Tag: 1 Peter 3:15

Come to the Table

Standing in our driveway, we chatted with our neighbors who had moved in a few days before. Wanting to be welcoming, I offered to host a few families on our block for a backyard barbeque so we could introduce them to more people. I had every intention of following through, but life just got in the way and before I knew it, summer turned to fall and the school year was under way. The time for backyard gatherings had passed but the unfulfilled promise nagged at me all year.

So, when we turned the page on the calendar and welcomed in June, I started making plans.  With surprisingly little effort, the six families that live adjacent to us found a date to gather in our yard for dinner. Some had lived on the block for years, but still only knew each other vaguely. Others had never met, despite living only a few doors down. The group included a variety of ages, life situations, nationalities, backgrounds, belief systems and interests. The common connection between us was simply that we were neighbors, but it was enough.

We ate, drank, laughed, and played corn hole (a game that requires little skill and provides ample opportunities for chatting). We learned interesting things about each other and swapped stories about the history of our neighborhood. The last guests didn’t leave until after 11pm.

A few nights later, I hosted another gathering in our backyard. This time it was a group of women who knew each other through the lacrosse team our sons played on together. Their boys had been to Houseboats with our youth group and since I went on the trip, I wanted to answer questions and share the significant things that had happened there. Some of the women were friends, others were getting acquainted for the first time. Despite living in the same town and having kids of similar ages, our backgrounds, belief systems and experiences varied widely. And although we didn’t know each other well, we shared openly and authentically around the table. The food and setting were simple, but the act of gathering for uninterrupted conversation was meaningful to all of us.

Curious to see the significance of shared meals around the table, I thumbed through the New Testament to see what it had to say. Several stops in different books taught me why it’s so important. Here’s what struck me:

We’re Following Jesus’ Example:  Jesus regularly gathered with others to share meals. The book of Luke records at least five instances when He ate with people, and not all of them were friends and family. He ate with the His greatest critics, the Pharisees. (Luke 7:36-50 and Luke 14:7-24). He shared meals with sinners like tax collectors and prostitutes (Luke 5:29-32, Luke 7:36-56). He provided food for people who wanted to learn from Him–and He didn’t turn them away even when there were more than 5000 to feed (Luke 9:10-36). And He ate with His closest friends–most famously recorded at the Last Supper (Luke 22:14-23). For Jesus, meals were opportunities for meaningful conversation and powerful teaching.

The act of sitting at a table and breaking bread opens doors for thoughtful discussions. It paves the way for greater appreciation of one another’s similarities and greater understanding of one another’s differences.

We’re Following the First Disciples’ Example:  The book of Acts records the early days of the Christian church. I love this description of some of the first believers:

“They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.”  (Acts 2:46-47, NLT)

Gathering around food with other believers is an opportunity to enjoy fellowship—to celebrate our mutual love of Jesus and our shared desire to move in sync with Him. When we include non-believers, it’s an opportunity to draw them toward the warmth of community and authentic relationships while displaying the love of Christ.

We’re Showing Obedience to God:  The Apostles Paul and Peter both wrote extensively about how followers of Jesus are called to live and act. Included in their lists of behaviors to embrace are these simple words: “Practice hospitality” and, “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.” (Romans 12:13b and 1 Peter 4:9 NIV)

Note that showing hospitality isn’t about impressing others or being a great cook. It’s about opening your home and providing a place to share love and grow in relationships. Our yard isn’t fancy or particularly impressive. We bought our patio furniture over ten years ago. When we have more guests than we can fit at that table, we roll out our weathered old wooden table and use re-painted plastic chairs around it. But what we lack in sophistication, we make up for with warm hospitality and good conversation.

We’re Building Relationships and Creating Opportunities to Share Hope:  Followers of Jesus are called to give the reason for their hope (1 Peter 3:15). Jesus continually instructed His followers to tell others about the good news of life in Him. Sharing meals with others is a simple way to begin building relationships that allow us to do this. And when opportunities arise to share our faith, we can point people to Jesus who says, “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.” (Revelation 3:20, NLT)

Eating together opens the door to meaningful conversation, mutual understanding, and just plain fun. And for some, coming to the table is the first step towards discovering the hope of salvation found only in Jesus. Take time right now and pray about who God might be leading you to invite to your table, then act on God’s leading before you lose your inspiration!

Sidewalk Prophets’ song “Come to the Table” beautifully captures the significance of inviting others to sit down with you and let Jesus do the rest.

Shining God’s Light in the Darkness

Many people forget the words others say to them but few forget how another person made them feel. The impression we leave on others through the way we treat them opens or closes doors for future opportunities to share our faith. It can take people a lot longer to recognize they are in spiritual darkness than physical darkness. But, there will come a day when they’ll recognize their need. If you’ve been there for them all along, they may finally recognize the value of the light you have to offer.

