The Apologetic Life
The Apologetic Life
One of the most exciting parts of the Spirit-filled Christian church life, is evangelism. Sharing the good news of Jesus with poor lost sinners, for whom we have great care, is such a sweet blessing. I will convey some of my thoughts on "The Apologetic Life"; and you can see whether or not you agree with them. . . .
First of all, the "Apologetic Life" is simply being in the presence of God, via Jesus Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit--while we are in the company of other fellow fallen sinners. In other words, the "Apologetic Life" is principally the exuding of the love, grace, mercy, and kindness of Christ through the Person of the Holy Spirit living and ministering through us.
As we interact with people, we listen to them, we give them our unfeigned attention, and we show them that we truly care for them. As we do this, it opens the door for them to be able to hear our words about Jesus spoken to them in love. But, it is important that we first listen. We are not on a "mission," waiting to get our "foot" in the "door," and to begin a religious speech. Instead, we are willing to give the other person the opportunity to express him- or herself, and to do so without unnecessary opposition and friction.
. . . And, because the regenerated Christian church member possesses the blessed Holy Spirit, he or she has no need to be anxious, worried, or perturbed. If the person with whom we are speaking seeks to disprove, destroy, discredit, or disrespect our Christian faith, we need not get unduly moved by any of this. Instead, we recognize what is happening; and immediately see through all the fallacies, without needing (at this point, at least), to engage them. After it is all said and done, we graciously speak words of praise of our glorious Redeemer; and let it be known what He has done for us, in the shedding of His blood, and in His triumphant resurrection--whereby all our sins are forgiven.
When we are talking with unbelievers, we need to remember two things (at least). First, that we used to be where they are right now; and two, that they are scared to death (rightly-so) of this God about Whom we speak (in Jesus). Because of this, they have to concoct all their arguments against Him, (which they themselves know perfectly well are false).
The main thing to keep in mind, is that we do not need to get nervous or worked-up when we speak to people about religious topics. Are we Reformed and Calvinistic churchmen? Do we believe the written Word of God? Do we truly think that God is sovereign over all things? If so, what do we have to worry about?
As we read the New Testament (in particular), we discover that the evangelists of our Lord Jesus Christ and His glorious gospel of grace always assume a few very important things: one, that we are to speak boldly, authoritatively, and lovingly; two, that all people outside of Jesus are fallen, rebellious, God-hating sinners; three, for them to be saved, the powerful God of heaven and earth had to achieve the means in the Messiah; four, that our covenant God has honored us, by allowing us to speak to others of His Son; and five, that if salvation is to come to any soul, it will be by a miraculous work of the Holy Spirit.
God uses means: prayer, evangelism, and life-circumstances, to bring His elect unto Jesus, His gospel, and His church. Let us enjoy our part in it. Paul told Timothy to, [quote], "Do the work of an evangelist," (in 2 Tim. 4:5b/ESV); but, it is also an activity of joy. There is no one more wonderful to speak of, than our Lord Jesus Christ!
Rev. Mark J. Henninger
Treatise #59
3 January 2026
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