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[[http://www.jesusnetwork.eu/de/doku.php/jn_de_2015_02_13|Deutsche Version]] [[Start|| Wiki Start]]
[[topics_collection_vii|| Topics Collection vii ]]
======Apologetics and Faith ...======
Friday, Feb 13, 2015. Over the past days I have been ill with a virus infect,
lying in my bed without much ability to do anything. I had to stay still, and
was happy every time the headaches ceased a little bit. The only thing I found
time for is listening to apologetics of Christian faith. There are so many
shorter and longer videos today available online, and with a mobile phone it
is easy to listen, where ever you are.
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**What apologetics is needed? ...**
I must say that I like it think about faith. I even like it to challenge
faith - since usually it leads me to a deeper understanding of God. Too many
of our faith statements are on a quite superficial level. It is good that
everyone can come to faith, that you do not need special skills to believe.
But it is also great that God is knowledge, love and wisdom in a fantastic
combination.
There are many people today in this world, who do not believe in the living
God in father, son and holy spirit. There are even many who fight faith. And
it is good that there are those who work with the arguments which we have
for faith. Apologetics is an old business, it was started by Paul and Peter,
by Jesus himself. It is the defense of the gospel.
What is apologetics about? We need to be a little careful. Apologetics does not
mean to jump into any stupid discussion about faith or Christ. Let us recall
that Jesus even refused to start some discussion, when the basis for it was
not given. Paul writes about apologetics - without using this particular word
for it, he talks about "defense of the gospel":
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**Parttakers of Grace ...**
3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. 7 It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.
(Pilipper 1,3-7)
The gospel is a partnership. It is the invitation to eternal community. It is the
beginning of a new and fantastic relationship. We enter God's kingdom, by grace,
through faith. This gospel deserves to be defended against the many arguments
which try to shift it to the side or make it useless, yesterday, today and tomorrow.
However, in all this we should also bear in mind that faith is about opening
my heart to God. It is about my own decisions about a relationship. Do I want to
be open to interact with God? Or do I say: "thank you, I do not need God"?
Arguments are just one part of the story. Personal issues, ethics, desires,
concepts, ideals and personal goals are at least as important as our mind and
reason when it comes to faith.
Where are you when it comes to all these issues? Are you ready to get to know
God? Are you open to listen and to respond? Are you open to ask your questions
with sincerity and patience? If yes, you can be sure that your questions will
not remain without answers!
(RWEP)
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