Apologia Study Guide

Apologia

Reasons to Believe for Skeptics, Seekers, & Believers

The Movie – INTRODUCTION

The primary purpose of the Apologia series is for Seekers, Skeptics and Believers to better understand the Christian Faith and for believers to give sufficient answers to objections to the Faith. Apologia is a defense of the Christian Faith in the tradition of Apologists from ancient times until now. The Bible is clear that to truly be a faithful Christian disciple we are to love Christ and people, follow and grow in our relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus said many would know about and even call on Him as Lord, Matthew 7: but scripture teaches that they do not follow God by not doing His Will! Jesus gives 4 warnings about superficial Christianity in the Sermon on the Mount. Superficial Christianity is very common in our world today. This Series along with the Book is designed to strengthen our faith, teach people about defending the Christian Faith and help Believers be able to witness and give good answers to people’s objections.

Study Guide:

Watch the Apologia Introduction through once and make mental notes. The film starts with the universe coming into being. Please look at the accounts where the Bible describes Creation, Genesis 1:1-5, Job 38:4-7, Psalm 33:6-15, Psalm 104: 1-9, Colossians 1:15-16, Hebrews 1:2, John 1: 1-5, 14. What insights do you draw out of these Biblical descriptions of Creation, ESPECIALLY John 1:1-5?

Carl Sagan, a well-known astronomer and agnostic, had a well-published discussion about the origins of the universe with Christian Theologian R.C. Sproul. Both agreed that the universe had a beginning. R.C. Sproul asked Carl Sagan, “We know every effect has a cause, so what cause is behind this incredible energy that burst forth to become the universe?” Carl Sagan simply said, “I do not want to go there!” What are your thoughts about the origin of the universe and why?

In each of the Jesus film clips something beautiful is depicted about Jesus. When people get to know Jesus, they develop a deep love for Jesus like David in the Psalm 27:4, or Peter in John 21: 15-17. In the depictions of Christ, He spoke of His mission Luke 19:10, our mission Matthew 4:19, heals and forgives sins Luke 5: 17-26, miraculously provided food Matthew 19: 13-21, walked on water, Peter attempted to walk on water Matthew 14: 22-33, preached wonderful sermons, rose and left the empty tomb Luke 24: 1-11, and had many Post Resurrection appearance John 20: 24-29. What do these Biblical events tell us about Jesus?

The Clip with Jesus on the Cross is very bloody! Why is the blood of Jesus very important, and what is the Substitutionary Sacrifice mean for us? Read Isaiah 53:6, Romans 5:9.

In any film depiction of Jesus, we need to compare the scene with the Bible. We can learn greatly by comparing directly what God’s word says. Do you have a favorite Biblical film scene? What film and why do you like it?

When the film varies from the Bible, we can learn the truth by studying the Word. After the film Clips Christianity moves forward quickly. We begin with the Resurrection that is compared to an atomic bomb going off in history. Why is an atomic bomb compared to the Resurrection? Why is the Resurrection the most significant event in history? Read 1 Corinthians 15: 12-23.

In the film very important events are mentioned: The rapid growth of the Christian faith covering the Roman Empire in three centuries, the Ascension and the promised Return of Jesus Christ. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Acts 2: 1-13. Believers in Jesus Christ boldly preach the Gospel and many respond, Acts 2: 14-41. Many are incredibly blessed where some lost their lives as Martyrs, Acts 7:51-60. When you hear these words, Ascension, the Return of Christ, Pentecost, boldly Preaching, and Martyrdom, what comes to mind?

As Dr. Bybee enters the film, he discusses the questions that life demands answers and the folly of thinking that everything came from nothing. What is your reaction when an educated scientist says the world and universe all came from nothing?

What if you discovered a large sphere or ball in your back yard, would it make sense to say it came from nowhere? Is it reasonable to say that the beauty and very complex world around us just happened or formed from nothing with no intelligence behind it? Read Romans 1:19-20

Watch the film a second time to prayerfully examine what you learned from the Apologia study guide. Please join along on Apologia and the soon-to-be-available 8-part series which examines the Christian Faith with episodes on common sense, logic, science, the life of Jesus, the validity of the Bible, the Resurrection and much more.

Study Guide – Introduction

Apologia Study Guide