Reasons Why the Bible is True
Digest
This episode of the Focus on the Family Parenting Podcast explores the question of faith and how to answer it when posed by children. John Fuller, the host, discusses his own journey of faith and how he came to believe in Christ through both intellectual and relational experiences. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the context of the question and the child's perspective. The episode also features an interview with J. Warner Wallace, a former cold case detective who became a follower of Jesus. Wallace shares his story of being an angry atheist and how he came to embrace Christianity through evidence and personal experiences. He argues that the Bible accurately describes the world and provides guidance for human flourishing. The episode concludes with a call to action, encouraging listeners to learn more about the ministry of Focus on the Family and to consider supporting the organization.
Outlines
Introduction and Question of Faith
This Chapter introduces the topic of the episode, which is how to answer the question "Why are we Christians?" when asked by children. John Fuller, the host, shares his own experience with this question and emphasizes the importance of understanding the child's perspective and the context of the question.
J. Warner Wallace's Journey of Faith
This Chapter features an interview with J. Warner Wallace, a former cold case detective who became a follower of Jesus. Wallace shares his story of being an angry atheist and how he came to embrace Christianity through evidence and personal experiences. He discusses his initial skepticism and how he was challenged to prove the existence of God. He also highlights the importance of relational evidence in solidifying his faith.
The Power of God's Word
This Chapter delves into the role of God's Word in the lives of both John Fuller and J. Warner Wallace. They discuss how they have experienced God's Word as a source of guidance and comfort, and how it has intersected with their personal lives. They also emphasize the historical and scientific evidence that supports the truth of scripture.
Call to Action
This Chapter concludes the episode with a call to action, encouraging listeners to learn more about the ministry of Focus on the Family and to consider supporting the organization. The episode also promotes J. Warner Wallace's book, "So the Next Generation Will Know," which provides guidance for preparing young Christians for a challenging world.
Keywords
Christianity
Christianity is a monotheistic religion centered around the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is based on the belief that Jesus is the Son of God and the Messiah prophesied in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament). Christians believe in the Bible as the inspired word of God and follow Jesus' teachings, including love, forgiveness, and service to others.
Faith
Faith is a belief in something that is not immediately evident or provable. In the context of religion, faith refers to a belief in the existence and power of a higher being or beings. It is often characterized by trust, hope, and commitment.
J. Warner Wallace
J. Warner Wallace is a former cold case detective who became a follower of Jesus. He is known for his work in apologetics, which is the defense of Christian beliefs. He is the author of several books, including "Cold-Case Christianity" and "So the Next Generation Will Know." Wallace is a popular speaker and advocate for the Christian faith.
God's Word
God's Word refers to the Bible, which Christians believe is the inspired word of God. It is considered a source of guidance, comfort, and truth. The Bible is divided into two main parts: the Old Testament, which contains the Hebrew scriptures, and the New Testament, which tells the story of Jesus Christ and the early Christian church.
Focus on the Family
Focus on the Family is a Christian ministry that provides resources and support for families. The organization offers programs, counseling, and media content that address a wide range of family issues, including parenting, marriage, and relationships. Focus on the Family is known for its commitment to promoting traditional family values and biblical principles.
Apologetics
Apologetics is the defense of Christian beliefs. It involves providing evidence and arguments to support the claims of Christianity. Apologists often engage in debates with skeptics and non-believers, seeking to demonstrate the rationality and truth of the Christian faith.
Evidence
Evidence is information that supports or refutes a claim. In the context of faith, evidence can include historical records, scientific discoveries, personal experiences, and logical arguments. Christians often point to evidence as a way to support their belief in God and the Bible.
Relational Evidence
Relational evidence refers to the personal experiences and relationships that shape a person's faith. It can include encounters with God, the love and support of fellow believers, and the impact of faith on one's life. Relational evidence is often considered to be just as important as intellectual evidence in solidifying faith.
Human Flourishing
Human flourishing refers to the state of living a meaningful and fulfilling life. It is often associated with concepts such as happiness, well-being, and purpose. Christians believe that following Jesus Christ leads to human flourishing, as it provides guidance, hope, and a sense of belonging.
Q&A
How can I answer my child's question about why we are Christians?
John Fuller suggests that it's important to understand the context of the question and the child's perspective. He also emphasizes the importance of both intellectual and relational evidence in supporting faith.
What is J. Warner Wallace's story of faith?
J. Warner Wallace was a former cold case detective who was initially an angry atheist. He came to embrace Christianity through evidence and personal experiences, including encounters with God and the impact of faith on his life.
How does God's Word speak to people?
John Fuller and J. Warner Wallace both share their experiences of God's Word as a source of guidance and comfort. They describe it as a conversation that intersects with their personal lives and provides answers to their questions.
What is the connection between God's Word and human flourishing?
J. Warner Wallace argues that the Bible accurately describes the world and provides guidance for human flourishing. He believes that following Jesus Christ leads to a meaningful and fulfilling life.
What is the call to action in this episode?
The episode encourages listeners to learn more about the ministry of Focus on the Family and to consider supporting the organization. It also promotes J. Warner Wallace's book, "So the Next Generation Will Know," which provides guidance for preparing young Christians for a challenging world.
Show Notes
Has your child ever asked you why you're a Christian? How you answer that question is one of the important things you'll do as a parent. Christian apologist J. Warner Wallace speaks with Jim Daly about why he believes Christianity is true. Also, John asks Danny why he believes the Bible is the Word of God.
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