IMG_7665Descending down the paved path, our kids skipped beside us, giddy with anticipation.   We were on vacation with two other families and the fourteen of us had decided to explore a cave we’d seen advertised on a roadside sign. As we neared the entrance, a park ranger stationed at a booth nearby called out to us, “Do you folks have some flashlights? The cave is a mile long and it gets mighty dark and cold in there.”

We held up a few puny flashlights we’d planned to share among the group. He smiled in a way that let us know how pathetic we were. “It’s up to you, but I’d suggest renting a few lanterns. You’re going to want to keep close tabs on those little ones.” He gestured to the gaggle of kids surrounding us. Pooling together all the cash we had, we rented three lanterns and walked toward the adventure awaiting us at the mouth of the cave.

Within minutes, our previously boisterous kids sidled close to the adults carrying the lanterns. We left the last rays of sunlight that had been shining into the opening as we moved into the depths of the darkness . Between the forty-two degree air and the utter blackness all around us, no one wanted to stray far from the group or the light. Without the lanterns to guide our way, it would have been a frightening (and probably very short) trek into the cave.

Although this adventure happened many years ago, I remembered it vividly as I read the final verse printed at the end of the Why Do You Believe That? workbook:

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16, NIV)

Mary Jo Sharp emphasizes the reason for knowing apologetics: “You are needed in the battle for truth…It is the work of the body of Christ: to bring truth, which is light, to mankind. We cannot afford to view this work as a luxury; lives are at stake.” (Why Do You Believe That? p. 135)

Put simply, Jesus calls us to be lights that lead people towards Him in a world of spiritual darkness. When we call ourselves Christians, this should be a given. Jesus says that our lights shine when we do good deeds, which in turn brings glory to God. While non-believers may not always affirm or recognize the light Christians bring into the world, they would definitely notice if it were absent.

It is important to keep in mind that our actions often speak more loudly than our words. Even a person who is a convincing apologist loses credibility if she is all talk and no action. Consistency of character speaks more loudly than our words over the long haul.

If you’re feeling discouraged because someone has stopped listening when you share your faith, try to focus on loving the person with your actions and praying for him or her instead.   This may be the light that shines God’s truth in a way they can’t deny. Be patient, this can be a slow process.

Six weeks ago we began studying apologetics with this verse: “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)

The instructions are pretty clear and consistent with the earlier verse we reviewed. Bringing light to the world involves some personal preparation.   We learn to revere Christ as Lord by spending time with Him daily.   We prepare ourselves to give answers for the hope we have by studying His Word.

Notice that the passage focuses not only on our words but also on how we conduct ourselves. We are to speak to others gently and respectfully. Many people forget the words others say to them but few forget how another person made them feel. The impression we leave on others through the way we treat them opens or closes doors for future opportunities to share our faith. It can take people a lot longer to recognize they are in spiritual darkness than physical darkness. Our world is full of distractions that comfort or anesthetize people into believing they don’t need God. But, there will come a day when they will recognize their need. If you’ve been there for them all along, they may finally realize the value of the light you have to offer.

So how can you be a light today? Maybe it’s as simple as smiling at someone. Maybe it’s offering a word of encouragement or sharing an inspiring song. Maybe it’s helping with a task or meeting a need. Maybe it’s telling them that God loves them.  Each interaction we have with another person provides a chance to make their world a little better and to shine our lights a little brighter.

Let’s apply my story about the cave to our spiritual lives. Imagine that upon accepting Christ, each new believer receives a lantern to carry out into the world where spiritual darkness prevails. When we love people with our actions and then have opportunities to share the truth of God’s Word, we are like the people in the cave holding the lantern. Those fumbling in the dark are drawn to the light and find comfort in its presence. Our world is drowning in spiritual darkness. We have the privilege of holding the lantern and leading them into the light one step at a time.

Click on the link to hear “Marvelous Light” by Ellie Holcomb. It’s an inspiring reminder of how God changes us and then gives us the opportunity to lead others towards His marvelous light.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-5axIcYFVA

Sharp, Mary Jo; Why Do You Believe That? A Faith Conversation; Lifeway Press; 2012, 2014.

Always Be Ready

For some of us, the term “apologetics” is a little scary. We envision impassioned debates between highly knowledgeable and articulate opponents. For those of us who don’t find arguing to be a “fun” past time and who don’t enjoy confrontation, the thought of learning about apologetics might seem unappealing at best and excruciating at worst. If you’re nodding your head in agreement, please keep reading.

IMG_0288_2

Walking into the fire station’s immaculate garage, I’m surprised to find piles of clothing lying on the floor outside each truck’s open doors. The rest of the station is so orderly that the scene before me seems out of place. Turning to my brother, who is giving us a tour, I ask, “So, what’s with the clothes and boots on the floor? Were you guys in a hurry and just didn’t have time to hang up your stuff?”

