Sermon Outline

1. We have a hope in Christ that we are called to proclaim to the world
   1. We have been saved from our sins (Mt 1:21)
   2. We have been adopted into God’s family (Eph 1:5)
   3. We have been granted eternal life and the promise of living with God in unhindered fellowship (Jn 5:24, 1Cor 1:9)
2. So what keeps us from sharing this hope with others?
   1. 3 Fears – perception, knowledge, rejection
      1. How perceived/Embarrassed
      2. Don’t know enough – i.e. fear of failure (Jn 4:35, 1Pet 3:15, Rom 1:16)
      3. Rejection
   2. Lack of Love (Jn 14:15, Mt 5:44)
   3. Unbelief and its Antidote (2Cor 5:18-19, Rom 10:14-15)
3. Sharing our Hope in Christ is really quite easy…
   1. Begins in Prayer (Col 4:2-4)
      1. Devotion to Prayer
      2. Watchfulness in Prayer through day
      3. Thankful Heart all God is doing, has done, will do.
      4. Prayer for others sharing faith (Col 4:3)
      5. Prayer for open doors
         1. There is debate in the scholarly world about what open doors means
         2. Ask for chances generally and specifically
         3. Ask others to pray with you for open doors.
      6. Prayer for Clarity of presentation (Col 4:4)
   2. Takes Walking with unbelievers (Col 4:5)
   3. Asking Wise Questions (Col 4:5)
   4. Reclaiming our time (Col 4:5)
   5. Speak grace
   6. Adding salt
4. Be prepared to answer to telling your story
   1. 4 minutes
      1. 1 min on life before Christ/struggles/thoughts/ who you were
      2. 1 min on how came to faith/circumstances/people/need
      3. 1 min on how Christ changed you
      4. 1 min on what God is doing in you now/ growing edges