What do you say when someone tells you, “I’m glad your faith works for you, but I would need convincing evidence before I could believe”?
Many Christians want to share the Gospel but feel unprepared for the objections that follow. In this live teaching, Joel Settecase explains how ordinary believers can obey 1 Peter 3:15 by becoming bridge builders—identifying the obstacles that keep people from Christ and responding with biblical truth, gentleness, and respect.
You’ll learn:
• What apologetics means and why every Christian—not merely pastors, scholars, or professional debaters—is called to defend the faith.
• The three major kinds of objections you will encounter: scriptural, situational, and soul objections.
• How Satan, sin, and the suppression of truth influence the unbeliever’s thinking.
• Why prayer and persuasion are essential tools for spiritual conversations.
• How the Apostle Paul built a bridge from the Athenians’ beliefs to the resurrection of Jesus in Acts 17.
• How to use personal experience, thoughtful questions, memorable stories, and Scripture to answer challenges.
• Why the Gospel—not merely winning an argument—must remain the destination of every apologetic conversation.
Apologetics is not about treating unbelievers like enemies to be defeated. It is about compassionately clearing away obstacles so they can see Jesus Christ more clearly. We cannot cause anyone to repent or believe, but God can use our faithful words as He draws people to Himself.
Be ready. Pray for the people God has placed in your life. Ask good questions. Take every thought captive to obey Christ—and trust the Holy Spirit with the results.
This is a talk I gave at Harborview Christian Church in Port Jefferson on Long Island, NY. Special thanks to Pastor Jason Contino and the people of HVCC!
Go Deeper
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