How to Defend the Christian Faith: Teaching Tools for High School and Above

Below are links to two apologetics teaching tools by William Lane Craig, author of Reasonable Faith, and avid debater of the new atheists (ie., Richard Dawkins)

http://www.amazon.com/Defense-Never-Rests-Workbook-Apologists/dp/146379018X/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_b  (Handbook, suitable for high school age and above )

http://www.amazon.com/Defense-Never-Rests-Teachers-Handbook/dp/1463797818/ref=pd_sim_b_1  (Teachers’ Guide, above)

The New Testament | Oral Tradition and Memorization

 Introductory Questions

• How do we know the gospel writers got it right?
• Why was the writing of the gospels delayed for decades?
• What happened in the meantime?
• Isn’t it possible that the gospel writers simply forgot most of the details about what Jesus said and did by the time they put pen to papyrus?
• How do we know that the faith of the gospel writers didn’t get in the way of accurate historical reporting?
• Since they were writing to specific communities, how do we know that they didn’t radically rework the material to meet the needs of their audiences?

We are going to unpack each of these questions in detail and show that the gospel writers gave us credible, accurate, historical accounts of the ministry of Jesus of Nazareth. 

Read  FULL ARTICLE

THE HISTORICAL RELIABILITY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT

THE HISTORICAL RELIABILITY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT
by: Jill Graham

One of the key points in proving the truth of Christianity is showing that the New Testament writings are historically reliable. Without this foundation, it is impossible to know if the story of the life and teachings of Jesus that has come down to us can be trusted, and thus if the Jesus presented in the New Testament is worthy of reasonable faith. Muslims claim that the New Testament documents have been corrupted and that
Christians do not have access to the true teachings of Jesus through their Scriptures.1

Higher critics and groups such as the Jesus Seminar assert that the New Testament is marred by fictitious inventions and legendary additions, and that the Jesus of history is far different from the Jesus presented in the gospels.2 Post-modernist relativists challenge that truth about history, including the truths about the historical Jesus, cannot be known with any degree of certainty.3 These challenges must be answered, and a
positive case built for the historical reliability of the New Testament if Christianity is to
remain a viable faith in our world today.

As F.F. Bruce cautions in his introduction to his book on the historical reliability of the New Testament documents, the teachings of Confucius or Plato can stand regardless of the traditions about their lives that have come down to us, but the truth of the teachings of Jesus is intimately connected to his real life in history and the reliability of the Christian story.4

F.F. Bruce writes:

The Christian gospel is not primarily a code of ethics or a metaphysical system; it is first and foremost good news . . . [which is] intimately bound up with the historical order . . . This historical ‘once-for-all-ness’ of Christianity, which distinguishes it from those religious and philosophical systems which are not specially related to any particular time, makes the reliability of the writings which purport to record this revelation a question of first-rate importance . . .The character of Jesus can be known only from the New Testament records; the influence of his character is therefore tantamount to the influence of the New
Testament Records.5

Read FULL ARTICLE

Truth & Grace || Witnessing to Gay, Lesbian & Bisexual People

Come Ye Sinners

Evidence For the Existence of God - William Lane Craig

From Atheist to Creationist DVD - Creation Revolution Store

From Atheist to Creationist DVD - Creation Revolution Store

God's Gospel Rainbow: Street Witnessing in Chicago

What a glorious way the Lord uses us to share His message.
This afternoon I was in particularly rough neighborhood of Chicago, doing street marketing for my job.

I overheard some young men say "Look, three different colors!" I looked in their direction and they were pointing at the sky. I was near enough to turn and say to them that I agreed with them how amazing the sky was painted a different color in every direction, grey to blue, to dark gray, to magenta.

[The Lord is seeming to use the sky lately to make me aware of His presence. It comforts and reassures me when I see how beautifully or brilliantly the clouds are arranged and colored, especially when I am somewhere that is where it's a place that is hideous and dangerous.

