Christian Apologetics PRACTICE MINISTRIES BIBLE STUDY CURRICULUM CHRISTIAN APOLOGETICS & EXPLORING THE BIBLE Table of Contents Section 1 Bible Lesson Summaries Practice Makes Perfect: How To Run a Smooth Bible Study Section 2 Bible Lessons Section 3 Exploring the Bible Answers Practice Ministries Bible Study Curriculum and Exploring The Bible ©1997, 2002 by Practice Ministries Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved. PRACTICE MINISTRIES 8117 PRESTON ROAD SUITE 300 WEST DALLAS, TEXAS 75225 (214) 691-4290 e-mail address: [email protected] web-site address: www.practiceministries.org Practice Ministries Bible Studies 1 Christian Apologetics BIBLE LESSON SUMMARIES Practice Ministries Bible Studies 2 Christian Apologetics APOLOGETICS Lesson # 1: Introduction To Christian Apologetics “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect...” (1 Peter 3:15). Today’s lesson introduces how to begin presenting the facts about Christianity so that the truth of Christianity can be known. Exploring the Bible encourages the kids to begin to explore the truthfulness of Christianity. Lesson # 2: The Truth About Christianity “When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of him, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. Because they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice” (John 10:4-5). There is a huge difference between knowing about god and knowing God. Today we’ll explore the challenges of presenting the truthfulness of Christianity. Exploring the Bible helps the kids understand that God is knowable. Lesson # 3: Evidence That God Exists “...since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities - His eternal power and divine nature - have clearly been seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse” (Romans 1:19-20). Today we’ll look at clues that tell us God does indeed exist! Exploring the Bible helps the kids learn the clues that tell them that God does exist Lesson # 4: Is Jesus Christ God? “In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but on these last days he has spoken to us by His Son” (Hebrews 1:1-2). Today we’ll look at the claims that Jesus made about Himself, and evidence of their truth. Exploring the Bible teaches the kids the claims of Christ and their truths. Lesson # 5: The Resurrection “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead…” (1 Corinthians 15:20). Today we’ll explore the evidence for Jesus’ resurrection. Exploring the Bible helps the kids review the evidence for the resurrection. Lesson # 6: Explaining The Resurrection “The eleven disciples went to the hill in Galilee where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshipped him, even though some of them doubted. Jesus drew near and said to them, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Go, then, to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples: baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And I will be with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:16-20). Many theories have been introduced to try and give some other explanation as to why the tomb was empty on that first Easter morning. We’ll hear what these theories are and then talk about why they’re wrong! Exploring the Bible helps the kids explain the resurrection. Practice Ministries Bible Studies 3 Christian Apologetics Lesson # 7: A Review of Lessons 1-6 “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect...” (1 Peter 3:15). A summary of: An introduction to Christian apologetics, Telling people the truth of Christianity, How we know there is a God, Why Jesus Christ is God, How we know that Jesus rose from the dead, Evidence for the resurrection. Exploring the Bible helps the kids review lessons 1-6 Lesson # 8: Is What The Bible Says True? “All Scripture is inspired [God breathed] and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). The startling claims the Bible makes and reasonable evidence that what the Bible says is true Exploring the Bible helps the kids learn clues that tell us that what the Bible says is true Lesson # 9: Is What The Bible Says True: Fulfilled Prophecy “A voice of one calling: “In the desert prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the wilderness highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken” (Isaiah 40:3-5). Today we’ll look at several prophecies voiced in the Old Testament that have all come true in the person of Jesus Christ. Exploring the Bible helps the kids learn fulfilled Biblical prophecy. Lesson # 10: Is What The Bible Says True: Pass It On “We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty” (2 Peter 1:16). Today we’ll look at reasonable evidence that the Bible is the same today as when it was originally written. Exploring the Bible helps the kids know that the Bible we have today is very much the same as when the bible was written. Lesson # 11: A Review of Lessons 8-10 “All Scripture is inspired [God breathed] and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). Evidence confirming the Bible is true, fulfilled prophecy, and a comparison of the Bible yesterday and the Bible today. Exploring the Bible review lessons 8-10. Lesson # 12: Is Jesus The Only Way To God? “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Today we’ll look at the main difference between Christianity and other religions. Exploring the Bible helps the kids learn why Jesus Christ is the only way to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Practice Ministries Bible Studies 4 Christian Apologetics Lesson # 13: What Biblical Christians Believe “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Today we’ll look at basic tenets or beliefs of Biblical Christianity - what Biblical Christians believe about Jesus Christ, the Trinity, man’s eternal spirit, sin, salvation, and