Absolutely. How can I possibly be an effective apologist if I’m a brand new Christian with little education, no training in philosophy, history, theology, science or any apologetic methodologies or arguments?

Answer – by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit within you. You have infinite divine power within you. “The Holy Spirit will give you the words to say at the moment when you need them.” (Luke 12:12) Jesus promises that when you need to defend your faith, the Holy Spirit will give you the words.

Ayaan Hirsi Ali was a brand new born-again Christian when she debated atheist Richard Dawkins. She was formerly known as an outspoken radical Muslim, and then a famous atheist who constantly mocked Islam and Christianity. However, despite her seemingly confident posture as an atheist, she was miserable. She came to Christ and something profound happened to her and her life was forever changed. Atheist Richard Dawkins, her friend and former mentor, still found a way to mock her in a debate with her but what she humbly said to him was simply amazing. You can watch the debate here.

Often, a simple reply from the heart, empowered by the Holy Spirit, is far more powerful and effective than a cosmological, ontological, evidential, presuppositional or transcendent argument. Remember that you are defending why you believe and a changed life is the most powerful apologetic. The early Christians understood this which is why they often pointed to their counter-cultural lives as evidence.

Let the Holy Spirit use you.