Clouds are referred to fairly frequently in Scripture - Jesus coming on a cloud; the Lord covering his coming with dark clouds, etc. In Psalm 18, the Lord covers His deliverance with a thick cloud. These verses or images will come back to mind when I am in these areas,  and the Spirit seems to use them remind me that He is with me,  to not fear the evil that is around me because He's within me and is greater than he that wants me to leave. (Of course, I'm also trying not to test the Lord and take risks that are greater than necessary). ]

I said to the young men, "Yes, it's amazing, isn't it, how God paints the sky? It seems to me like God's talking to us."

They agreed.

I said, "it seems like He's talking to us a lot this way these days. Have you been noticing the sky lately? It's incredible!"

They said they had. I asked them, since they agreed that God was talking--and talking pretty loud, whether or not they were listening.

They said they were. Just then, I heard a girl's voice say, "Look, over there...a rainbow!"

To the northeast of the sky, the arc of a rainbow had suddenly appeared.

"Wow! Now He's really talking!" I said to the young men. "He's talking to me and to you, and look: now He's using me to talk to you about Him."

I pointed to the most glorious part of the sky. "That," I said, is a little, tiny bit of what I think Heaven must look like. I'm sure it's nothing compared to how it really is, but isn't it amazing that God gives us that picture to get a glimpse of what it might be like to live eternally with Him?"

They agreed that it was. It seemed the Spirit was prompting me to ask them about their place in eternity, where they expected to spend it. They shared their views. This, then, led to a discussion of sin, the Law, judgment, and the good news of the Gospel.

One of the young men, Kenny, seemed particularly struck. He was silent the whole time, and I sensed that he was really taking it in. The other young man, Marquise, seemed distracted.

Many verses and illustrations were coming to mind; some that I had never considered or thought of before. I'm so often amazed now, how the Spirit will bring things to mind that, at the time that I hear them speak, I know they are not thoughts that come straight from my own thinking, because I've never
heard them myself. It seems that the Spirit gives just the boldness and power that He needs for His purposes when He needs it--not before, and not after.

I reviewed with them that the Gospel left them with a decision to make, about being willing to count the cost of giving up sin, believing in Christ, and following Him. I asked them them when they planned to do something about the decision God was asking them to make. They both said, right away, that day. Kenny seemed genuinely sincere. I thought Marquise might be, but I wanted to warn him about the tactics of the enemy -- to take the seed that's planted and keep it from bearing the fruit of life.

I told them that I would pray for them that night as well.

Video Gospel Tract in 20 Languages - Living Waters

The "Good Person Test" video, by Living Waters ministry, is also available in 20 languages:

English Albanian Bulgarian Chinese Czech Dutch French

German Greek Kiswahili Korean Macedonian Maltese Norwegian

Romanian Russian Spanish Swedish Indonesian Italian

at http://www.100languages.com/videos.html

There are also free, downloadable tracts in what seems like 40+ languages, at the main website: http://www.100languages.com/videos.html

Gospel of Christ vs. gospel of man

Radical by David Platt

Street Witnessing Video

Here Am I Ministry: breakdancers from slava fesyuk on Vimeo.

How Have you Given Your Life Away?

"Whoever seeks to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it." (Luke 17:33)

How Can I Say There is No God? Creation Calls, Music by Brian Doerksen

Brian Welch CNN Interview

Window

Perfect...

There is hope!

Ask For More of the Holy Spirit - Tim Conway

Is Jesus the Only God? (Mark Driscoll)

The Gospel - Mark Driscoll

What is the Heart of the Gospel? (2 Cor.5:21)-John MacArthur & Kirk Cameron

Wider Mercy Salvation- John Macarthur talking about Billy Graham's view

Free, Downloadable Tracts in 100 Languages

At 100Languages.com , a ministry of Living Waters, you can download free gospel tracts in 100 languages. The English text says:

"
The million-dollar question: Will you go to Heaven when you die? Here's a quick test. Have you ever told a lie, stolen anything, or used God's name in vain? Jesus said, "Whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." Have you looked with lust? Will you be guilty on Judgment Day? If you have done those things, God sees you as a lying, thieving, blasphemous, adulterer at heart. The Bible warns that if you are guilty you will end up in Hell. God, who the Bible says is "rich in mercy," sent His Son to suffer and die on the cross for guilty sinners. We broke God's Law, but Jesus paid our fine. That means He can legally dismiss our case. He can commute our death sentence: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." Then He rose from the dead and defeated death. Please, repent (turn from sin) today and God will grant everlasting life to all, who trust in Jesus, then read your Bible daily and obey it.  www.livingwaters.com "

God Exists- the Cosmological Argument (2 of 2): by William Lane C...

