“The Gospel & Evangelism - Always Be Ready” - 1 Peter 3:15-18

When it comes to evangelism, you'll hear different thoughts and opinions - such as: "I feel intimidated/nervous”; or, “I don't have that spiritual gift”; or, “I don't know enough - I feel unequipped."

Evangelism is a biblical matter - of love, loyalty, honor and obedience.

“Where in the Bible does it say that we're to be witnesses of Christ?”... The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20).  But then also Jesus’, Peter’s, Paul’s and others examples that we clearly see in Scripture.  I would  also encourage us to consider 1 Pet.3:15-18.

1 Peter 3:15

Gospel centrality and evangelism are to be focal points of Jesus followers because when Christ is Lord of your heart, you should always be ready to share.

“Apologian” - ‘a verbal defense (particularly in a court of law).  Intelligent reasoning, or a proper, well-reasoned reply; a thought-out response to adequately address the issue(s).’  

“...always be ready”!

We’re also to give an account for the hope that is in us.

We've been blessed with a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. (1 Peter 1:3)

We're to do this “with gentleness and reverence”. 

In our witnessing we’re to be kind, loving, compassionate and empathetic.

“God has indeed done something so great and grand, that nobody should ever doubt that God not only exists, but that He offers us the solution to the biggest problem we have - the fact that we all inevitably die.  The good news is that the Eternal Creator has revealed Himself by becoming the God-Man, Jesus Christ, who showed us the truth about God, and then demonstrated God's love for us by graciously saving us from our sins/death.”

1 Peter 3:16+17

Gospel centrality and evangelism are to be focal points of Jesus followers, as we develop these through keeping a good conscience, negating their slander.

If we'll take hold of our thoughts and bite our tongues while being slandered, then those who are adversarial toward us will eventually be put to shame.

Some may never change (at least that you know of); but then there may be one or two who at some point (whether you know it or not), are impacted by your “good behavior in Christ” - and maybe they'll be convicted of their ways, their lifestyle, or the company they keep.

We want to make an impact through our “good behavior” - which can be trying in many situations, but a testimony in others.

When it comes to evangelism, we're partnering with God… We can't open hearts and minds but through our words and lifestyle, we can make an impact.

“‘You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.  ‘But your job isn't to make him drink, your job is to make him thirsty.’” …So it is with relational evangelism, as our lives should be so filled with Christ that it creates a thirst for the Gospel.

1 Peter 3:18

Gospel centrality and evangelism are to be focal points of Jesus followers, as these are the means by which we’re to bring people to God.

“Evangelicals lack an understanding of Christianity's claim of ‘exclusivity’”.

When it comes to Christ’s exclusivity, either we're not in the Word; or, we don't believe the Word; or, some preachers aren't fully preaching the Word. 

“Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, ‘If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.’”  - John 8:31+32

Gospel centrality and evangelism (especially as they relate to the exclusivity of Christ), are to be focal points because Jesus is the only One Who can bring us to God.

“Christ died for sin, so believers die to sin; and unbelievers die in sin.”

We must be saved by a source other than ourselves, as human sources are wholly inadequate for salvation; and to rely upon them is to insure a spiritual  disaster.

“As I look at the empty tomb and the risen and ascended Lord, I know that the atonement has been accepted and therefore, there no longer remains a single sin in me, no matter how many nor how great my sins may have been.”

“Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd.  Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.  Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.’”  - Matthew 9:36-38  

Thank you!