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Give a couple of examples from 1 Peter 3:15–16 as to why and how we should embrace apologetics in our faith journey.
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Jesus tells us to have an answer ready for why we have hope but treat people with respect. I think we should come across as normal, natural people, telling of our experience of faith in a way people understand without being offensive, arrogant and aggressive. The verse talks of gentleness and not to compromise our faith, keeping a clear conscience. If we love and honour Christ our Lord we will come across for His Honour and glory. People will see it in us. We should know our subject as best as we can to have good clear answers to questions.
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We should embrace apologetics in our faith journey first and foremost because of the Great Commision that Jesus gave us to make disciples of all nations. If we are going to talk to people about our faith and share the gospel and the Bible with them, then we need to be able to speak well about our beliefs. Personal testimony is a great help in sharing the gospel with others but apologetics and clearly knowing our worldview goes with it hand in hand. Another reason we should embrace apologetics in our faith journey is that it gives credibility to our faith and to those who hear us share it. Once we accept Christ and put Jesus as Lord, the rest of our lives is the “doing” part that James talks about. We cannot simply be hearers of the word, but we need to do what it says; and it says for us to be prepared to answer people with the reasons for our beliefs.
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We are called to always be ready to defend our faith and give an answer as to why we believe in Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Apologetics helps to prepare us for our mission to share the good news with people.
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According to I Peter 3:15-16, we are to embrace apologetics with gentleness and respect and with a clear conscience.
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Why? Because people will as when they see us living differently. I have been asked on numerous occasions why I can be at peace when my world seems to be crashing around me (on the brink of homelessness), or why I am not angry with God because I have cancer. I have been able to use what Scripture has revealed to me about Who God is to share a perspective they just cannot grasp and are baffled. It has given opportunity to be His witness and to share His heart with others who are seeking meaning in their own lives as well.
How? Always with gentleness and through love that can only come from closeness with Adonai, Abba! I take the time to show that I understand why they question my attitude, my beliefs. I then gently show them why I hold the beliefs and attitudes that I do. Through God’s faithfulness and His heart, I know whose I am, who I am, and my identity and life purpose flows from all that God has revealed to me.