Jack Graham - The Reason For Our Hope

January 18, 2026 | 27:29

Dr. Jack Graham's mission is to glorify God by introducing Jesus Christ as Lord to all people.

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Power Point with Jack Graham | Jack Graham - The Reason For Our Hope | January 18, 2026
  • ♪♪♪
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  • There is no person that god cannot save!
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  • There is no promise that god will not keep!
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  • There is nothing that our god cannot do!
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  • Did you know that it costs... it will cost you to be a
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  • Christian? because when you follow jesus, he says "take up
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  • The cross and follow me." bear the cross; don't just wear the
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  • Cross, that's fine, but bear the cross by taking it up and
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  • Denying self. because we will... if we follow jesus, if
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  • We bear his cross... we will face opposition and resistance,
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  • And sometimes cancellation and even persecution. paul said,
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  • "all who live godly in jesus christ will suffer
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  • Persecution." so if you're living a godly life in christ
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  • Then you will face the flack. you will suffer for doing what
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  • Is right, not what is doing wrong.
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  • And that's okay, because jesus said, "blessed are they..."
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  • This is in sermon on the mount... at the top of the
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  • Sermon on the mount... matthew 5... he said, "blessed are you
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  • When men shall revile you and say all manner of evil against
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  • You falsely for my sake." he said, "blessed are you... happy
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  • Are you." now we don't go looking for trouble but be sure
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  • That if you follow christ, trouble will find you. and
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  • That's why you're looking at a passage today that talks about
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  • Our reason for hope in the midst of whatever we face.
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  • So in verse 13, 1 peter, chapter 3:
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  • 13) now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what
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  • Is good?
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  • Are you zealous for the gospel of christ? are you a zealot?
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  • [you] say, “well, i don't want to be a fanatic. i don't want
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  • People to think i'm weird.” no, we should be passionate,
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  • Zealots for god and for good! are you?
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  • 14) but even if you should suffer for righteousness... for
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  • Righteousness' sake, you will be blessed (that is, you will
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  • Be rewarded... you will be honored) have no fear of them
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  • (don't be intimidated by the christless crowd, the godless
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  • Gang) nor be troubled,
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  • And here's verse 15.
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  • 15) but in your hearts honor christ the lord as holy, always
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  • Being prepared (circle that word always) always being
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  • Prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a
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  • Reason for the hope that is in you; and yet do it with
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  • Gentleness and respect, 16) having a good conscience, so
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  • That, when you are slandered, those who revile your good
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  • Behavior in christ may be put to shame. 17) for it is better
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  • To suffer for doing good, if that should be god's will, than
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  • For doing evil.
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  • How are we going to share this reasonable faith... this
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  • Hope-filled confidence that we have in christ? how are we
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  • Going to share this? this message, if you want to know
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  • What it's about, it's all about evangelism and missions and you
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  • Personally... we, together sharing our faith in jesus
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  • Christ; telling the good news of jesus christ. that is what
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  • This is all about today.
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  • I've got some words right out of the text that i believe we
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  • Should identify, and the first word is what i'm going to call
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  • Consecration... consecration. for as we read just a moment
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  • Ago, the scripture says that we are to sanctify or honor christ
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  • In our hearts. what that means is that we are to worship jesus
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  • Christ as the lord of life. it's a word there to sanctify
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  • Or to honor in esv. it's a word that in the nlt it says
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  • "worship christ as lord of your life, as someone as hope... and
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  • If someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready
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  • To explain it." so that begins in the heart... it starts in
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  • The heart, when jesus is given his rightful place of
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  • Preeminence.
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  • Did you know christ does not want a place in your life; he
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  • Doesn't want even prominence in your life; he demands
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  • Preeminence, because jesus christ is lord! and when we
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  • Realize this and revere him and worship him and honor him, then
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  • It will naturally flow out of us the reason for the hope that
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  • Is in us. the very first move you are to make if you want to
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  • Be an effective evangelist... witness for christ is to exalt
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  • Jesus in your life; to never be ashamed of him, to never be
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  • Afraid to speak the gospel.
