Prepared to Answer

1 Peter 3:13-17

Introduction

1.      America continues to become a more “secular” society

2.      Options available to Christians to bring about a change – legislation, Constitutional amendments, picketing, letters to Congressmen, etc.

3.      Jesus’ plan for changing the world – Mark 16:15

4.      1 Peter 3:15 is one way of stating the Christian response; Rom 1:16 is another  

Discussion

1.      Jesus had a plan for changing the world that worked

a.       It worked because Christians were eager to do good

                                                            i.      The resurrection of Jesus had replaced their fear with courage – Acts 4:13

                                                          ii.      They understood that silence in the face of unbelief was not good – Acts 4:20

                                                        iii.      They were on fire for the Lord – lukewarm Christians came later – Rev 3:16  

b.      It worked because Christians ignored the threats of unbelievers

                                                            i.      The apostles were threatened and then beaten – Acts 4:21; 5:40

                                                          ii.      Stephen was stoned – Acts 7:59

                                                        iii.      James was killed by the sword – Acts 12:2

                                                        iv.      Paul lists the calamities of his life while preaching – 2 Cor 11:23-27

                                                          v.      He proclaimed his faith – 2 Tim 1:12  

c.       It triumphed over unbelieving Jews and unbelieving Greeks (Gentiles)

                                                            i.      The Jews were scattered

                                                          ii.      The Roman government became a supporter of the Christian religion  

2.      Jesus’ plan works in our world

a.       It works when Christians sanctify Christ as Lord in their hearts

                                                            i.      Sanctify means to set apart for a sacred purpose

                                                          ii.      Rom 12:1-2 is an expression of that sanctification

                                                        iii.      Sanctified means we follow the spirit, not the flesh – Gal 5:16-18

                                                        iv.      Sanctified means we have become a light to the world – Matt 5:16  

b.      It works when Christians have reasonable answers for the questions of unbelievers

                                                            i.      Some of the issues we must be prepared to answer:  abortion, euthanasia, evolution, homosexuality, the role of women in the worship and leadership of the church, spiritual worship, the inspiration of the Bible

                                                          ii.      Some simple things that we must be able to explain

1.      The nature of God

2.      Why we believe in Jesus

3.      God’s plan of salvation

4.      Eternal judgment  

Conclusion

1.       God does not require large numbers to bring about change

2.      What God does require is faithfulness on the part of those whom he has chosen

3.      Commitment is at the heart of those who would participate in God’s program for change

a.       A commitment to Jesus and his teachings

b.      A commitment to God’s church

c.       A commitment to be “ready to give an answer”

4.       The invitation song is sung to encourage you to make a commitment if you have not already done that