Apologetics 101 (Part 2) – February 23, 2025

Pastor Billy Calderwood

1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

Can I Trust the Bible?

● What evidence do we have to prove that the Bible is true?

● How can I believe the Bible’s account of events is what really happened?

● How can the Bible’s portrayal of miracles (like the Resurrection) be taken seriously?

Recommendation: Introduction to the Old Testament Attested by Archeology and History:

• The Merneptah Stele (Israel in Canaan: 1200 BCE)
• Tel Dan Stone inscription (House of David: 800 BCE )
• Hezekiah’s Tunnel (700 BCE)
• Lachish Reliefs (War with Assyria: 700 BCE)

Three Book Recommendations:

• The Case for Easter by Lee Strobel
• The Reason for God by Tim Keller
• The Resurrection of the Son of God by N.T. Wright

Evidence of the Truth of the Resurrection!

1. Early Eyewitness (Hundreds of them!)

Acts 26:25-26 (NIV)
25 Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable. 26 The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. 

Mark 15:21 (NIV)

21 A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross. 

1 Corinthians 15:3-6 (NLT)

3 I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. 4 He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said. 5 He was seen by Peter and then by the Twelve. 6 After that, he was seen by more than 500 of his followers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. 

“According to the laws of legal evidence used in courts of law, there is more evidence for the historical fact of the resurrection of Jesus Christ than for just about any other event in history.” – Keller, Philippians 4

2. Counterproductive Content (No Motive to Lie!)

Acts 5:28-33 (NIV)

28 “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” …29 Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings! 30 The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross. 31 God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins. 32 We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”33 When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. 

3. God is Present and Powerful wherever the Gospel is Proclaimed!

Acts 5:32 (NIV)

32 We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” 

Acts 14:3-4 (NIV)

3 So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders. 4 The people of the city were divided; 

1 Corinthians 2:4-5 (NIV)

4 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, 5 so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.

1 Thessalonians 1:5-6 (NIV)

4 For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake.

If you said YES, click HERE.