Podcast Episode 12 with Andrew Rappaport

This transcript is from an episode of the Bibles and Bullhorns podcast, where hosts Jonathan Morris and Jon Neifert interview Andrew Rapaport, the executive director of Striving for Eternity Ministries.

Key Points:

Introduction to Andrew Rapaport

• Andrew is the author of What Do We Believe and What Do They Believe and hosts two podcasts, The Rap Report and Apologetics Live.
• The conversation opens with humor, including references to Calvinism and the TULIP doctrine.

Calvinism and Evangelism:

• Understanding Calvinism: Andrew explains Calvinism, emphasizing doctrines such as Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, and Perseverance of the Saints.
• Why Calvinists Evangelize: Contrary to the stereotype, Andrew argues that Calvinists are active in evangelism because they follow God’s command to spread the gospel and trust God’s sovereignty in salvation.
• Misconceptions: He addresses misconceptions, such as Calvinists being deterministic or inactive in sharing the gospel.

Using Scripture in Evangelism:

• Andrew highlights the importance of grounding evangelistic efforts in Scripture, as God’s word has the power to transform lives.
• He emphasizes the need to share the gospel with love and humility, avoiding arrogance or confrontational attitudes.

Apologetics in Evangelism:

• Purpose of Apologetics: Andrew describes apologetics as a tool to “shut the mouth of the ignorant” (from Titus), allowing for the gospel to be shared effectively.
• Presuppositional Apologetics: He maintains two presuppositions—God exists and has spoken—and uses these as the foundation for engaging skeptics.
• Addressing Common Objections:
  • On the reliability of Scripture: Andrew refutes the “telephone game” analogy and provides evidence for the Bible’s consistency through textual criticism.  
  • On God’s existence: He insists that everyone inherently knows God exists, as stated in Romans 1, but suppresses this truth in unrighteousness.

Practical Advice for Evangelists:

• Fear of Not Knowing Enough: Andrew advises evangelists to admit when they don’t know an answer and use the opportunity to follow up with research.
• Key Questions: When faced with objections, Andrew suggests redirecting the conversation back to the gospel with phrases like, “How does that help you on Judgment Day?”

Closing Thoughts:

• The discussion touches on the importance of humility, love, and focusing on the gospel rather than winning arguments.
• Andrew also shares resources, including his books and podcasts, to help equip Christians for evangelism and apologetics.

The episode underscores the centrality of Scripture, humility, and trust in God’s sovereignty for effective evangelism. Andrew Rapaport’s insights provide practical and theological tools for engaging skeptics and sharing the gospel with clarity and compassion.