The Greek word apologia means "to give a reasoned defense for what you believe to be true." It is used 19 times in the new Testament. 1 Peter 3:15 (Amplified) is one such instance.

"But in your hearts set Christ apart as holy [and acknowledge Him] as Lord. Always be ready to give a logical defense (apologia) to anyone who asks you to account for the hope that is in you, but do it courteously and respectfully"

We, as followers of Christ, are mandated to defend our faith in every area. This section is dedicated to answering the questions of many as to the authenticity of our faith as Christians. Though it will not give detailed answers, it will attempt to convey some core truths about Christianity.

Is God a person?

The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are the three Persons who are one God. We use the word “person” because each exhibit attributes of personhood. This is not to say that they each have a body made up of flesh and bones, but that they each have a personality. They each have a mind, will, and emotions along with unfathomable intelligence and knowledge, ability to communicate etc.

Many of us understand the personhood of Jesus Christ since history records His birth, His life on earth, His ministry; teachings and miracles, and His death and resurrection. We also understand the personhood of the Father as the entire Bible records Him speaking the world into existence, making man, speaking through His prophets throughout the ages, giving commandments and instructions, and performing miracles through His servants. He also expressed regret in making man in the book of Genesis, love for His people throughout the Bible, and intense hatred for sin. He counseled and reasoned with man, and He commanded man to follow the ways of righteousness and judged those who violated His commands, but only after first extending the hand of grace over and over again. He is recorded as a God who is perfect love and perfect justice at the same time. His grace and mercy are abundant on sinners, and His wrath is mighty upon all sin.

Often the point of controversy is whether the Holy Spirit is a person. Many believe Him to be just a thing, a powerful force, or even God’s spirit, but not a separate Person. However, we can see from scripture that He is very much a person with a mind, will, and emotions just like the Father and the Son; able to teach, instruct, intercede, comfort, lead, speak, judge, convict, forbid etc, yet separate from the Father and the Son.

The Holy Spirit speaks "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches" (Rev.2:7). The Holy Spirit intercedes for us "And in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words" (Rom.8:26). He gives instructions "And the spirit said to Philip, Go up and join his chariot" (Act.8:29). He strives with us “And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man” (Genesis 6:3). He is our comforter and He testifies of Jesus “But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me” (John 15:26). He convicts us of sin, “And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” (john 16:8) He can be grieved “And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” (Ephesians 4:30). We can quench Him "Do not quench the Spirit, do not despise the prophet's warnings" (1Thes.5:19). He appoints, “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers” (Act.20:28). He has knowledge “But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.”(1 Corinthians 2:10) He teaches us and causes us to remember truth, “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”(John :14:26) The Father and the Holy Spirit sent Jesus Christ “Come ye near unto me, hear ye this; I have not spoken in secret from the beginning; from the time that it was, there am I: and now the Lord GOD, and his Spirit, hath sent me.”(Isaiah 48:16). These are just a few of the biblical references that demonstrate the personhood of the Holy Spirit.