"Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints." -Jude 1:3
The word contend literally means to agonize, it suggests a struggle or wrestling against something. As Christians we have been given the commission to fight for what we believe in. But contending for the faith is not a popular thing to do, it is like a lost art among many in the Christian community. In regards to it's popularity It is up there with corporate prayer, church discipline, and serving in children's ministry LOL. What I'm trying to say is that many shy away from giving a defense of the gospel and Christianity. I think this happens mainly because of fear that we might not know how to answer someone's questions, and also because of the plain old anxiety that comes with talking to people who have differing views.
Fear or no fear the Bible urges us to "always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear" (1 Pet 3:15) Our goal in this is not so much to win an argument as much as it is to give an accurate representation of Christ and His word. Giving a defense can get a bit heated at times but should not cause us to lose our cool. We are to wrestle with gentleness and respect. This can only be done as we walk in the Spirit as we display our spiritual maturity ie. love, joy, peace, patience, self control etc. (Gal 5:22-23) I've listened to many powerful contenders for the faith who excel in knowledge but lack spiritual fruit. Our job is to understand that it is a privilege to represent Christ and that we get to defend our faith and we should do so with diligence but also with love. We must excel in both.
Is there any other truth more important than the Truth of Christ and His word? That is the truth you have been entrusted with.
Fear or no fear the Bible urges us to "always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear" (1 Pet 3:15) Our goal in this is not so much to win an argument as much as it is to give an accurate representation of Christ and His word. Giving a defense can get a bit heated at times but should not cause us to lose our cool. We are to wrestle with gentleness and respect. This can only be done as we walk in the Spirit as we display our spiritual maturity ie. love, joy, peace, patience, self control etc. (Gal 5:22-23) I've listened to many powerful contenders for the faith who excel in knowledge but lack spiritual fruit. Our job is to understand that it is a privilege to represent Christ and that we get to defend our faith and we should do so with diligence but also with love. We must excel in both.
Is there any other truth more important than the Truth of Christ and His word? That is the truth you have been entrusted with.
- GO BACK TO THE GOSPELS AND LOOK AT JESUS' CONVERSATIONS WITH THOSE THAT TRIED TO TRAP HIM IN ARGUMENTS WHAT DID HE DO? RESEARCH CLASSICAL, PRESUPPOSITIONAL, AND EVIDENTIAL APOLOGETICS. WHAT APPROACH WOULD YOU TAKE?
- “Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and, if true, of infinite importance. The one thing it cannot be is moderately important.” –C. S. Lewis
- “If the truth offends, then let it offend. People have been living their whole lives in offense to God; let them be offended for a while.” –John MacArthur
- “A dog barks when his master is attacked. I would be a coward if I saw that God's truth is attacked and yet would remain silent.” –John Calvin