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After an excerpt of the preface of the book "Fast Facts On False Teachings" by Ron Carlson
and Ed Decker.
Study and presentation of apologetics are not always popular. Followers of other world views and
philosophies or cultists are not going to be thrilled that you now know things he wishes you
never did, and even many of your fellow Christians will frown upon your newfound zeal to defend the
faith in Jesus against false teachings. In fact, you might be amazed at the number of well-meaning
Christians who find the defense of the faith just too embarrassing and negative for them to even
try out. They say: "It's too unloving. God sees these people's hearts - Who are we to judge?"
So they stand by and let a lie become the norm because they will not speak out with a defense for the
doctrines of Christianity and the purity of the faith in Jesus.
The Bible tells us in Jude's letter:
"Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt
I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the
saints." (Jude 3)
And Paul wrote to the Philippians:
"It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether
I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with
me." (Philippians 1:7)
In his second letter to Timothy we read:
"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed
and who correctly handles the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15)
and further:
"Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage -
with great patience and careful instruction." (2 Timothy 4:2)
Peter also emphasized this same message:
"In your hearts set apart 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."
(1 Peter 3:15)
With these biblical exhortations in mind, we see that it is our Christian duty to fulfill our
commission from the Lord. We become defenders of the faith in Jesus as we witness
to those lost in darkness, and especially to those who bring to the world that we seek for Christ
those false teachings that lead astray from life with Jesus or counterfeit the gospel of Jesus.
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