The Bible tells every Christian to "always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you" (1 Peter 3:15). Christian Apologetics is for all Christians, each and every believer!

The word for “defense” in 1 Peter 3:15 is derived from the Greek word “apologia” and it is from this biblical Greek word that we get the term and meaning for “apologetics.” The word means to give a defense of the Gospel, especially from false teachings.

Far from being sorry for something, Christian apologetics is carrying out this important biblical mandate. Prepared and ready - always ready to give a defense for our faith and always ready to share our faith.

Apologetics is certainly Bible-based! God's Word tells every Christian to always be ready to defend the faith and give a reason for the hope that is in us. A few of the Bible passages that call for Christian apologetics include (emphasis added):

1 Peter 3:15, "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear."

Colossians 4:5-6, "Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one."

Matthew 22:37, "Jesus said to him, 'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.'"

Colossians 3:2, "Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth."

Philippians 1:16-17, "The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel."

Titus 1:9, "Holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict."

Jude 1:3b, "I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints."

Christian Apologetics is certainly a biblical discipline that is to be carried out by each and every Christian.

In today's culture there is an increasing need for Christian Apologetics! Times have changed and our culture has changed - there has been an indisputable move to a relativistic, postmodern worldview that is prevalent in our culture. Today's culture is often ready to embrace and promote other religions, refusing to say a single word critical of other religions. Yet this same culture will publicly attack, challenge, misrepresent, and mock Christianity.

Many people today actually believe that there is no absolute truth and while you may believe something, you must allow others to believe differently - while accepting his or her claim that their belief is just as valid as yours. You hear phrases such as "true for you but not for me;" "perception is reality;" and "do not be intolerant." If something happens to someone it is often attributed to "karma" or one of a variety of so-called "gods" were at work as people want to be "spiritual" as defined by and within themselves.

Think about how things have changed:

Yet, it is this very world that needs the Lord Jesus Christ. We are commanded to go and make disciples and the reality is that people need the Lord.

As Christians "go" into the world, this world will question, challenge, and even mock or attack our faith like never before - we must be ready like never before.

Today, saying "the Bible says it and that settles it" does not automatically connect with a person like it once might have. In today's world, a Christian must know what they believe and why they believe it in order to reach through the doubts and objections of others.

The need is great, people need Jesus. We must be ready to dialogue with them, answer their sincere questions, and show them the truth of God's word.