Always Ready to Make a Defense
As I have said before, we live in a world that is very hostile to Christianity and Christians because of what we believe. In fact, there are more and more attacks on believers on the Internet and in the media. I am sure many people are feeling more pressure at work not to say anything about the Bible or about their beliefs to their co-workers. We can see how this type of persecution can cause believers to be hesitant to speak up for the Lord. However, we must remember we are the light of the world, and we have the truth to share with this world, so we must not be silent. Peter wrote to Christians in his day who were being persecuted for their faith. He told them what to do, and it applies to us today. (I Peter 3:15) We must sanctify Christ as Lord in our heart and always be read to make a defense to everyone who asks us for the hope that is in us. We must do it with gentleness and reverence. Let's consider what the Lord said here.
Jesus Christ must be set apart in our heart as Lord of all and Lord of our life. When we make that steadfast commitment, we realize we must live by what He said to us in His Word and what He says to us as we pray to Him. We must not allow this world to press us into its mold. In every case we must be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks us about our faith. They may be for Christ or against Him, or they may be somewhat neutral, but we are to be ready and able to tell them why we believe Jesus is Lord. That is, we give them a defense of the truth, like laying out the facts in a court. After we finish, they will see clearly why we have the confident hope that we will go to heaven. Even if they are asking in a hostile way, we must not retaliate or be mean to them. We must give our defense with gentleness and reverence for God and them. We must show them the character of Jesus as we answer them. This will greatly honor the Lord and be a great display of the truth of the gospel of Jesus.
#NHBaptistdotorg
Tomorrow, I intend to read I Peter 4-5 and II Peter 1.