Steven A. Bush - September 24, 2017
The Hope Within You
1 Peter 3:15-16 says: "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame." (ESV) What kind of hope was Peter talking about? Hope as a word can be watered down drastically, depending on its object. In our day it may be nothing more than wishful thinking. 'I hope our team wins the game.' or 'I hope I get a refund on my taxes.' But the Hope Peter is writing about is inseparable from the person of Jesus. Hope is the anchor of our souls if indeed it is latched securely onto Christ. The late preacher, Charles Spurgeon put it simply and superbly: "Without Christ there is no hope." Have you ever been asked about the Hope within you? If not, what might be the reason? And if you have been asked, what might it take for to be asked even more? Hope in Christ! And Hope in Him more and more and more!