The hope that is in you

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  1 Peter 3:15 

I've always loved this verse. It's important because it's all about knowing what you believe and why. It's about being so rooted in the reality of your life in Jesus that it flows over into your relationships with other people. 

It's important because sometimes you only get 10 seconds to share the gospel. 

My church, Anchor Church, meets at a community center in the Phinney neighborhood. There are other groups who meet in this building while we do. As I was leaving this morning, I held the door open for two ladies coming from one of those other activities. This was our conversation - 

Ms. : Are you with that church? 

Me: Yes, I am 

Ms. : Does it have anything to do with fishing or sailing? 

Me: *confused* no...? 

Ms: Well it says anchor so I thought maybe you all fished or something? 

Me: Oh, no, there's a verse in the Bible that talks about the hope we have in Jesus being like an anchor for our souls because He's made us right with God so we're secure. 

Ms: Oh ok. Well thanks. 

And that's it. This is not one of those miracle I shared the gospel and they repented and came to Jesus right there in the parking lot stories. This is a do you know what your anchor is story. This is about putting all your trust and faith in the Jesus who saves sinners from death to life and gives a peace that passes understanding and a kingdom that cannot be shaken and full joy and life in abundance and hope as a sure and steadfast anchor for the soul. And a it's about knowing Him and making Him known. 

Anchor Church: 

Jesus

Gospel 

Seattle 

We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever in the order of Melchizidek. Hebrews 6:19-20