Ours is an age of questions, skeptics, and debate. Paul described the last days well when he wrote, “Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” (2 Timothy 3:7). This is a day for believers to know what they believe, why they believe it, and how to express it to others.
Apologetics is the defense of truth. I agree with Spurgeon that the gospel is like a caged lion – it does not need to be defended so much as we simply need to open the cage door and let it out! Or to use an athletic analogy, the best defense is a good offense. Truth faithfully preached and taught will convince and convict. The Holy Spirit will make sure of that.
Still, God’s people must be prepared to present a reasonable explanation of why we believe God’s Word. Peter said, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15). Our aim is not to argue. It is to kindly answer questions and point people to the God of all truth.
This list could be long, but here are 5 books that will help you get a start on answering the questions of our generation…
Christian Apologetics by Norman Geisler (This brilliant writer presents a very thorough look at different world views and how to approach each from God’s perspective. This is not light reading but it carries the weight of strong truth. It is a book you can reference as you deal with different types of people.)
In Defense of the Faith by Dave Hunt (Hunt has written a great deal about social issues and current events. This book deals with hard questions that all of us will be asked and answers each from the pages of God’s Word.)
Beyond Belief to Convictions by Josh McDowell and Bob Hostetler (McDowell has given the bulk of his ministry to young people. He writes with an eye toward helping the next generation. This book deals with the crisis in our culture and the big issues at stake. It is a good tool for parents, pastors, youth workers, and educators.)
The New Answers Books by Ken Ham (This recommendation is actually a series of books – 4 to be exact. Much of the questions today revolve around “science, falsely so called” [1 Timothy 6:20]. These volumes are full of helpful resources written from a creation standpoint.)
Jesus Among Secular Gods by Ravi Zacharias and Vince Vitale (Most all questions come down to one: “What think ye of Christ? whose son is he?” [Matthew 22:42]. In the end Christianity stands or falls on the person of Christ. Zacharias was a powerful voice for the gospel in a world of confusion. This book examines the countercultural claims of Christ.)
What book has been a help to you and would be a help to others?
Read each article in this series:
5 Books To Read About Jesus (And One Bonus)
5 Books To Read For Bible Study
5 Books To Read On Prayer + 1 I’m Reading Now
5 Books To Read On The Holy Spirit
5 Books To Read On Great Christians
5 Books To Help With Your Personal Devotions
