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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11 2020
Today is our final day on this week’s theme of Immanuel—God with us in hope.
If you have a relationship with Jesus Christ, you have been given an unending Source of hope. But along with that gift of hope in the relationship, you have also been given a responsibility to share hope. In 1 Peter, he shares a powerful word for us regarding our part in this hope. Listen to chapter 3, verse 15 …
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. But do this with gentleness and respect,
(1 Peter 3:15 NIV)
When should we be prepared? Always.
Who should we be prepared to share with? Everyone.
What do we give them? The reason for our hope.
How do we share this message? With gentleness and respect.
I want to give you an alliteration of four “L”’s to help you remember your part in the Gospel.
Number One — Listen
The Holy Spirit knows who, when, and where someone is ready to hear about Christ. He can and will tell us who to tell about Jesus. In a culture that is obsessed with speaking their opinions, we must learn to truly listen to people. The old saying, “People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care” is a crucial precursor to the Gospel.
Number Two — Look
Look for the doorway, the gateway, to present Jesus. People will bring up their needs, their hurts, their desires, which can lead to a spiritual conversation. Then …
Number Three — Lead the conversation to Christ
There will be circumstances where God will have us speak to someone only once. Other times, we befriend a person and will have many conversations over time. We are stewards of the Gospel from salvation to Heaven and responsible for the times when He speaks to us to share our faith.
Listen again to St Peter’s words
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. But do this with gentleness and respect,
(1 Peter 3:15 NIV)
While there is only one Gospel, only one Lord, one faith, and one baptism, there can be many inroads and doorways to reach people. God can use interests, hobbies, work experiences, and relationships to bring people into our lives to share Him. The ways to touch and reach people are as diverse as we are. God will never ask us to compromise His message but He finds many ways to customize His message to reach people … with the message of Immanuel—God with Us.
Pray with me: “Lord Jesus, it really is amazing that while we are the very people that caused You to have to come and give Your life, You then give us the responsibility and the privilege to share Your hope with others. Please give me the boldness and the heart to share You, to give an answer for the hope that I have in You. As above, so below.”
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By Kindred Resources / SPS
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Today is our final day on this week’s theme of Immanuel—God with us in hope.
If you have a relationship with Jesus Christ, you have been given an unending Source of hope. But along with that gift of hope in the relationship, you have also been given a responsibility to share hope. In 1 Peter, he shares a powerful word for us regarding our part in this hope. Listen to chapter 3, verse 15 …
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. But do this with gentleness and respect,
(1 Peter 3:15 NIV)
When should we be prepared? Always.
Who should we be prepared to share with? Everyone.
What do we give them? The reason for our hope.
How do we share this message? With gentleness and respect.
I want to give you an alliteration of four “L”’s to help you remember your part in the Gospel.
Number One — Listen
The Holy Spirit knows who, when, and where someone is ready to hear about Christ. He can and will tell us who to tell about Jesus. In a culture that is obsessed with speaking their opinions, we must learn to truly listen to people. The old saying, “People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care” is a crucial precursor to the Gospel.
Number Two — Look
Look for the doorway, the gateway, to present Jesus. People will bring up their needs, their hurts, their desires, which can lead to a spiritual conversation. Then …
Number Three — Lead the conversation to Christ
There will be circumstances where God will have us speak to someone only once. Other times, we befriend a person and will have many conversations over time. We are stewards of the Gospel from salvation to Heaven and responsible for the times when He speaks to us to share our faith.
Listen again to St Peter’s words
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. But do this with gentleness and respect,
(1 Peter 3:15 NIV)
While there is only one Gospel, only one Lord, one faith, and one baptism, there can be many inroads and doorways to reach people. God can use interests, hobbies, work experiences, and relationships to bring people into our lives to share Him. The ways to touch and reach people are as diverse as we are. God will never ask us to compromise His message but He finds many ways to customize His message to reach people … with the message of Immanuel—God with Us.
Pray with me: “Lord Jesus, it really is amazing that while we are the very people that caused You to have to come and give Your life, You then give us the responsibility and the privilege to share Your hope with others. Please give me the boldness and the heart to share You, to give an answer for the hope that I have in You. As above, so below.”