| Our verse to DATE the Word on March 15 (3/15) is 1 Peter 3:15 |
|---|
| 1 Peter 3:15 says, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” **The ESV reads, “but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,” Be READY TO TELL HIS STORY As believers, we will face trials and we will go through times described as suffering. We will face persecution. As trials, sufferings, and persecution come into our lives we respond differently. In verse 14 of 1 Peter 3, Peter writes, “But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled.” This is a definite difference. Burdens are blessings. Instead of becoming more FEARFUL, we become more FAITHFUL! The test does not trouble us as we see it developing our testimony. YOUR TEST DEVELOPS YOUR TESTIMONY! Peter follows up his teaching on how our response is different by telling us to now be READY TO GIVE THE REASON FOR SUCH A RESPONSE. As unbelievers see a response of hope in the midst of hopelessness they will WANT TO KNOW WHY AND HOW you could respond as you have responded. Your response of trusting God in the trial and/or the suffering is OPENING a door to SHOW and SHARE your SAVIOR! Your trust in God as you face the test creates an opportunity to tell your testimony! Thus, you need to BE READY!!! It is worth noting that the Greek word for “a defense” gives us our English word apology. While an apology is immediately thought of as an acknowledgment of having done something wrong it is also an explanation or a justification. From this Greek word, we get what is called APOLOGETICS. A person involved in APOLOGETICS explains Christian BELIEFS. They help us to know WHAT we believe and WHY we believe it. While it is worth knowing about apologetics and that its origin is here in 1 Peter 3:15 what we need to know is each of us should be ready to share with simplicity how God is impacting our lives. How has He impacted your life in the past? What is your story of being saved? How is He impacting your life in the present? What is your story of God’s present provisions? How is He impacting your life for the future? What is your story of trusting God with all your tomorrows? My hope from looking at 1 Peter 3:15 is each of us will be looking for opportunities to share our story. As I grew up one of my favorite hymns to sing was, I Love to Tell the Story. The third stanza says, “I love to tell the story; ’Tis pleasant to repeat What seems each time I tell it, More wonderfully sweet. I love to tell the story; For some have never heard The message of salvation From God’s own holy Word.” Then the chorus says, “I love to tell the story, ‘Twill be my theme in glory To tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love.” I trust you love to tell the story of Jesus and are looking for opportunities to tell His story! Now here is a thought from DATE THE WORD. Tomorrow is March 16 or 3/16 and when we think of 3/16 hopefully John 3:16 comes to mind. Plan now to share John 3:16 through the variety of social media avenues you have. Tell the story of Jesus to someone using March 16 (3/16) as an opening and share John 3:16. Verse to DATE the Word on March 15 (3/15) is 1 Peter 3:15. It says, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” Continue Strong telling His Story And remember to DATE THE WORD |
I Will Sing Of Your Manifold Mercies
September 19, 2024