"Apologize" For Jesus

Since Jesus is in total control of this world is there any reason for me or for you to fret about retirement or any other uncertainty in life? No! So our calm demeanor when handling life’s difficulties should make such an impression on the unbelieving world that they ask: “How do you do it?” Peter knew believers would be asked that question and so he urged his listeners, “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).

It’s from this verse that I took the theme of the sermon. The original language of the text literally reads: “Always be prepared to apologize for the hope you have.” No, we’re not ashamed of Jesus or of our faith in him. How can we be when we consider all that God has done for us and continues to do for us through Jesus? And so we will continue describe his help and declare our hope in him to everyone who asks.

It’s for this very reason that I’m looking forward to our Dedication Service on June 21. The service is designed to be one big apology, that is, a defense and explanation of our faith. As we dedicate the various objects in our new church like the baptismal rock-font we’ll get to explain to visitors how baptism really saves (as Peter says in our text). When we point to the altar we’ll declare how this is where Jesus himself meets us with his body and blood in, with, and under the bread and wine of Holy Communion. When we talk about the water mosaic which will flow from the entryway to the cross it will give us the chance to declare that Jesus is the only way to heaven. But as Peter points out in our text, our purpose in doing this is not to show off how much we know. Our purpose is that others would come to believe and also declare their hope in the forgiveness of Jesus. So please spend the next few weeks praying for me and the worship leaders as we prepare for that service. Pray that we boldly yet respectfully apologize for Jesus. Pray too that God makes you eager in your witness of Jesus as you invite family and friends to our new church. We will want to do this for our Jesus didn’t just die and come back to life for us, he did that for all. Amen.

SERMON NOTES

What does the word “apologize” mean in Greek?

We are to set apart Christ as Lord in our hearts, but we usually set apart ourselves as lord. List at least three specific ways in which you are guilty of doing this.

The story of Sydney the stray dog can be used to describe the kind of rescue God pulled off for us. Describe another way to explain Peter’s words: “Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God” (1 Peter 3:18).

Peter tells us that after his resurrection Jesus descended into hell. Why did he do that? Why is it comforting?