God Exists - The Cosmological Argument (1 of 2): by William Lane Craig

One Minute Apologist

http://www.youtube.com/user/oneminuteapologist

Pray for Preachers of the Gospel in Portland, Maine - APril 9, 2011

This post is for an April 9, 2011 Evangelistic Conference in Portland, Maine, that appears on SermonIndex.net 

SERIOUS NEED FOR PRAYER - MANY ATTACKS HAVE ALREADY BEGUN


Good evening,

I am sending out this prayer request because I have become increasingly aware of our need for prayer, especially for this week. As we are preparing for the evangelistic conference that is scheduled for April 9th, 2011, Satan is throwing everything he can to stop this work from being accomplished.

For the past five weeks, we have been going out every Saturday on the streets of Portland, Maine, telling people about the upcoming conference, distributing Gospel tracts and invitations, and sharing the Gospel with random people. It seems that the closer we get to the conference, the more fruitful conversations we are able to get, for which we praise God!



At the same time, we have seen a flow of French-speaking refugees coming to our church, three of whom are Muslims who are interested to know about Jesus. They seem drawn by a force beyond human understanding to learn more about Him. It is really interesting to witness what seems like an internal struggle between well-ingrained Islam and the truths they have recently heard concerning Jesus Christ. One of them has said that he was now convinced that Jesus had died for his sins on the cross, and resurrected from the dead to conquer death! The second one said that there is no one like Jesus, that not even Muhammad comes close to Jesus. The third one still claims that he is Muslim, but he is reading through the Gospel according to John, a dangerous endeavor.

The other refugees mostly come from a nominal pseudo-Christian background. One of them has most definitely been saved a few months ago, while we were still in the preparation stage for the conference. Others have been convicted of their sins and even felt compelled to confess them. It is really good to see their hunger to learn the Scriptures (both at church and during their personal devotions) and their desire to make Jesus known to their friends and acquaintances. They draw others into the church and witness for Jesus whenever they have the opportunity. There seems to be a genuine transformation occurring, wrought by God.

However, we have also seen numerous attacks, as the battle is becoming increasingly intense. Some people are suffering a lot, and we pray that God would draw us closer to Him and deliver us from all troubles. Two key people have already been disabled, who were supposed to give their testimonies at the conference. They are now unable to do so. The attacks are frequent and widespread across our church. I have myself been attacked from all sides, though God has thus far delivered me from each attack, including two physical attacks that were swiftly dealt with through prayer.

Although we have suffered a lot, it seems that God has used this to strengthen our faith and draw us closer to one another. Our prayers are more meaningful than ever, because we are praying with a purpose for God’s Kingdom, while undergoing trials and tribulation.

All in all, we are excited about what God is accomplishing, but we realize how much prayer we need. If you are so led, please pray for the following things:

1) Please pray that God might grant us an open door to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the citizens of Portland. Obviously, people can find so many excuses why not to attend the conference, including disinterest, busyness, or simply forgetting. We pray that somehow, God would draw people to hear the Gospel.

2) Please pray that God would help us through the numerous attacks that are coming our way, that we would persevere in prayer and boldness to proclaim the message of the cross, finding our refuge in Christ.

3) Please pray that God would convict people of their sins, righteousness, and judgment, bringing people to salvation. This can only be accomplished if the Gospel is clearly and faithfully proclaimed, under the power of the Holy Spirit.

Thank you so much for your prayers.

