Abba'sLil'Girl
January 20th, 2008, 11:30 PM
1 Peter 3:15
15But in your hearts set apart 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, 16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
I love Theological debates. I love to hear what others are thinking - even if I disagree with their interpretations. Yet, lately I have come to wonder just what exactly do I and my debate companions take away from these lively conversations?
I think often we get caught up in over pressing our interpretation of doctrine. We, consciously or unconsciously, sometimes fall into the trap of religion-peddling. It seems to me that there is more marketing on the "how to's" of Christianity, than there is on what a life with Jesus Christ really means. Granted, there are some great books and resources on the Christian life, yet I think the greatest impact a Christian can have on another is a living testimony of the Hope that lies within.
The Apostle Peter's words are clear. It is not necessarily doctrine and theology that unbeliever's are drawn to - although doctrine is important. What makes a Christian stand out should not be the amount of knowledge he has on the subject of Christianity, but the Hope of Christ that undoubtably sets him apart.
When we sanctify - or set apart - Christ as our Lord, and seek only to know Him more, then the Hope that lies within surfaces, and it is then Christ who sets us apart from the world. We are called not only to be prepared to give an answer for this Hope in order to draw others to Christ, but to share this Hope with a gentleness and respect that keeps our conscience clear. Simple enough. I like that.
Christian Hope should be contagious. It is one infectious agent we should desire to contract and one we can't help but spread. Do you have it?
Achew . . .Grace, Peace - AND HOPE - to you. :)
15But in your hearts set apart 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, 16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
I love Theological debates. I love to hear what others are thinking - even if I disagree with their interpretations. Yet, lately I have come to wonder just what exactly do I and my debate companions take away from these lively conversations?
I think often we get caught up in over pressing our interpretation of doctrine. We, consciously or unconsciously, sometimes fall into the trap of religion-peddling. It seems to me that there is more marketing on the "how to's" of Christianity, than there is on what a life with Jesus Christ really means. Granted, there are some great books and resources on the Christian life, yet I think the greatest impact a Christian can have on another is a living testimony of the Hope that lies within.
The Apostle Peter's words are clear. It is not necessarily doctrine and theology that unbeliever's are drawn to - although doctrine is important. What makes a Christian stand out should not be the amount of knowledge he has on the subject of Christianity, but the Hope of Christ that undoubtably sets him apart.
When we sanctify - or set apart - Christ as our Lord, and seek only to know Him more, then the Hope that lies within surfaces, and it is then Christ who sets us apart from the world. We are called not only to be prepared to give an answer for this Hope in order to draw others to Christ, but to share this Hope with a gentleness and respect that keeps our conscience clear. Simple enough. I like that.
Christian Hope should be contagious. It is one infectious agent we should desire to contract and one we can't help but spread. Do you have it?
Achew . . .Grace, Peace - AND HOPE - to you. :)