He smiles wisely as he answers. “Nope. Everything is exactly as it should be. We do that to save time. When there’s an emergency, every second counts. During the day our wheels have to be rolling within sixty seconds of receiving a call. At night we have ninety seconds to get from our beds to the trucks.”

He begins showing me all of the different time saving measures the fire department takes to ensure a rapid departure: boots with zippers instead of laces, shirts with snaps (buttons are just for show on the outside), the fire pole that shaves forty-two seconds off the crew’s trip from their beds to the garage floor.   He explains that in health emergencies every second matters for averting brain or cardiac death. Rapid response is also crucial for fires, which double in size every minute.

The station’s garage no longer looks messy to me. Instead, I’m impressed realizing how attentive the department is to every detail. When calls for help come, the firefighters are always ready to respond.

Starting Focused Living’s new study on apologetics, that tour of my brother’s station makes the perfect example of the need for readiness in defending our faith. Author and  Bible teacher Mary Jo Sharp explains: “We shouldn’t need a crisis of doubt in order to learn to support our beliefs. Instead, we should begin to study the reasons for belief in God out of a love of truth.” (Why Do You Believe That? p.23) She points to the Apostle Peter’s teaching to substantiate her claim:

“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)

The firefighters in my brother’s station are always ready because lives are at stake. Isn’t the same true for us? We need to spend time studying God’s word so that we can speak about it clearly when opportunities arise.

For some of us, the term “apologetics” is a little scary. We envision impassioned debates between highly knowledgeable and articulate opponents. For those of us who don’t find arguing to be a “fun” past time and who don’t enjoy confrontation, the thought of learning about apologetics might seem unappealing at best and excruciating at worst. If you’re nodding your head in agreement, please keep reading.

The first time I encountered a seasoned apologist was on the campus of my large, secular university. I heard his voice before I laid eyes on him. Rounding the corner, I saw a tall man standing on the main quad, surrounded by a large crowd of students. He spoke with a booming voice, sharing the good news of Jesus with a boldness and confidence that were truly inspiring. Hecklers in the crowd would occasionally interrupt to pose questions. He would stop speaking and look for the person who’d asked. Once he made eye contact, he would smile gently. “I’m glad you asked that,” he’d say, before giving a clear answer that made perfect sense. His Bible was in his hands as he paced back and forth in the small space the crowd gave him to move.

Standing on the fringes of the group, I was mesmerized by his words. Being a Christian at such a large university had often caused me to feel like I didn’t fit in. Hearing this man speak with conviction and confidence about Jesus out in public was like getting a pep talk from an inspiring coach. He wasn’t ashamed of the gospel, he was proud to share it, knowing he had something to offer his hearers that would change their lives for eternity.

Not all of us may be able to command a crowd like that apologist did on my college campus, but we all have opportunities to make an impact for Christ in our spheres of influence. So many times we get intimidated to share the hope we have because we don’t feel we know enough or we fear it might lead to conflict. I wonder how many opportunities I’ve missed because I was too afraid of saying the wrong thing.

That is why I’m so excited to be doing Mary Jo Sharp’s study: Why Do You Believe That? A Faith Conversation. In her first video teaching, she explains a few misperceptions that might hold us back from wanting to delve into apologetics.

First, she explains that apologetics has nothing to do with the word “apologize.” Apologetics means: “to make a case or present a defense.” She points out that giving a defense doesn’t mean we have to be defensive and that being able to argue doesn’t mean we have to be argumentative. On the contrary, studying apologetics will give us the confidence to speak clearly, putting our listeners and us at ease. That’s why the apologist at my college could say: “I’m glad you asked that,” and really mean it. He had an answer that would bless those hearing it.

Learning to speak clearly about what we believe and why we believe it will give us opportunities to engage people in meaningful conversations. We’ll have the chance to dispel misperceptions about Christians. Sometimes, we might even encourage fellow believers, as the apologist did for me when I was in college. Most importantly, we earn the right to be heard and get the chance to present a life-changing and soul-saving message to hurting people desperately in need of a Savior.

I look forward to sharing the adventure of this study with you over the next month and a half.  Mary Jo reminds us of Jesus’ words: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37, NIV) Will you join me in praying that God will prepare our minds to absorb all of the truth this study has to offer? It’s just one of the many ways we can show the Lord we love Him.

Click on the link to hear Lincoln Brewster’s song “Love the Lord” which combines Jesus’ words in Matthew 22:37 with a similar command from Deuteronomy 6:5.

Sharp, Mary Jo; Why Do You Believe That?  A Faith Conversation; Lifeway Press; 2012 & 2014.