In Defense of the Gospel
Popular-level teaching series to help prepare and equip believers to defend belief in Jesus
~ 1 Peter 3:15; Ephesians 4:12
~ 1 Peter 3:15; Ephesians 4:12
Since being formally introduced to the study of Apologetics as an undergrad, I have been committed to sharing what I've learned with audiences in churches and schools.
As my studies continued, I came to realize that the number of concerns in the various topics of the field necessitated the development of a focus and approach that could be more easily mastered by those who have neither the time nor specialized training the time to pursue all the sub-topics in the field. At about the same time, I noticed in my various bookstore browsing and reading materials that more and more popular level presentations were appearing that were devoted to challenges to traditional belief about Jesus and the ____ gospels to present accurate information about him. Accordingly, I began to focus on and develop materials especially devoted to presenting the case for Christ. (As it happened, this was precisely the issue of concern in the pluralistic Greco-Roman cultre comparable to our own.) The courses below are boiled down versions of more elaborate studies, designed to raise the awareness and ability to defend belief by the so-called average Christian in the pew. . . . (The exception . . . another issue that troubles average Christians and in which I have also had a special interest . . .) As noted below, each series can be adapted to fit different settings and schedules. . . . amount of preparation is not as important as the fact that we are presenting . . . My goal is to help Christ's body realize the expectations stated by Paul and Peter: to prepare and equip believers to defend their belief in Jesus (1 Peter 3:15; Ephesians 4:12). If interested in your situation . . . please contact me at david@davidanguish.com for more information, to discuss possibilities, and/or to schedule a series. . . . ? (Other series posted on the Sermons and Class Notes page are also available. Contact me to inquire or schedule.) |
Resurrection 101
From its inception, skeptics have questioned, mocked, and tried to discredit Christianity’s unique claim that Jesus was raised from the dead (cf. Matt 28.11-15; Acts 4.1-2; 17.32). Today is no different. The internet and popular-level publications designed to discredit the gospels and resurrection make it more likely that all who worship Jesus will at some point encounter someone who contests our fundamental claims.
Whether the resurrection occurred matters greatly. As Paul wrote, if Christ was not raised, we are misrepresenting God, presenting an empty and futile message, are not forgiven, and are needlessly depriving ourselves of many of this life’s pleasures (cf. 1 Cor 15.12-19, 32).
Resurrection 101 is a popular-level introduction to the evidence designed to make believers aware of the challenge and help them prepare to defend their belief.
Scheduling and the amount of detail included in the presentations are adaptable to specific situations and needs. Possibilities include weekend seminars, retreats, Vacation Bible Schools and similar weeknight study series, and one-day overviews of the case. (Click here to see some sample scheduling possibilities.)
Whether the resurrection occurred matters greatly. As Paul wrote, if Christ was not raised, we are misrepresenting God, presenting an empty and futile message, are not forgiven, and are needlessly depriving ourselves of many of this life’s pleasures (cf. 1 Cor 15.12-19, 32).
Resurrection 101 is a popular-level introduction to the evidence designed to make believers aware of the challenge and help them prepare to defend their belief.
Scheduling and the amount of detail included in the presentations are adaptable to specific situations and needs. Possibilities include weekend seminars, retreats, Vacation Bible Schools and similar weeknight study series, and one-day overviews of the case. (Click here to see some sample scheduling possibilities.)
Extended 101 Seminar
Topics selected/adapted from the following
- Because He Lives: The Important and Nature of the Case
- Reliable Sources: Can We Trust the Gospels?
- These Things Must Be Explained: Making Sense of Agreed-upon Facts
- He Is Not Here: What Happened to the Body?
- We Have Witnesses
- Who Would Die for a Lie?
- Why It Matters: Practical Benefits of the Resurrection
- Rock Solid Faith: Sustained by the First-Importance Things
Topics for a one-day overview
- Otherwise Our Faith Is Meaningless: An Overview of Our Case
- Resurrection: It’s Based on Testimony
- Why It Matters: Practical Benefits of the Resurrection
- Rock Solid Faith: Sustained By the First-Important Things
After Isaiah answered the call, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” with his enthusiastic, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isa 6:8 NIV), the Lord revealed that his service would be quite difficult. In fact, only a small remnant would accept his teaching (vv. 9-13).
What motivated him to accept the challenge and persevere is found in his call, recorded in Isaiah 6. In these lessons, designed to be presented on one Sunday or other short series format, we study this chapter, drawing on Isaiah's experience to encourage us as we serve in difficult times.
A Special Challenge
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Faith That Works:
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Preparing for Times of Trouble
We live in a world that in many ways leaves us ill-equipped to deal with trouble. In fact, we are often so busy living and enjoying life that we do not think about trouble. Consequently, we often neglect the thinking that is necessary to build the spiritual framework we need to face it realistically and with endurance. The good news is that the Scriptures give us the information we need to do that thinking, whether before, during, or after the crisis comes.
The following lessons can be presented in either seminar or one-day special emphasis formats, depending on specific concerns, and time available. Contact me to discuss possibilities.
The following lessons can be presented in either seminar or one-day special emphasis formats, depending on specific concerns, and time available. Contact me to discuss possibilities.
Core Lessons
- Hear My Cry, O God" - Lessons from a Personal Crisis
- Trouble Will Come: Let's Think Ahead (2 parts)
- (Can be adapted for one-lesson format)
- Job's Story from Paul's Perspective
- Glory Conquers Trouble: Power for the Journey (Romans 8)
Lessons from Job
- From Complaint to Consolation: Job Story (overview, summary)
- What If What We All Know Isn’t So? (Job 12-13)
- Hope When None Is Apparent (Job 13-14)
- Living When God Has To Be Enough (Job 38-42)
- Job’s Mind Consoled (Job 42.6)
- Life Goes On (Job 42.7-17; Rom 8)