Hey there! A friend of mine just posted on Facebook asking for what is a good apologetics book for teenagers. And I thought that was a very good question. Most Christian teens enter college unprepared to give a defense for their faith. When a classmate says, “Heh, you’re only Christian ’cause your parents taught you that way. Evolution is a scientific fact, you know,” how do you answer? Or, “There are so many different versions of the Bible and it has so many contradictions, you can’t honestly believe it’s God’s Word, can you?!” “Uh…”

Well, the Apostle Peter tells us what to do. “In your hearts regard 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.” (1Pet.iii.15) There is a rational defense for Christianity. If you take the time to learn it, then unbelievers will not be able revile you for being “irrational.” Then they can only revile you on account of Christ. Of course, if you do give a sound defense, then there’s also the possibility they will want to hear more about Christ! Let us be prepared, brothers.

“The Ultimate Proof of Creation” by Dr. Jason Lisle from AIG is a practical apologetics handbook geared toward teenagers. It has a cool cover, is written in conversational style, and features lots of cartoons and illustrations. He doesn’t address specific concerns like Biblical scholarship or Christ’s deity (see Lee Strobel’s books), but he does show you how to defend the existence of the God of the Bible, rationally. He first shows that it is naive to rely on evidence, because of its interpretive nature. Then he instructs how to wield the Transcendental argument for the Christian worldview. It is philosophically the strongest argument today, but is presented here very simply. For completeness, he explains the concept of a “worldview,” teaches the logical fallacies, provides plenteous examples of real-life situations and responses, and emphasizes Biblical principles (e.g. Proverbs 26:4-5) throughout.

Do you have a favorite apologetics book?

A prayer

O Lord, this semester I have not honored you. I have been silent before the enemy, my mouth sealed up. I have not sought your glory. I have nursed sin. I long to be near you, but will not bear the humiliation of going to you outside the camp. As you know, tonight I have done something very difficult. I have written the gospel in a letter to my history professor. At first I wanted to write it. But after I had finished writing, I did not want to send it. I had to send it. But I could not. So I prayed, and prayed. Lord, if I say I would bear scorn and shame and derision for your sake, yet am unwilling to send the power of God in an email, what integrity have I? If I have any claim to the power of the gospel myself, but am unwilling to remove it from its bushel and let it shine, do I have anything at all? You said, shout from the rooftops what you hear in secret! Alas, I cannot even send it in an email.

But I did. If I’ve never done anything else in faith, that was in faith. So now I pray the word you promised through your prophet Isaiah: make your word not return to you empty, but accomplish the purpose for which you sent it. For Your namesake, Lord, make Your Spirit go with my simple words, and convict Professor B—- of sin, and righteousness, and judgment. And give him that inexplicable sense of Your great love and mercy. And cast him on his face in reverence. Save Professor B—-, Lord.

In Christ,
Joshua

Yesterday, I was thinking about King David. Like other godly men in the Bible, his life was a miracle from end to end. I decided to flip through 1 & 2 Samuel to reconstruct a piecemeal portrait of this great character. Here is what I discovered:

David was chosen and prepared by God from youth. He had bright eyes, and was a skillful musician. He was also a man of valor and of war. He possessed prudent speech and a good presence.

David was a servant of servants, and disciplined. He was outgoing, and inquisitive. He was naturally diplomatic in his relations. But his speech was frank and uncomplicated.

David took his faith for granted, sometimes slipping into rashness. He was willing to oblige when necessary. In communicating, he liked to use comparisons and metaphors. He was a natural leader, and carried a good name for his actions.

David thought lowly of himself. He oft was openly emotional, and an enthusiastic actor. He took words deeply to heart. He was not defensive, but always committed his case to God. He was unquestionably obedient toward his God.

David was a prolific poet, and prone to moodiness. He liked to tease his enemy cleverly. But he had a sensitive conscience, being “excessively” ethical compared to others. He was uncompromising, and a very persuasive individual. He was abundantly forgiving.

David took questionable liberties for mission’s sake. He sometimes feigned, conformed, and even lied when necessary. In the sight of whomever he served, David seemed as blameless as an angel. He was sensitive, and often affected by people’s opinions of him. But he always strengthened himself in God. He instantly acted on God’s promises against all odds.

David was decisive, albiet prone to impulsiveness. He was wise, just, and possessed a powerful word. He was prone to extremes of behavior, passionate in love and intense in hatred. But he could easily justify his emotional behavior with good reason.

David knew and understood the gravity of God’s greatness in him. As a young shepherd, he was solitary in childhood. But as a young man he was constantly on the move. His childhood occupation primarily built faith, not vocational skills.

David was a great musician, a great warrior, a great poet, and a great king. Yet he was also the servant of servants, and a dear friend to those who knew him. From birth to death, God was the source and end of all his strength.

(Passage references were omitted for brevity.)