In 1st Peter 3:15, Jesus exhorts his congregation, “honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for the reason for the hope that is in you.” This word, “defense,” a translation of the greek ἀπολογία (apologia), has been an integral part of the church’s mission since the first day Jesus sent his disciples into the world. In every age, the claims of the Christian faith are challenged, and Christian people are called to examine and defend their claims in service of the “hope that is in you.” There is an old adage that goes, “the heart can’t accept what the mind rejects;” consequently, if we can’t defend the faith, we can’t defend our hope, and when (not if!) hope is challenged, a weakened faith will falter.
Message from Dr. Koch: "In many ways, I think that the experience way back in college of my own immature faith faltering in light of the challenges of the age caused me to go into ministry, to work on my own defense of the faith and help others do the same. This is why I’ve created the 'Weekend Review,' because I’ve walked with too many people through difficult times who have unduly suffered through the hopelessness that is the result of a weakened, anemic faith. Come join me each week as I look at a variety of topics —from current events to ancient philosophy and back— from a biblical worldview as we work out the faith in service of gaining, as we pray in our Rite I service post-communion prayer, the “strength and courage to love and serve the Lord.” I hope to see you there!"
Message from Dr. Koch: "In many ways, I think that the experience way back in college of my own immature faith faltering in light of the challenges of the age caused me to go into ministry, to work on my own defense of the faith and help others do the same. This is why I’ve created the 'Weekend Review,' because I’ve walked with too many people through difficult times who have unduly suffered through the hopelessness that is the result of a weakened, anemic faith. Come join me each week as I look at a variety of topics —from current events to ancient philosophy and back— from a biblical worldview as we work out the faith in service of gaining, as we pray in our Rite I service post-communion prayer, the “strength and courage to love and serve the Lord.” I hope to see you there!"