receiving salvation. Exploring the Bible helps the kids review the basic tenets of the Biblical Christianity. Lesson # 14: The Differences Between Judaism & Biblical Christianity “For there really is no difference between Jew and Gentile - the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13). While Judaism and Christianity share many similarities, there are some big differences. Exploring the Bible reviews the differences of Judaism and Biblical Christianity. Lesson # 15: The Differences Between Islam & Biblical Christianity “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon me and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30). Islam combines elements of the Old Testament and Christianity and refers to them as truth, yet often times contradict the Bible’s teachings. We’ll look at where the similarities end and the differences begin. Exploring the Bible reviews the differences of Islam and Biblical Christianity Lesson # 16: The Differences Between Hinduism & Biblical Christianity “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of the world rather than on Christ” (Colossians 2:8-10). Today we’ll look at the differences between Hinduism and Biblical Christianity. Exploring the Bible reviews the differences of Hinduism and Biblical Christianity. Lesson # 17: The Differences Between Mormons & Biblical Christianity “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). Today we’ll look at the Mormon faith and where Mormonism departs from Biblical Christianity. Exploring the Bible reviews the differences of Mormonism and Biblical Christianity. Lesson # 18: The Differences Between Jehovah’s Witnesses & Biblical Christianity “Thomas said to him [Jesus], “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). Today we’ll look at the some of the teachings of the Jehovah’s Witnesses and although they often sound Christian, why their teachings are far from Biblical Christianity. Exploring the Bible reviews the differences of Jehovah’s Witnesses and Biblical Christianity. Lesson # 19: The Differences Between Christian Science & Biblical Christianity “The god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God” (2 Corinthians 4:4). Today we’ll look at why Christian Science is neither Christian nor scientific. Exploring the Bible reviews the differences of Christian Science and Biblical Christianity. Practice Ministries Bible Studies 5 Christian Apologetics Lesson # 20: World Religion & Cult Quiz “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6). So, what have you learned the past few lessons? Exploring the Bible reviews the differences of Christianity and world religions and “deceptive Christian faiths.” Lesson # 21: The Differences Between The New Age & Biblical Christianity “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. Is there anything of which one can say, “Look! This is something new”? It was here already, long ago; it was here before our time” (Ecclesiastes 1:9-10). What is the New Age? - Well, it’s a little bit of this and a little bit of that - but one thing is for sure, it’s definitely not new. Let’s find out where it all began - why it’s just the “Same Old Song.” Exploring the Bible reviews the differences of The New Age and Biblical Christianity. Lesson # 22: Creation Versus Evolution (Part 1) “I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?” (John 3:12). Today we’ll begin a series to present reasonable evidence to support the truth of creation versus the theory of evolution. Exploring the Bible helps the kids understand the truth of what the Bible says about the creation of the universe and life on earth. Lesson # 23: Creation Versus Evolution (Part 2) “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33). Popular opinion is that the theory of evolution is a proven fact of science. Today we’ll look at reasonable evidence that scientific findings about the beginning of life and the truth of creation as stated in the Bible do not conflict but rather agree. Exploring the Bible helps the kids learn that the truths of the Bible do not have to contradict what science says about the beginnings of life. Lesson # 24: Creation Versus Evolution (Part 3): A Flood Of Evidence “...long ago God gave a command, and the heavens and earth were created. The earth was formed out of water and by water, and it was also by water, the water of the flood, that the old world was destroyed” (2 Peter 3:5-6). Today we’ll present reasonable evidence that the Flood account narrated in Genesis chapters 6-9 happened just the way the Bible says it did. Exploring the Bible helps the kids explain the truth of “Noah’s Flood.” Lesson # 25: Creation Versus Evolution (Part 4): Your Uncle Was Not A Monkey “God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good” (Genesis 1:25). Today we’ll talk about why neither you nor your uncle ever descended from a monkey! Exploring the Bible helps the kids review why humans could not have descended from monkeys or chimpanzees. Practice Ministries Bible Studies 6 Christian Apologetics Special Thanksgiving Lesson “Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name, make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts” (Psalm 105:1-2). Today we’re going to count our blessings – and then do something with them – give! Exploring the Bible helps the kids think of ways to give in a new way! Special Christmas Lesson “You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus” (Luke 1:31). Today we’re going to talk about the Christmas story, but with a little different beginning and ending than what we’re used to hearing. Exploring the Bible helps the kids remember the true meaning of Christmas. Special Easter Lesson “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). This lesson is a description of what happened to