Page 18 - May 2025 - Truth & Tidings

If the philosophical and scientific argu- could shift a rock. In the same way, Christ
ments that comprise modern apologetics allows us to remove obstacles in the way
are neither necessary nor sufficient to of a person’s salvation. In rare cases, that
win a soul for Christ, why bother study- might involve brainy arguments; in most
ing them? Because they are still useful. cases, it simply involves our changed
First, apologetics greatly encourages and lives – the most powerful apologetic of all.
invigorates believers who are exposed at Although Christ alone can bring a sinner
school or work to the barrage of hollow ar- from death to life, He delights to involve
guments against God. Apologetics is part us in the preliminaries.
of our “defense and confirmation of the So, never underestimate these elements
gospel” (Php 1:7), of contending for “the of biblical apologetics: the influence of our
faith that was once for all delivered to the testimonies and the power of God’s Word.
saints” (Jud 3), of destroying “arguments C.H. Spurgeon had this to say about the
and every lofty opinion raised against latter: “The Word of God can take care of
the knowledge of God” (2Co 10:5), and itself, and will do so if we preach it, and
of wrestling against “the cosmic powers cease defending it. See you that lion? They
over this present darkness” (Eph 6:12). have caged him for his preservation; shut
And apologetics can stimulate unbeliev- him up behind iron bars to secure him
ers to take the Bible seriously and remove from his foes! See how a band of armed
initial obstacles in the way of those who men have gathered together to protect
seek the truth. the lion? What a clatter they make with
We can summarize the use of apologet- their swords and spears! These mighty
ics by comparing it to the account of the men are intent upon defending a lion. O
raising of Lazarus. After approaching the fools, and slow of heart! Open that door!
tomb, the Lord Jesus asked His followers Let the lord of the forest come forth free.
for assistance. Although He could have va- Who will dare to encounter him? What
porized the stone that covered the mouth does he want with your guardian care? Let
of the tomb, He recognized that ordinary the pure gospel go forth in all its lion-like
men were capable of removing that stone. majesty, and it will soon clear its own way
They could not raise the dead, but they and ease itself of its adversaries.”

Creativity in Outreach Continued from p. 141

ship hours and toddlers’ groups. The list maybe even join them! Or find your own
goes on. creative outreach.
While praying for servants who preach Finally, a word of caution. Creativity
from the pulpit, spare a moment to remem- for creativity’s sake may become nothing
ber those who also reach the lost in rehabs more than the energy of the flesh. Paul
and refuges; at market stalls and county said, “I do it all for the sake of the gospel”
fairs; among homeless and addicts, prison- (1Co 9:23). Let’s be careful that everything
ers and prostitutes; with Bible exhibitions we do advances the gospel and doesn’t
and Seed Sowers distributions. You could actually hinder it.

146 TRUTH kTidings May 2025