguments can only go so far.

Paul opened up the Scriptures on quite a few occasions to demonstrate how Jesus fulfilled Hebrew law and prophecies, but in Athens, he spoke to the people in the language of their philosophies. He adapted. So must we. You will not be able to prove God through the languages of science or philosophy, but you may at least be able to remove objections to his existence. You will not be able to use Scripture effectively in support of your faith among people who do not believe it is inspired, but you may be able to demonstrate that it has more coherence and power than they once thought. Apologetics does not change many minds, but it plays a vital role in supporting the changes hearts have decided to make. With that in mind, arm yourself with truth, but go to battle with demonstrations of wisdom, grace, and love. Live the faith, and then talk about it. Let the resurrection power in you convince those around you that what you say is true.

{Lord, my words matter to others only when my life demonstrates who you are. Give me both—powerful words and a persuasive way of life. May everything in me exude authenticity and the reality of your Kingdom. Amen.