Apologetics Ministry #2
Greetings.
A question most people ask me when I tell them my field of
ministry, is: " Will
you please define what is Apologetics?" Without any
hesitation I give the
classical definition which is the "field of Christian
Theology by which a
defense or justification is made for our beliefs, on a Biblical
and evidential
basis. According to 1st Peter 3:15, we are to always be prepared
to give an
answer of why we believe." As soon as I finish they stare at
me and say what
are you going to do with that? Well, defend the faith, I reply.
It is almost as
if defending the faith is a reserved task for those who have the
mind and time
to work on it. Let me assure you that it isn't!
For those whom I address that are faithfully involved in
witnessing and
teaching, you know exactly what I mean. The truth is you must be
prepared at
all times. And to tell you the truth, the Holy Spirit is not
going to study for
you. It is a difficult task! We must be involved in the two-part
work. 1) Labor
persistently with those who do not know Christ. 2) Exhaust every
effort to
answer their questions. These two points require knowledge of the
subjects
involved. Obviously, not all of us will be cult or world
religions experts,
but we are told to be experts of the Word. And that is the
proclamation of
Peter i.e. that we be prepared! Or as old Dr. Walter Martin
always said: " Be so
familiar with the original that when a counterfeit arises you
will immediately
detect it." What a tremendous joy it is to give a reasonable
response to the
unbeliever with gentleness and respect and see the intellectual
barriers and
presuppositions being broken down one-by-one. But the greatest
joy is yet to
come when you have the privilege of opening Scriptures and
telling them of the
Grace of God that is still at work.
It is my heart's greatest desire to please God and contend
earnestly for this
precious faith delivered to us. I would ask that you would
continue to pray for
those who you come in contact with throughout the day. Plant the
seed and God will do the
increase. Remember, it is not a duty it's a privilege.
What a mighty God we serve!
Tip for the day: When witnessing, don't lose your patience (for
some of you it
may require much prayer) regardless of how dense someone may be.
Remember how
dense you and I were before the Lord made us His own. May I
remind you that
being patient may require that you go over something ten times if
necessary,
believing that God will bless your efforts.
God bless you.
In the service of the King: Uri Brito
Philippians 1:21