TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. 1 Peter 3:15
Read: 1 Peter 3:15
Listen: 1 Peter 3
TODAY’S MESSAGE
We are not all called to speak before crowds, as Paul did. We are simply called to give an answer to anyone who asks us about our hope. A helpful way to talk about the hope we have is to focus on four simple words—God, people, Jesus and response.
God created all things, and he created it good. He even had a personal relationship with the first people, Adam and Eve. But the first people rebelled against God and broke that relationship. The massive effects were work became difficult, human relationships broke, and the once good world became corrupted. While things looked pretty bleak, God never gave up on us and even promised a rescuer.
That rescuer is named Jesus. He took on himself all the wrong that people had ever done by living a perfect life and dying on a cross. Three days later, he defeated sin and death by being raised from the dead. What’s more, he invites us to share in this victory. That is where our response comes. When we accept Jesus as Lord, we are washed clean and get to share in his victory. In short, our hope comes from our God who pursues us despite our faults and gives himself to rescue us.
That is our story. Yet this big story intersects with each of us in unique ways. We have all experienced God, brokenness and God’s rescue in different ways. It is beneficial as we talk about the gospel to mention how it affects us each personally. May we be prepared to tell others about the hope we have.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Spend some time over the next few days writing out your spiritual story. Remember to use the words God, people, Jesus and response to guide you. Your story is worth telling and worth hearing. Then begin to pray for opportunities to share about your hope. To learn more, watch this conversation between Pastor Jeff Manion and John Dickson about Sharing Your Faith Naturally.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
