Apologetics

By Ron Thomas

     What is apologetics? In 1 Peter 3:15, Peter writes, “...but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect…” The expression “to make a defense” comes from a Greek word (apologia) that conveys the idea of giving a verbal (or written) defense of the Lord’s way. This pertains not only to the Lord’s character and divinity, but also His teachings.
    Thus, when one denies that baptism is essential to salvation, the faithful Christian will stand up and oppose such words. When one stands opposed to the Lord’s decree on the singular nature of the Lord’s church (one body, one church; Eph. 4:4), the faithful Christian will stand opposed to such words. You get the idea. When the Lord states something, all things contrary to what He said needs to be opposed.

- Ron Thomas preacher for the Sunrush Church of Christ, Chillicothe, OH. He may be contacted through the congregation's website. http://sunrushchurchofchrist.com/