This week’s message taught the meaning and importance of apologetics — the call to defend and explain the Christian faith with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). Apologetics is not about winning arguments but about winning souls. It equips believers to answer questions, confront false claims, and share the gospel with confidence and compassion.

We explored five guiding principles:

Know what you believe — Be clear on the gospel itself.

Know why you believe — Build confidence in Scripture, history, and the resurrection.

Defend the faith — Stand with conviction when truth is challenged.

Share the faith — Communicate the gospel with clarity and love.

Live the faith — Let your life authenticate your words.

Apologetics includes both defending truth and removing barriers that keep people from Christ. Its purpose is not argument but persuasion, always remembering that every person is an image bearer. As Paul modeled at Mars Hill, we begin with common ground, speak truth, and point people to the risen Christ .

Big Idea: Apologetics is every believer’s responsibility — to know, defend, share, and live the gospel with clarity, courage, and compassion.