If Anyone Happens To Ask You
Posted by Chris on July 14, 2013 under Front Page Posts, Sermons
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July 14, 2013
The Gospel Blimp – A book by Joseph Bayly in the 1960’s warns us to never confuse methodology with the message.
- For the original book look here
- For the comic book adaptation look here
- For a related blog look here
- For a good commentary on the Gospel Blimp look here
We haven’t resorted to loud speakers or blimps (yet) but we have had our share of gospel blimps that attempt to attach the message of Christ to a particular method.
When we focus too much on methodology, we expect certain results and rely on our own techniques. The message of the gospel gets reduced to a formula and oversimplified to the point that it loses real meaning.
We need to be ready when we are asked questions about our faith. (1 Peter 3:15)
We can give a reason for the hope that we have. To be ready we need to have four things . . .
- Have an answer. Not a fabricated, doctrinally approved answer, but a genuine sincere answer that we own with conviction.
- Have the right attitude. There is no reason for arrogance. We are not trying to establish control or privilege. We are showing respect by sharing the truth. Even if the question is hostile or skeptical, we can still respond with respect. Even if our answer disagrees with the worldview of another, we can still show respect. Respect is shown by sharing the truth without arrogance or pretense, not simply telling people what they wish to hear.
- Have the courage to live out our faith. If we expect to be asked for the reason for our hope, then let us make that hope visible. One of the barriers to Christianity in the United States is the Christians sometimes do not appear to live significantly different lives than non-Christians.
- Have patience in God. We should focus on being truthful, and leave the results to God. If our measuring stick for effectiveness is similar to those used in sales, then preachers like Paul and Stephen (Acts 8) would be considered failures.