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  • ♪♪♪
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  • There are some great heroes in the bible. heroes like moses
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  • And abraham. david. apostles like peter and paul. these are
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  • Surely heroes of the faith. they were not perfect people,
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  • But they were greatly used by god. and because they trusted
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  • Him, god used each one of these in a great, great way. because
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  • Of their faith.
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  • Now faith is like a muscle. you either use it or lose it. and
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  • Becoming a follower of jesus and developing a muscular faith
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  • Is god's comman and god's call for each one of us. so i want
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  • To encourage you to build this muscular faith in your life by
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  • Devoting yourself and disciplining yourself in god's
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  • Word. get into your bible every single day and discover the
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  • Powerful life that is waiting for you there
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  • [announcer] to help you go deep into god's word. jack graham
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  • Wants to send you his 365-day devotional, “i am - a year of
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  • Devotionals to ignite your faith.” when you give your best
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  • Gift to powerpoint today, the gospel goes forth to all
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  • Nations. to get your copy of “i am”
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  • Text jan, that's j-a-n to 59789. or visit jackgraham.org.
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  • [jack graham] when you partner with us at powerpoint you are
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  • Helping us share the good news of jesus christ to a world that
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  • Desperately needs to hear a message of hope. i want to send
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  • You “i am” my gift to ignite your faith and draw you closer
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  • To the great i am, our god,
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  • Who has an incredible purpose for your life.
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  • ♪♪♪
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  • You're never a better witness for christ than when through
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  • Tears you testify of his love and his grace and his mercy in
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  • Your life. our faith in trials demonstrates truly what we
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  • Believe. and if you're grieving, if you're suffering,
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  • If you're struggling, take this as an opportunity to show the
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  • Love of god whose grace is peace and the promise of
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  • Christ. your testimony is so very strong, especially when
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  • You struggle and you hurt and there's pain, and you still
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  • Believe.
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  • Jesus doesn't need people who follow him when it's
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  • Convenient... when it's culturally or socially
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  • Acceptable. god is not looking for people who follow him when
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  • It's easy or expedient. he's looking for people who will
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  • Serve him and share his love and grace no matter what. so
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  • Consecrate your life to christ and count the cost... what it
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  • Means to truly follow him.
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  • Let me ask you a series of questions right now. let's ask
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  • Ourselves as we consider our consecration: is jesus first in
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  • Your life?
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  • Secondly, do you him above all things? heart, mind, soul and
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  • Strength, and are you willing to obey him in all things? do
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  • You desire to obey him? is this your heart, to love jesus and
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  • To love people that he loves? and then thirdly, are you
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  • Willing... this is a big one... are you willing to accept
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  • Ridicule and resistance and make sacrifices to advance the
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  • Kingdom of our lord jesus christ? and number four, will
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  • You follow jesus even when it is hard and not poplar and not
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  • Easy and not expedient?
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  • Because god is not looking for spectators, but players, on the
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  • Field to do what he's called us to do. he is looking for
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  • Witnesses. and you know, the very word witness is the word
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  • Martyr in the greek new testament? and so the very idea
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  • Of witness is to make a sacrifice... whatever sacrifice
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  • Is necessary. if christ is first, we don't live to please
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  • The world; we live to please god and obey him no matter what!
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  • Second word is preparation. we talked about consecration...
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  • Honor, sanctifying, worship jesus christ as lord of your
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  • Life. and then there's the word preparation. it says,
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  • "always..." look at it again in our text. "but always be
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  • Prepared..." this is the middle of verse 15: "...always being
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  • Prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a
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  • Reason for the hope that is in you." always being prepared;
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  • Always ready. always ready. that's what he's talking about.
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  • That we should never miss an opportunity to share our hope
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  • In jesus.
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  • How many opportunities walk by us, live near us, work by us...
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  • Do we pass every single day? why? because we're not praying
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  • And we're not paying attention. because opportunity... people
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  • Who need jesus, they are all around us. never miss an
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  • Opportunity to witness. aren't you glad someone witnessed to
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  • You? aren't you glad there are people in your life who weren't
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  • Too busy or too preoccupied with something else to share
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  • The hope that is in christ? we're so often unfocused and
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  • Distracted! the word ready here means at all times be ready to
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  • Face anything. prepare always. christians should pray for and
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  • Look for opportunities to tell this good news.