In Christ Jesus,

Renoncer

You Are in Danger - The Gospel

G.O.S.P.E.L

The True Gospel (Paul Washer Sermon)

The Gospel in Japanese

"Come and Buy" - The Gospel is a gift, not a trade

This message shares the story of God's grace from Isaiah 55:1-2.

By Pastor Colin Smith of The Orchard Evangelical Free Church in Arlington Heights, IL

I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist: Frank Turek vs Christopher Hitchens, part 1

Hopeless Without Christ

Freedom from Homosexuality - Testimony

Count the Cost: It Will Cost You Everything

How to share the gospel with love

What is The Gospel?

False Prophets Will Pay

Gospel Tracts Hundred Languages

Gospel Tracts in 100+ Languages - free, downloadable, easy to print.

Evangelism to Specific People Groups

View this page to see resources and teaching on EVANGELISM TO SPECIFIC PEOPLE GROUPS.
New material is being added regularly. Bookmark and check back later for new information.

Witnessing to a Gay Friend

In today's day and age of gay equality rights and in a culture that is affirming of homosexuality, most of us know someone who identifies themselves as gay or lesbian.  This person may be your closest friend or perhaps a neighbor or co-worker. One question that is often asked of those whose ministry is to work with the issue of homosexuality is, “How do I witness to the gays and lesbians that are in my day to day life?” The answer here is quite simple: You witness to the gay or lesbian in your life the same way you would witness to anyone else in your life. You witness by sharing God’s truth, the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Here are some thoughts to consider:          

• See beyond their self-labeling of “homosexual.” See this person as your friend, be they woman or man, who, just like you, has fears, hopes, and needs.
• Be willing to listen to your friend. Let them see that you are not going to be like all the other “Christians” they have encountered who have deeply wounded them.
• Since there is no hope for your friend to come out of homosexuality without the power of God in their life, introduce them to Jesus Christ, not heterosexuality! It is through the convicting power of the Holy Spirit that the healing begins.
• Remember that you cannot argue your friend out of their homosexuality.
• Once the discussion starts on their homosexuality remember that you do not have to be an expert on the subject matter. If you do not know an answer say so, then tell them you will come back with an answer; then do it.
• Be as gentle and loving as you would want to be treated.
• Allow God’s love to shine and work through you, and be patient. Change will come!

---

Charlene Hios is a licensed minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She is also the founder and president of Bridging The Gaps Ministries which provides direction both corporately and individually to those affected by homosexuality.  

Charlene can be contacted through Bridging The Gaps Ministries. Phone:  415.465.0517

Email:  Charlene@BridgingTheGapsMinistries.org

Check out Charlene’s on-line book here at the Earthen Vessel Journal. Follow Charlene as she shares with us her life-changing experience out of homosexuality.

Lesbian No More:  One Woman’s Life Changing Experience

• Introduction to the book:  Who Are You To Speak To This Matter?
  
• Chapter One:  I Once Was Lost But Now Am Found
  
• Chapter Two:  Wrestling With God
  

Buy Charlene's DVD--a discussion with Kent Philpott:
Homosexuality from a Christian Perspective

From 
Witnessing to a Gay Friend
by blogger Charlene Hios

Is it Wrong to Judge?

The Storm of God's Wrath

. . . The wrath to come.

Matthew 3:7

It is pleasant to pass over a country after a storm has spent itself--to smell the freshness of the herbs after the rain has passed away, and to note the drops while they glisten like purest diamonds in the sunlight.

That is the position of a Christian. He is going through a land where the storm has spent itself upon His Savior's head, and if there be a few drops of sorrow falling, they distill from clouds of mercy, and Jesus cheers him by the assurance that they are not for his destruction.

But how terrible it is to witness the approach of a tempest--to note the forewarnings of the storm; to mark the birds of heaven as they droop their wings; to see the cattle as they lay their heads low in terror; to discern the face of the sky as it grows black, and to find the sun obscured, and the heavens angry and frowning! How terrible to await the dread advance of a hurricane, to wait in terrible apprehension till the wind rushes forth in fury, tearing up trees from their roots, forcing rocks from their pedestals, and hurling down all the dwelling-places of man!

