Introduction to TSIS

“But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;” (, NASB95)

“Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.” (, NASB95)

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ,” (, NASB95)

Turning Skeptics into Seekers

1. Every one should learn to answer skeptics about the Gospel for these two crucial reasons

a. The Challenges to the Gospel

MTD, NONES, Atheists, Religions, and Cults.

b. The Benefits of learning the evidence for the certainty of the Gospel

I. Challenges to the Gospel (Slide)

88% Leave during college

Religions and Cults

Buddhism and Islam

2006 Barna Group Study

JW’s and Mormons

2013 Fixed Point Foundation Study

61% Leave during college

2007 Assembly of God Study

66% Leave during college

2007 Lifeway Research Study

70% Leave during college

2009 “The Present Future”

90% Leave by the Junior Year

2009 “Already Gone”

They already left in Middle School

2011 “You Lost Me”

60% Leave after 15years old

2013 Fixed Point Foundation Study

Atheists began to have doubts at age 13-17

2015 Ligonier Ministries Study

Young Christians hold more heretical beliefs

51% of professors say the Bible is “an ancient book of fables, legends, history & moral precepts

All of these statistics can be used in a number of ways.

However, what do they mean on a personal level?

How do you interact with those around you?

How well equipped are you to meet the challenges?

A. MTD - What is it? (Moralistic Therapeutic Theism) (Slide)

MTD is one of America’s foremost religions. Held by adherents across the spectrum of religious groups

Moral Therapeutic Deism is a concept framed by Christian Smith, et.al. in three books on young people’s religious ideas and experiences over a period of 10 years.

Titles: Soul Searching; Souls in Transition; and Lost in Transition

Moral Therapeutic Theism

What is Moralistic Therapeutic Deism?

Description of MTD

a. A God exists who created and orders the world and watches over human life on earth.

2. God wants people to be good, nice, and fair to each other, as taught in the Bible and by most world religions.

b. God wants people to be good, nice, and fair to each other, as taught in the Bible and by most world religions.

c. The central goal of life is to be happy and to feel good about oneself.

3. The central goal of life is to be happy and to feel good about oneself.

d. God does not need to be particularly involved in one’s life except when God is needed to resolve a problem.

4. God does not need to be particularly involved in one’s life except when God is needed to resolve a problem.

5. Good people go to heaven when they die.

e. Good people go to heaven when they die.

2. Generally a “works” based theology/religious idea

B. The Church’s Compliance and Shortcomings

When I say compliance I’m inferring the church’s compliance to a false doctrine.

Two tiered view of Discipleship

“And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”” (, NASB95)

2. Two tiered view of Witnessing

“but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.”” (, NASB95)

Video: You Lost Me

II. Benefits of Learning the Evidence

A. Strengthening Your Faith

“Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile an account of the things accomplished among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus; so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught.” (, NASB95)

Confirmation of your faith

Boldness in witnessing

B. Tools for Discipleship and Witnessing

You may have heard of different approaches to defending your faith -

I believe we (apologists) all decide what we think is the most important.

My mentor, Dr. Geisler has 12 points that prove Christianity is true.

He is a huge proponent on the Authority of the Bible and that’s what the 12 points reveal - That the Bible is the Word of God - Totally agree. Dr. Geisler is a master logician.

Frank Turek - shares 4 concepts - God, Truth, Miracles, and the Resurrection.

I’ll give you three -

1. Truth, God and the Resurrection

a. What is Truth?

Something to think about:

How would you describe truth? How important is the truth to you?

How do you demonstrate that importance?

b. Which God?

c. Evidence for the Resurrection

2. Outcome of Truth, God, and the Resurrection

a. Learning these three points will equip you to witness for the most important event in the history of the world.

b. You will be confident to look for opportunities to witness.

c. You will look for opportunities to learn more and be a better disciple of Jesus.

Conclusion:

The church needs to step up and meet the challenges to the gospel.

The church needs to be equipped to meet the modern day challenges with modern weapons.

Learning the arguments for truth, God, and the Resurrection will equip you to witness to the most important event in the history of the world - The Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

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