"But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect." 1 Peter 3:15
What is Embrace Debate?
Embrace Debate is the beginning of a full apologetics ministry at Elim Baptist Church. Its objective is to equip believers to respond to the most common objections to Christianity. The ministry's focus is not only answering the charges of Christianity's critics, but also providing convincing proofs to strenghten the faith of believers.
Embrace Debate will use various methodologies to accomplish its goals such as staged debates, Bible studies, popular book studies, and interactive training.
Why is this ministry important?
1 Peter 3:15 admonishes us to always be ready to make a "defense" or "answer." These words translate the Greek word "apologia." The word meant to make a verbal defense, especially in a court of law. The idea is that a person gives rational proofs and convincing evidence to corroborate their case.
Christian apologetics, therefore, is that branch of Christianity that deals with answering any and all who oppose the revelation of God in the Bible. Christian apologetics can be traced as far back as the second century AD. Early Church Fathers such as Justin Martyr (ca. 100-165) and Orgien (ca. 185-254) are two of the Church's earliest apologists.
Kickoff to our apologetics ministry
Embrace Debate, using the method of staged biblical dialogue, will commence on Sunday, January 31, 2016 during the morning worship service. These staged debates will function to supply believers with the language to answer some common objections to the Bible.