Verse of the Day 8/25

Verse of the Day 8/25

1 Peter 3:15  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,  English Standard Version (ESV)

Last week the Democratic National Convention was held and this week it is the Republican National Convention that is in progress.  In each instance there have been and will be 4 nights of speeches from representatives of the two parties making arguments, you might say making a defense for the choices they believe in.  Much time and careful planning have gone into each of these speeches trying to sway the listeners to their beliefs or their side of the debate.  While much of it is looking forward, it has to be based on what has been done, what has been accomplished in the past.  The one with the better argument may or may not win, but they will have made their case.

So it is for us as Christians, Peter is calling his hearers and us to be ready to give a testimony.  It is not just based on belief, but it is based on experience and convictions.  A belief is an acceptance of a truth, a cognitive acknowledgement about something, something that you are willing to argue about.  A conviction goes beyond that.  It is a demonstration of the truth, a belief lived out; something that you'll give anything for, even die for.  This is what we are making a defense about.  Our faith is grounded not just in a belief, but what that belief is grounded on, our Savior Jesus Christ.  We not only believe but we are convicted, convinced of it and are willing to stake our lives, our eternity on it.

Read the passage below.  Others may defame you, putting you down for what you believe.  But if you apply what you believe and do good, do no harm, others will stop take notice and possibly even be ashamed of their behavior.  To do so will mean setting Christ apart in your heart and allowing Him to speak through you in words and actions.

--   In Christ,  Mike    Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com  Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,  in accordance with the riches of God's grace.  NIV    

1 Peter 3:13-17 New King James Version (NKJV)

Suffering for Right and Wrong

¹³ And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? ¹⁴ But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. "And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled." ¹⁵ But ^[a]sanctify ^[b]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; ¹⁶ having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. ¹⁷ For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.