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  • What did jesus say about that? he said, "look..." the fields
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  • Are white in the harvest; they are ripe' they are ready.'" and
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  • I'm telling you in my lifetime i've never seen a better time
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  • Than right now to share the gospel of christ. people are
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  • More and more open. i know there's a lot of resistance,
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  • And i know there are people who will put you off and put you
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  • Down, but i've also discovered that people are ready to have a
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  • Conversation about what is important.
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  • And the next word is declaration. and i use the word
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  • Declaration because he says, “to make a defense; to
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  • Explain.” this is the greek word apologia. we get our word
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  • Apology, but it doesn't mean to apologize for christ or god. it
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  • Means to make a sure defense. we use the word theologically
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  • Apologetics.
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  • You say, “well, i'm not a scholar. i mean, i'm not quote
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  • An apologist.” but i want you to notice what this verse says.
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  • I doesn't say let all the scholars do it. it says let
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  • Everyone of you do this. “if anyone who asks you for a
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  • Reason for the hope that is in you, do it with gentleness and
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  • Respect.” so does that include you and me? you say, “well, i'm
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  • Not a bible scholar.” you don't have to be a bible scholar to
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  • Be a witness for christ.
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  • Clearly, this is to give the evidence... to give the
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  • Evidence! so it's a verbal explanation of the gospel. and
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  • Every christian should be prepared to do this. are you
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  • Listening? no exceptions, no exemptions, no excuses. if
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  • Christ is the lord of your life... remember, that's where
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  • We started... if he is first and foremost in your life, then
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  • You cannot help but speak of what you've seen and heard.
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  • Could it be that some never speak of jesus because they
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  • Haven't heard much or seen much? but if you meet the risen
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  • Christ... if you know him, you will tell of his love and his
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  • Grace in your life.
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  • So what i want you to really hear today, once again, this is
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  • Something i know we share again and again and again through the
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  • Years... but evangelism, missions, sharing your faith,
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  • Being a soul winner... it's not just for religious
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  • Professionals or preachers or evangelists or missionaries
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  • So-called, because we're all missionaries. we're all to
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  • Declare the gospel!
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  • You say, “well, i don't know what to say.” you know that
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  • Blind man that came to jesus and he was healed? and they
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  • Questioned him and asked him some things he couldn't answer,
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  • And he ended up saying, “i don't know about all of that; i
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  • Can't answer all your questions, but once i was blind
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  • And now, i see!” share your story; share your testimony of
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  • What christ has done for you! say with the apostle paul in
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  • Philippians 1:16: “i am appointed for the defense of
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  • The gospel.” and don't be afraid to tell the truth!
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  • Some in your own family don't believe it; they may reject it,
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  • May reject you because of it. you may be rejected in your
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  • Business or your career. i saw a note... a quote from the
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  • Late, great adrian rogers, one of my heroes. he was talking
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  • About being willing to stand for truth no matter what. and
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  • As only adrian could say it, he said, "it is better to be
  • 00:16:52.901 --> 00:16:56.538
  • Divided by truth than be united in error. it is better to speak
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  • The truth that hurts, then heals, than falsehood that
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  • Comforts and then kills! it is better to be hated for telling
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  • The truth than to be loved for telling a lie!" so always be
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  • Ready! don't be ashamed. don't be afraid. don't be
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  • Intimidated. always be ready to share your faith. always keep
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  • Looking for the opportunity and the open door. pray and ask god
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  • To show you to give us souls for christ.
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  • One final truth... thought. we've talked about consecration
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  • And preparation and declaration. but finally,
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  • Motivation. what motivates us to do this? what would move us?
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  • What would make us leave our comfort zone and comfortable
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  • Pew and actually leave this place and go tell the gospel of
  • 00:18:06.975 --> 00:18:14.249
  • Christ?
  • 00:18:14.249 --> 00:18:17.619
  • Well, what motivates us is the resurrection. it's the hope
  • 00:18:17.619 --> 00:18:21.156
  • That is within us. we have a living hope and that hope is
  • 00:18:21.156 --> 00:18:27.996
  • The sure confidence and expectation that we're going to
  • 00:18:27.996 --> 00:18:31.300
  • Heaven.