And yet, sinner, this is your present position. No hot drops have fallen as yet, but a shower of fire is coming. No terrible winds howl around you, but God's tempest is gathering its dread artillery. So far the water-floods are dammed up by mercy, but the floodgates will soon be opened: The thunderbolts of God are still in His storehouse, the tempest is coming, and how awful will that moment be when God, robed in vengeance, shall march forth in fury!

Where, where, where, O sinner, will you hide your head, or where will you run to? May the hand of mercy lead you now to Christ! He is freely set before you in the Gospel: His pierced side is the place of shelter. You know your need of Him; believe in Him, cast yourself upon Him, and then the fury shall be past forever.

Devotional material is taken from “Morning and Evening,” written by C.H. Spurgeon, revised and updated by Alistair Begg.

How Do I Know I'm Saved?

The following resources are also compiled on our True and False Conversion Resources page: 

True and False Conversion Bible Study - Living Waters Ministry 

True and False Conversion Bible Study Guide - Living Waters Ministry

How do I Know I'm Saved? (Quick questions for newer believers)

Evidence of Saving Faith: Fruit (From 1 John)

How Do You Know You are Saved - Paul Washer Video Message

How Do You Know You Are Saved? by Paul Washer

Free Audio Bible Downloads - Many Versions, Languages, & Dialects | Faith Comes By Hearing

Free Audio Bible Download | Faith Comes By Hearing 
Here you can download free New and Old Testament audio files in hundreds of languages and dialects. Some are "dramatized" readings with music; others are for children.  You can even join Faith Comes by Hearing ministry as an "Audio Ambassador" to help share the Word of God to those seeking it throughout the world. 

Debates for Skeptics

The Fixed Point Foundation features excellent resources for defending the Christian faith, including videotaped, full-length debates between some of the most famous atheists and Christian apologists. These are available to view online or to purchase. Debates are generally of a high intellectual calibre, so some previous exposure to topics in apologetics would be helpful, but not necessary, to be equipped by these debates. These would also be excellent for sending to or viewing with skeptics, because the debates are very civil and respectfully conducted. Free, downloadable study guides are also available. Debate topics include:

• God or No God? 
• Does Atheism Poison Everything? 
• The God Delusion Debate 
• God and the Problem of Suffering  
• Can There Be Morality Without God? 
• Has Science Buried God?  
• Is God Great? 
• God on Trial  
• Can Atheism Save Europe? 

Prefers Hell to Heaven - Ray Comfort Video

Repent and Be Saved ! - Ray Comfort Open Air Preaching - part 2 of 2

This is one of the most challenging street preaching scenes I've seen among Ray Comfort's posted videos. Observe how he sticks to his guns, controls the conversation, but almost loses it at times. Even then, this draws more of the crowd in, and then Ray begins to preach pure repentance. The Holy Spirit is clearly at work here.

Repent and Be Saved! Ray Comfort Open Air Preaching - part 1 of 2

This is one of the most challenging street preaching scenes I've seen among Ray Comfort's posted videos. Observe how he sticks to his guns, controls the conversation, but almost loses it at times. Even then, this draws more of the crowd in, and then Ray begins to preach pure repentance. The Holy Spirit is clearly at work here.

"Christian" Youth Reveals False Conversion - Ray Comfort Video

Why is the Gospel Needed?

"Utter uncompromising, abandonment of hope in man is the first preliminary to understanding or preaching the gospel. 

Man says, “I am not so bad; I can make amends”; “There are many people worse than I am”; “I might be better, but I might be worse.” 

But God’s indictment is sweeping: it reaches all. “None righteous; all have sinned; there is no distinction.” And the first step of wisdom is to listen to the worst God says about us, for He (wonderful to say!) is the Lover of man, sinner though man be. 

You and I were born in this lost race, with all these evil things innate in, and, apart from the grace of God, possible to us. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and is desperately wicked.” Only redemption by the blood of Christ, and regeneration by the Holy Spirit, can afford hope."

— Romans Verse-by-Verse

William Reed Newell

Using Prophecy to Share the Gospel

Good without God?