A Powerful Message

Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 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. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.
1 Peter 3:13–17
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A Powerful Message
     
The world is watching you. The world, along with the devil and your own flesh, wants to trip you up in your sin. Their greatest desire is that you would fall away from the faith and die with them. God has a different plan. He plants faith in your heart and surrounds it with hope. You have faith in the one that died for your sins on the cross and you have hope that you will be united with him in the resurrection. From where comes your help to defend this faith and hope? It comes from the hills, O Christian. It comes from the hill of Calvary. Your defense is the Word of God himself. Thus you are called by the Holy Spirit to worship and to hear his Word. You are clothed in the armor of God as he absolves you of your sins and gives you his promises. And you, Dear Christian, know the promises of God, for he sends his Holy Spirit with that Word of peace and comfort to you. The Word of God is our defense. The Word of God is the sword of truth and it has been fit for your hand.