  • 00:18:31.300 --> 00:18:33.101
  • First peter 1:21 says “through him you believe in god who
  • 00:18:33.101 --> 00:18:37.506
  • Raised him from the dead and gave him glory so that your
  • 00:18:37.506 --> 00:18:40.709
  • Faith and hope are in god.” faith and hope are like two
  • 00:18:40.709 --> 00:18:45.113
  • Wings of an airplane. when you have faith, you have hope in
  • 00:18:45.113 --> 00:18:48.350
  • God, and yet the world is without hope. we are motivated
  • 00:18:48.350 --> 00:18:52.020
  • By the fact that we have hope. and our loved ones and friends
  • 00:18:52.020 --> 00:18:57.459
  • And family members and co-workers are not living in
  • 00:18:57.459 --> 00:19:04.566
  • This hope. we've been given eternal life. we've been
  • 00:19:04.566 --> 00:19:10.672
  • Forgiven. christ went to the cross; he died; he rose again;
  • 00:19:10.672 --> 00:19:14.509
  • He crushed sin, death and hell and he now reigns. jesus christ
  • 00:19:14.509 --> 00:19:19.715
  • Is lord!
  • 00:19:19.715 --> 00:19:23.418
  • And he has given us a clear commandment. it's called the
  • 00:19:23.418 --> 00:19:29.758
  • Great commission to "go into all the world make disciples."
  • 00:19:29.758 --> 00:19:37.299
  • And that great commission is often the great omission in
  • 00:19:37.299 --> 00:19:42.638
  • Churches today and among christians today. there are
  • 00:19:42.638 --> 00:19:48.410
  • Churches meeting all over the world, all over this city, but
  • 00:19:48.410 --> 00:19:53.615
  • The priority of witnessing and evangelism is often barely
  • 00:19:53.615 --> 00:19:57.653
  • Mentioned. and so everybody just winks and says "amen" and
  • 00:19:57.653 --> 00:20:04.226
  • Goes home! but if you believe this... if you believe the
  • 00:20:04.226 --> 00:20:10.165
  • Resurrection... if you believe by his cross you are saved, how
  • 00:20:10.165 --> 00:20:13.802
  • Can you not share it?
  • 00:20:13.802 --> 00:20:16.605
  • Peter says we are to do this with
  • 00:20:16.605 --> 00:20:19.408
  • Gentleness and respect and with humility. not arrogance, not in
  • 00:20:19.408 --> 00:20:27.182
  • Anger, not being argumentative. remember, we're not
  • 00:20:27.182 --> 00:20:32.421
  • Prosecutors, we're witnesses. and what does a witness do? as
  • 00:20:32.421 --> 00:20:38.660
  • A witness we tell what we've seen and heard. that's what a
  • 00:20:38.660 --> 00:20:43.598
  • Witness does. we have freedom in america to speak openly of
  • 00:20:43.598 --> 00:20:49.471
  • Our faith in christ. are we doing it? i think we've been
  • 00:20:49.471 --> 00:20:54.943
  • Given a wider open door right now in america to share our
  • 00:20:54.943 --> 00:20:58.580
  • Faith. god is moving. we've seen sparks of revival on
  • 00:20:58.580 --> 00:21:02.050
  • College campuses and in some churches.
  • 00:21:02.050 --> 00:21:06.521
  • But we're to share our faith in readiness, in responsiveness to
  • 00:21:06.521 --> 00:21:16.732
  • The needs around us. we're to be ready, we're to be real,
  • 00:21:16.732 --> 00:21:21.236
  • We're to be responsive, we're to be respectful of people
  • 00:21:21.236 --> 00:21:26.742
  • Around us. and it all begins when we say, “lord, here am i.”
  • 00:21:26.742 --> 00:21:31.980
  • Like isaiah. “here am i; send me.” because we're zealots,
  • 00:21:31.980 --> 00:21:41.690
  • We're passionate about what we believe. we have a passionate,
  • 00:21:41.690 --> 00:21:45.127
  • Burning love for jesus and a desire to know him, and as the
  • 00:21:45.127 --> 00:21:48.363
  • Scripture says, “make him known.”
