I have heard some preachers say that they have dropped apologetics in favor of just preaching the word of God, saying that nothing beats the power of the Cross. I would wholeheartedly agree - nothing is more powerful. But, I believe that apologetics is a very valuable tool.
Face it, this is a time when most people, even when they don't completely understand and double check what they are taught, believe scientists above anything else. Even some Christians have abandoned their faith when they were challenged and didn't know the answers. Because of that, I believe it is very important to know apologetics and science. It will help you in your own faith, and it will enable you to reach out to people who rely highly on intellect and scientific evidence (not that Christians don't). When you can show someone that God makes sense, the Bible can be trusted in what it says, and other things like that, it is a powerful thing.
But, going back to the first point, I still believe that nothing can compare to the power of the Cross and the conviction of the Holy Spirit.
All the facts and knowledge in the world can't make someone follow God if their hearts have not been awakened by His Holy Spirit. "
You can't argue anyone into the kingdom of God", as they say. Also, just knowing the facts is not enough. What about love? It is easy to get frustrated with someone who challenges your faith and just want to beat them down intellectually, prove your point, and win the argument. But, what good will that do? Sure, you won the argument, but you sure didn't display the love of God to them. As Paul the apostle said,
"I may have the gift of prophecy. I may understand all the secret things of God and have all knowledge, and I may have faith so great I can move mountains. But even with all these things, If I do not have love, I am nothing."
- 1 Corinthians 13:2
Lastly, as I was reading through
The Case For Faith, I noticed something. All the Bible scholars, doctors, scientists, and everyone else the author, Lee Strobel, interviewed talked as though God was someone they loved, not just someone they knew facts about from their studies. God changed their lives and they knew Him personally. It is important to not just know
about God, prove He exists, and everything else you can do with logic and science, but to know Him personally. Have you come to know Him? Has the love of God transformed your life? Do you love Him with all your being? Do you chase after Him every moment?
So, apologetics has great value, especially in reaching people who rely on science and facts. Yes, learn all you can about these things. But, be sure not to neglect the more important things:
The power of the Gospel, the conviction of the Holy Spirit, love for others, humility, a personal relationship with God, and a life that shines and displays His character - nothing is more convincing and powerful than these.
