Be wise in the way you act toward [unbelievers]; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. (Colossians 4:5–6, NIV 1984).
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. (1 Peter 3:15, NIV 1984).
My Musings – Opportunity. A set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something. But it only makes it possible. It does not make it so. We must act on (“make the most of“) the opportunity. But when it comes, “the way [we] act toward [unbelievers],” no matter how well intended (“full of grace’), how well thought out (“always be prepared“), and how well executed (“seasoned with salt, gentleness and respect“) cannot make it so either. The unbeliever must act on it as well.
My Advice – The unbeliever may not seize the opportunity this time. We may never have another opportunity with them. But if we make the most of our opportunity to share, perhaps we have “primed the pump” for their next time opportunity comes knocking. And maybe, just maybe, something we said or did (“the reason for the hope that you have“) will have made it possible for them to hear the knocking. Pray that they make the most of it and answer the “door.”
The Brew Is A Musing 
Please give a reason(s) for the hope you personally have. Thank you.
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Thank you for asking. I only have one reason for the hope that I have, and that is the saving grace of Jesus Christ. But I have multiple reasons for why He is the only reason. First and foremost is His own testimony that no one comes to the Father except through Him. That is a bold claim, but it is backed up by His life and ministry as recorded by eyewitnesses (Matthew and John) or first-hand accounts received from eyewitnesses (Mark and Luke). Not to mention the countless miracles that He performed, as recorded in these individuals. The fact that He fulfilled scores of Old Testament prophecies recorded at least 400 years before He was born. Many (most) of which were impossible to orchestrate if He was not who He said He was. One was the manner of His execution that did not exist at the time of the prophecy and another that He would rise from the dead (another bold claim). His resurrection, validated by over 500 eyewitnesses who saw Him alive after His crucifixion. The impact that His life. death and resurrection has had on the world. Starting with the bold and dramatic transformation of His first disciples who cowardly abandoned Him at His arrest, but ended up dying as martyrs (all but one of them) for their belief in Him. Extremely unlikely for an itinerant teacher from a backwater village having little to no formal education. Finally, the impact He has had on my life and the life of my family. As a family, we have gone through tragedy, severe illnesses, handicaps and other difficulties (you can read about them in my blogs under “Our Family Album”), each one giving us ample reason to give up hope. But each one actually solidifying our faith in Him. Thanks again for asking. I hope you found this helpful.
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How do you, Steve, feel his saving grace?
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Thank you for your continued interest. Before answering your question directly, let me share a few general thoughts on the topic of feelings. While it is true that the Spirit testifies with our spirit that we are His children (Romans 8:16), we must be careful about relying too heavily on emotions and feelings. They can be tricky. They aren’t the most reliable guide as to whether one has or has not been the recipient of God’s saving grace.
After accepting Christ, one may not feel any different. But if they genuinely meant it, they are different. They are changed. They are a new creation. They have been born again. This change is not based upon feelings. It is based upon the ability of God to do what He said He would do and His reliability in keeping His word. The Apostle Paul put it this way, “I know whom I have believed [our genuineness], and am convinced that he is able [His ability] to guard what I have entrusted to Him [His reliability] for that day.” (2 Timothy 1:12).
Now, back to your question. How do I feel His saving grace? I was a pre-teen when I accepted Christ. Initially I struggled because I did not “feel” saved. But as I’ve grown, there is a peace, contentment and confidence that I have even during difficult circumstances (we’ve had our share) that is hard to otherwise explain. I believe that this is His Spirit testifying with my spirit. That does not mean that I never waver in my faith or have doubts. It ebbs and flows. But He does not. Even when I do not feel these things, I know that He is just as able and just as reliable as He was when I first believed.
I hope this helps. God bless!
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Reblogged this on The Brew Is A Musing.
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