  • 00:21:48.363 --> 00:21:51.099
  • You say, "well, i don't think i can do this. i mean, i don't
  • 00:21:51.099 --> 00:21:55.170
  • Know how i can possibly do this." listen to acts 1:8: "but
  • 00:21:55.170 --> 00:21:58.573
  • You shall receive power after the holy spirit has come upon
  • 00:21:58.573 --> 00:22:01.810
  • You and you shall be my witnesses." judea, samaria...
  • 00:22:01.810 --> 00:22:06.815
  • That is right where you are, to the uttermost part of the
  • 00:22:06.815 --> 00:22:10.118
  • Earth. god's spirit will empower you. the holy spirit
  • 00:22:10.118 --> 00:22:17.626
  • Will enable you. you know why the holy spirit lives in you?
  • 00:22:17.626 --> 00:22:23.799
  • Not just to make you feel good. the holy spirit is given to us
  • 00:22:23.799 --> 00:22:28.670
  • Not to feel something, but to do something! and that
  • 00:22:28.670 --> 00:22:35.310
  • Something is to be a witness for christ!
  • 00:22:35.310 --> 00:22:40.382
  • Are you tentative; are you timid? paul said to timothy,
  • 00:22:40.382 --> 00:22:44.486
  • "god has not given us a spirit of fear." peter talks about
  • 00:22:44.486 --> 00:22:48.356
  • That. but power, love and a sound mind." not a spirit of
  • 00:22:48.356 --> 00:22:51.026
  • Fear but love, power and a sound mind. and he said, when
  • 00:22:51.026 --> 00:22:54.329
  • You face the opposition... again, that's the whole frame
  • 00:22:54.329 --> 00:22:58.500
  • Upon which the scripture is given. when you face
  • 00:22:58.500 --> 00:23:01.236
  • Opposition, even suffering, don't fear man. because if you
  • 00:23:01.236 --> 00:23:04.139
  • Fear god, you don't need to fear anybody else! don't fear
  • 00:23:04.139 --> 00:23:08.343
  • What someone might say to you if you're respectful,
  • 00:23:08.343 --> 00:23:11.913
  • Responsive witness. when people ask you, "what is it about
  • 00:23:11.913 --> 00:23:16.151
  • You... what is that in you... what is that something?" has
  • 00:23:16.151 --> 00:23:21.690
  • Anybody ever asked you that?
  • 00:23:21.690 --> 00:23:27.195
  • Every christian should be prepared to say what we believe
  • 00:23:27.195 --> 00:23:34.936
  • And at some point, why we believe it. and it's up to us
  • 00:23:34.936 --> 00:23:41.510
  • To be disciples and followers of jesus so that we'll not only
  • 00:23:41.510 --> 00:23:44.346
  • Know what we believe but why we believe it. is it hard for you
  • 00:23:44.346 --> 00:23:49.918
  • To speak up? stand up for christ and the gospel?
  • 00:23:49.918 --> 00:23:56.224
  • Remember, as bill bright, the great founder of campus crusade
  • 00:23:56.224 --> 00:23:59.027
  • For christ said, "witnessing..." ... here's a
  • 00:23:59.027 --> 00:24:01.029
  • Good definition. my favorite definition of witnessing.
  • 00:24:01.029 --> 00:24:05.166
  • "witnessing is sharing jesus christ in the power of the holy
  • 00:24:05.166 --> 00:24:08.503
  • Spirit and leaving the results to god." that's it! we're not
  • 00:24:08.503 --> 00:24:16.845
  • Out there to win arguments, jeremiah. we are witnesses of
  • 00:24:16.845 --> 00:24:23.118
  • The gospel of christ. as the spirit of god lives in you, ask
  • 00:24:23.118 --> 00:24:29.691
  • Him each day... this would be a good daily prayer.