Jesus - God’s only Son - on the days leading up to His arrest & ultimately His crucifixion to provide salvation for you and for me. Exploring the Bible helps the kids understand the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice. Special Prayer Lesson “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). Instead of studying today, we’re going to be doing. We’re going to spend our lesson time praying to the God who created us and sustains us for the people of our country. Exploring the Bible invites the kids to write a prayer for the people of our country. Story Time One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!" (John 9:25). The thought of “telling your story” – how Jesus Christ came into your life, can be a little uncomfortable. Perhaps you’re afraid of failing or that you won’t know what to say. But if Jesus Christ is in your life, you do have a story to tell, and learning how to tell your story may be just what it takes to bring the good news of Jesus Christ into someone’s life. A special Exploring the Bible gives you ideas, suggestions and an outline to help you put your story together. Practice Ministries Bible Studies 7 Christian Apologetics Practice Makes Perfect! Over the past 9 years we’ve helped organize over hundreds of bible studies. And we’ve come up with a pretty good recipe that will help your families get the most out of your bible study. Here’s a suggested outline for how to make your first bible study go smoothly: • Invite Jesus to attend your bible study. Ask for His power and presence to work in and through each person gathered. • If it’s a morning study, have some donuts (donuts are key) and juice on hand. If it’s an evening study, have some light snacks for the boys and dads before study begins. • Start fairly promptly as some may have time constraints. • We find that your study works best when the kids sit with their dads. • Introduce yourself and then have the kids introduce themselves especially if there are some who do not know each other. • Begin the bible study with an opening prayer. Ask if one of the kids or dads will pray - but don’t push too hard, since it may be uncomfortable or intimidating at first - even among the dads. One idea is to assign the opening and closing prayer to one of the dads and their child, so that they have time to get ready. • As the group gets more comfortable with each other, we find that rotating the prayer around from week to week is a good way to get the kids and dads involved. • Give a short description about the day’s lesson • Lead-off with the discussion question & discuss it for a bit. Encourage your dads to participate in the discussion. We find that often dads will not say anything because it’s “a study for the kids.” But their participation is important. • Go through the lesson at a comfortable pace for the group. If you don’t finish - it’s ok. • End the study lesson promptly at the time mentioned. Twenty minutes of study is plenty. You may find that at times, less is better. • Encourage the dads and kids to do the corresponding Exploring the Bible Worksheet each week, and leave time in your study for each child to give their answers. • Encourage the kids to practice the quality or character trait emphasized in the day’s lesson during the week. Challenge them to share with the group at the next study about any situations where they had an opportunity to put into practice what they learned. • Here’s a wonderful way to end each lesson: have each dad get with his child (or boy or girl he brings with him whose father is not there) and ask them to pray with each other. We have found that this is a wonderful way for a dad and child to learn to pray for each other. You may suggest that they ask each other what they would like prayer for that day. Try the above recipe the first few times, and then if you need to, adjust it to meet your group’s needs. Sample Bible Study Agenda 7:10 - 7:20 a.m. Fellowship over donuts and juice 7:20 - 7:40 a.m. Bible study lesson 7:40 - 7:50 a.m. Exploring the Bible review 7:50 - 7:55 a.m. Prayer between each dad and his child 7:55 - Practice what you’ve learned! Practice Ministries Bible Studies 8 Christian Apologetics BIBLE LESSONS Practice Ministries Bible Studies 9 Christian Apologetics Christian Apologetics Lesson Lesson Verse Page 1) Introduction To Apologetics 1 Peter 3:15 11 2) Is God Knowable? John 10:14 13 3) Evidence That God Exists Romans 1:19-20 16 4) Is Jesus Christ God? Hebrews 1:1-2 20 5) The Resurrection 1 Corinthians 15:20 24 6) Explaining The Resurrection John 20:5 27 7) Review of Lessons 1-6 1 Peter 3:15 30 8) Is The Bible True? (Part 1) 2 Timothy 3:16 34 9) Is The Bible True? (Part 2) Jeremiah 28:9 37 10) Is The Bible True? (Part 3) 2 Peter 1:16 42 11) Review of Lessons 8-10 2 Timothy 3:16 45 12) Is Jesus The Only Way To God? John 14:1-7 48 13) What Biblical Christians Believe John 3:16 51 14) Judaism & Biblical Christianity Romans 10:13 56 15) Islam & Biblical Christianity Matthew 11:28-30 60 16) Hinduism & Biblical Christianity Colossians 2:8-10 64 17) Mormonism & Biblical Christianity John 1:1 69 18) J. Witnesses & Biblical Christianity John 5:24 75 19) Christian Science & Biblical Christianity 2 Corinthians 4:4 82 20) World Religion Quiz John 14:6 88 21) New Age & Biblical Christianity 1 John 5:11-12 92 22) Creation Vs Evolution (Part 1) John 3:12 96 23) Creation Vs Evolution (Part 2) 1 Corinthians 14:33 100 24) Creation Vs Evolution (Part 3) 2 Peter 3:5-6 104 25) Creation Vs Evolution (Part 4) Romans 1:20 108 Special Lessons Lesson Verse Page Thanksgiving Psalm 105:1-2 111 Christmas Luke 1:31 123 Easter John 3:16 117 Prayer 2 Chronicles 7:14 121 Story Time John 9:25 124 Exploring the Bible Page Exploring the Bible Answers 130 Practice Ministries Bible Studies 10