Apologetics Flashcards
How can we be sure that Jesus rose from the dead?
Empathy: I understand that this can be a challenging question, especially because we’re talking about something that’s central to our faith but happened thousands of years ago. It’s natural to wonder how we can be sure.
Bible: The Bible provides us with multiple accounts of Jesus’ resurrection, from the empty tomb to appearances to His disciples. In 1 Corinthians 15:3-6, Paul mentions that many people saw Jesus alive after His death, including the apostles and over 500 witnesses. These accounts have been preserved for us, showing that Jesus rose from the dead as promised.
Next Step: Trust in the evidence and the truth of the Scriptures. Take time to explore these accounts for yourself, and if you haven’t yet, consider placing your faith in the risen Jesus as the Savior who defeated death.
What does the Bible tell us to do to end generational curses?
Empathy: Tell me a little bit more about what’s going? Why does it feel like generational curse? ..I think it’s great, first, that you are seeing the issue going on in your life.
Bible: So a lot of people get that idea of a “generational curse” from Exodus 20:5 where God talks about visiting the iniquities of the father on the children for generations after. But there are two things to remember about this. First, the context, is God specifically warning the Israelites against idolatry…not other sin. Second, it refers to the father. So this is really talking about when a parent, a father, chooses to rebel against God, he naturally raises his children with the same mindset.
So what’s the answer for what your dealing with: repentance. You already see what’s going on in your life…the anger, lust, lying…whatever it is, we’re to talk away from that and towards new life in Christ. In fact, the Bible tells us that in Corinthians 5:17 says that anyone in Christ is a new creation. The old is gone, and the new has come.
Next Step: If you’re a follower of Jesus, breathe a big sigh of relief that you’ve already been set free from the biggest curse out there, sin and death. But you may need to get around some other people in a small group or living free group to walk with you through some of this.
If you’re not a Christian, would you like to have that kind of new life in Christ…where the old has gone and the new has come?
Where did Jesus’ soul go when His body was in the tomb?
Empathy: That’s a great question, because it tells us a lot about what happens after we die.
Bible: So we know from the Bible that The Bible doesn’t give us all the details, but it does provide us with some clues. In 1 Peter 3:18-20, it mentions that Jesus preached to the spirits in prison, and in Luke 23:43, Jesus tells the thief on the cross that “today you will be with me in paradise.” This suggests that Jesus’ soul went to a place of waiting or paradise, while His body remained in the tomb.
Next Step: Rest in the truth that Jesus was fulfilling God’s plan during those days, and the resurrection that followed proved His victory over death and sin.
Who came up with the doctrine of the Trinity? When?
Empathy: It’s easy to get confused when thinking about the doctrine of the Trinity because it’s a mystery in many ways. It’s good that you want to understand where this belief comes from and how it developed.
Bible: The concept of the Trinity—God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—emerges throughout the Bible, though the word “Trinity” itself isn’t used. Passages like Matthew 28:19 and John 14:16-17 point to a triune God. The doctrine was formally articulated by early Christian leaders during the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, in response to various debates about the nature of God and Jesus.
Next Step: Embrace the mystery of the Trinity as a foundational belief that shapes your understanding of who God is. As you grow in your faith, continue to seek understanding through Scripture and prayer, trusting that God’s nature is beyond full human comprehension.
Why should we treat the Bible as God’s Word?
Empathy: I understand how you might wrestle with this question, especially in today’s world where many voices are vying for attention. It’s natural to question the authority of the Bible, particularly in a culture that often questions truth.
Bible: The Bible is treated as God’s Word because it is inspired by Him. 2 Timothy 3:16 says that “all Scripture is God-breathed.” Jesus Himself affirmed the authority of Scripture in Matthew 5:18, saying that not even the smallest letter will pass from the law until everything is accomplished. The Bible is a unique and trustworthy source that reveals God’s will and character.
Next Step: Approach the Bible with the expectation that it is God speaking to you through His Word. Make time to read it, study it, and let it shape your life. As you do, ask God to help you see the depth of His truth.
Couldn’t God have used evolution to create the universe?
Empathy: I understand how this can feel like a tension point, as many people wrestle with the relationship between faith and science. It’s not always easy to reconcile the two in a way that feels satisfying.
Bible: The Bible presents God as the Creator of the universe, and in Genesis 1:1, it says, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” The idea of evolution is a scientific theory, and while some believe that God could have used evolution as a method of creation, others believe in a more direct creation by God. The key is that God is the ultimate Creator, and He made everything according to His purpose.
Next Step: Whatever your view on the details, continue to grow in your relationship with God as Creator. Trust that He is in control of the world and your life, and seek to know Him more through His Word, creation, and prayer.
