I am not suggesting the only thing in Scripture relevant to evangelism is rational argument and apologetics. However, I am suggesting that apologetics is an absolutely essential ingredient to biblical evangelism. And it is easy to see why. An emphasis on reasoning in evangelism makes the truthfulness of the gospel the main issue, not the self-interested "fulfillment" of the listener. Felt needs are important, but if they are made the issue, Christianity will be seen as just another means of helping the convert overcome his problems, along with his therapist and workout routine. Let me repeat - there is a place for simple gospel presentation and for addressing people's felt needs in our evangelistic strategy. But these should never be the tail that wags the dog, at least not if our evangelism is to express biblical teaching and common sense. If the truth of a message is important, apologetical reasoning will be a crucial part of evangelism because it places the emphasis where it should be - on the truth of the message. (132-3)
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