Sharing and Defending the Gospel

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.

1 Peter 3:15-16 (ESV)

1. Opening Prayer

2. Scripture Reading

Read aloud the Bible passage at the top of this page (1 Peter 3:15-16).

3. Group Discussion

(1) What struck you the most about Pastor Johnson’s teaching in the video, “Sharing and Defending the Gospel”? If you were telling a friend or family member about it, what would you highlight? What will you remember?

(2) What, according to John Lennox, is the difference between religion and Christianity? (See Have No Fear, chapter six.) How would you summarize what Lennox said about explaining salvation? (See chapter seven.)

(3) What struck you about John Lennox’s answer to the question, “What final words of wisdom would you leave for your children and grandchildren?” (See the last section of “Nuggets of Wisdom.”)

(4) Considering Randy Newman’s article, “Having a Conversation about the Conversation: A Strategy for Pre-Evangelism in an Antagonistic Age,” what does he mean when he says, “We need to have a conversation about the conversation"? How might we go about having such a conversation?

(5) What did C.S. Lewis have to say about why the church exists? (See Reflections, “The Purpose of the Church.”)

(6) What insights did you gain from the Bible Study of Acts 17:16-34, 1 Peter 3:15-16?

4. Prayer Requests

5. Closing Prayer