June 16, 2013 · 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

The Reason for the Hope

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)
Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

“The gospel doesn't need our anger, doesn't need our vindictiveness. The final argument for Jesus is a good life lived out by us as we live and get formed in Jesus. … Why do you have hope in Jesus? Some of the most persuasive things is your own experience of how you met Jesus. Because if you've experienced God like millions of us have, he's made an impact on your life. Talking about the philosophical problems is helpful and it's important for people who have these intellectual questions, but your personal experience of Jesus Christ is the very best reason for your hope that you could ever give.”
— Rev. Dr. Cyril Guerette, "The Reason for the Hope (1 Peter 3:15–16)"

His charge, that Sunday

“The homework I'm going to give to you is to go home and to think about your story. When someone asks you for the reason for the hope you have, give them your story.”

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The Reason for the Hope

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