  • 00:24:29.691 --> 00:24:35.230
  • I was reading a daily prayer this week of the great pastor
  • 00:24:35.230 --> 00:24:39.834
  • In england, john stott, who would throw his knees outside
  • 00:24:39.834 --> 00:24:44.706
  • His bed every day and pray the same prayer to start his day,
  • 00:24:44.706 --> 00:24:49.744
  • And it was a prayer to the father, the son and the holy
  • 00:24:49.744 --> 00:24:52.314
  • Spirit. he would say: "i pray to you, father, my sovereign
  • 00:24:52.314 --> 00:24:56.851
  • God and creator; i pray to you, jesus, redeemer, master, savior
  • 00:24:56.851 --> 00:25:02.624
  • And friend, forgiver of all my sins; and i pray to you, holy
  • 00:25:02.624 --> 00:25:05.961
  • Spirit that you would fill me and use me, that the fruit of
  • 00:25:05.961 --> 00:25:10.999
  • The spirit... your spirit, lord... love, joy, peace and
  • 00:25:10.999 --> 00:25:14.903
  • Patience and kindness and goodness and gentleness, and
  • 00:25:14.903 --> 00:25:17.305
  • Meekness and self-control... that you would fill me, lord
  • 00:25:17.305 --> 00:25:21.443
  • And use me."
  • 00:25:21.443 --> 00:25:22.644
  • What if we prayed a prayer, just a simple triune gospel
  • 00:25:22.644 --> 00:25:25.447
  • Prayer like that? father, son, holy spirit... and say, "lord,
  • 00:25:25.447 --> 00:25:30.952
  • Here am i. send me, use me, give me." god will give you
  • 00:25:30.952 --> 00:25:34.956
  • Courage and god will give you boldness and god will give you
  • 00:25:34.956 --> 00:25:38.827
  • The ability and the persuasiveness. jesus said,
  • 00:25:38.827 --> 00:25:45.266
  • When you go before the trials... to his disciples...
  • 00:25:45.266 --> 00:25:48.069
  • The holy spirit will give you the words to speak. and if you
  • 00:25:48.069 --> 00:25:55.610
  • Will just be available and usable, you will be able to
  • 00:25:55.610 --> 00:26:02.684
  • Share with your family, your friends, your loved ones, your
  • 00:26:02.684 --> 00:26:05.186
  • Neighbors, your co-workers, perfect strangers, the reason
  • 00:26:05.186 --> 00:26:11.459
  • For the hope that is in us. are you ready for that?
  • 00:26:11.459 --> 00:26:18.633
  • ♪♪♪
  • 00:26:18.633 --> 00:26:28.943
  • Hello, everyone. pastor jack graham here, and i want to
  • 00:26:30.045 --> 00:26:32.547
  • Personally invite you to join me for something very special.
  • 00:26:32.547 --> 00:26:35.583
  • It's the patriot tour to washington, dc, april 22nd
  • 00:26:35.583 --> 00:26:40.255
  • Through 27th, 2026. as we celebrate the 250th birthday of
  • 00:26:40.255 --> 00:26:46.361
  • The united states, we're going to visit some of the most
  • 00:26:46.361 --> 00:26:49.264
  • Powerful and historic places in our nation's capital, like the
  • 00:26:49.264 --> 00:26:53.234
  • U.s. capitol, arlington national cemetery, the national
  • 00:26:53.234 --> 00:26:56.337
  • Monuments, mount vernon, and the museum of the bible.
  • 00:26:56.337 --> 00:27:00.075
  • This won't be just a tour. it will be a spiritual journey,
  • 00:27:00.075 --> 00:27:02.744
  • Really. i'll be opening god's word along the way, teaching us
  • 00:27:02.744 --> 00:27:06.781
  • About the spiritual foundations, the biblical
  • 00:27:06.781 --> 00:27:08.883
  • Foundations of our nation, and the hope that we have for the
  • 00:27:08.883 --> 00:27:13.121
  • Future. so registration is now open, and i'd love for you to
  • 00:27:13.121 --> 00:27:16.191
  • Be a part of this unforgettable experience.
  • 00:27:16.191 --> 00:27:18.827
  • For more information and to reserve your spot today,
  • 00:27:18.827 --> 00:27:21.896
  • Text patriot to 59789. can't wait to see you there!
  • 00:27:21.896 --> 00:27:21.896