Telling THE Story of our HOPE, part 3

Part 3 of a 3-part series challenging us as believers to go beyond sharing just our "faith" but also #HOPE as we tell OUR STORY.

 

 

 

 

We have this #HOPE as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure...

Hebrews 6:19

   
But in your hearts set apart 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

What steps can I take to make sure others not only see my life of faith but ALSO see my HOPE?

(see parts 1 & 2 of this series)

"The first step in effectively sharing our own HOPE with others is LIVING OUT the following of HIS leadership.  We must "set apart Christ as Lord" of OUR lives as a living example of what it means to be a Christ follower.  Christ said we are the Salt.  He did not say we could be or might be.  He said we ARE the salt.  It our choice as to just how salty we will be and it will be based on our level of surrender to Christ...."

Step 2:  Be Prepared
Be prepared.  Many times Christ followers have surrendered their lives to Jesus.  They have made Him Lord and master of their lives.  They have "set apart Christ as Lord" of their hearts.  And the result is others are asking about their hope.  The problem is they don't know how to answer the question.

Someone says, "Why are you up beat all the time?"  

Their response, "Well...I don't know...I just am."  

"Well thanks...that helps."

They’re thinking to themselves:

“I don’t know what to say”

“I’m afraid I’ll mess it up!”

Here's my response to that:  Remember that woman at the well?  She had a "chance encounter" with Jesus which changed her life for eternity.  And what did she do?  She ran all over town NOT ONLY #TellingTHEStory like it was her job!  She ALSO brought everyone in town back to meet this Jesus for themselves!

Can I just tell ya something?
She had no seminary degree.  She had no formal Bible training.   She was one of the least likely candidates on the planet for a ministry leadership position.  By the way, the disciples had gone on in to town to get some lunch.  They apparently did not tell a living soul about Jesus OR bring anybody back to meet Him!  So… that happened.

Can I just tell ya something else?
The beauty of sharing YOUR HOPE….Is that it is YOUR HOPE!  It is what YOU have experienced.  It is what you have seen and heard.  You don’t have to have any fancy pants theological answers.  

But in your hearts set apart 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

Why do YOU have hope in Christ?  What is YOUR story?  Are you telling your story?