Originally Posted by Wannabee

The resources listed here are great, but from what you've said, I would strongly caution against studying apologetics at this time. This is based on the fact that you said you are distancing yourself from Pentecostalism. Inherent to Pentecostals is a lack of systematic study. I urge you to start with knowing your Bible, in context; and learning systematics. Even then, I'd urge a comprehensive study of the Bible first.

Consider this carefully. Learning to "defend the faith" without first understanding it well can lead to great pride in one's ability to argue. Even if one understands Scripture well, being skilled at apologetics can be disastrous as one becomes confident in their ability, rather than God's Word. Know the Word first. That is your best apologetic anyway. And it transforms you more readily into the image of Christ, which is another great apologetic. You are to be able to give a reason for the hope that is within you - a great apologetic. In other words, please stay away from the advanced apologetics until you've grounded yourself in what the Bible says and who Christ is. Read your Bible. Read it systematically. Skim it. Outline it. Read it chronologically. Read it topically. Read it until nobody can tell you "the Bible doesn't say that," when it does, or that "the Bible says this," when it doesn't. Many excellent Bible Survey resources are available as well.

After you've done a comprehensive study of the Bible as a whole, then I would concentrate on Systematics. You should know your Bible well first because there are many references in systematics and you must be able to tie the thoughts together, and recognize error. If you don't know Scripture well then you will easily be lead astray into errant doctrines. Know God's Word.

Ephesians 4:13-16
till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

Then pursue systematics because that will help you learn how to better understand God's Word and work through the various doctrines. You will understand how to study God's Word better by reading men who have a deep understanding of Scripture and have a great knowledge of how to work through various challenges associated with the doctrines of God. You will be enriched and become more like your Savior as you pursue Him first. Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology is a good one. Of course, you can't go wrong with Calvin's Institutes, but its arrangement isn't as easy to follow as some of the more contemporary sources. Others here would offer other sources that are good as well.

After these, I would encourage apologetics. However, I would again caution you not to learn apologetics alone. The study of apologetics is too easily perceived as a means to win an argument. Many who get involved in it are more interested in discrediting their opponents than truly exalting Christ. Study apologetics, then study evangelism. Develop a heart for the lost so that your ability to understand the undercurrents of their arguments is tempered by your greater desire to see them know Christ. Develop a love for God's people. Let your ability to defend your faith be tempered by the greatest commandment of all, to love; God, your brother in Christ and those who stand condemned.

The goal is to leave the sweet aroma of Christ, that God's Word would either convict or condemn. But if you are trying to win or devastate your opponent, you'll leave a wake of resentment toward you and alienate men while dragging the name of Jesus through the cesspit of your own pride. Simply plant and water in earnest love, trusting in God to provide the increase.

1 Timothy 4:12-16
Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

2 Timothy 2:14-15
Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers. Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2 Timothy 2:22-26
Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.