A recent Barna study reports that almost four out of ten (37%) professing Christians who don’t go to church stopped attending because they were hurt by people in the church. On the website About.com, the question was asked, “Why don’t you attend church?” One person’s comment summed up the thoughts of many others. They wrote, “Because from what I can see, the church makes no difference at all in the lives of the believers who go there, except to possibly make them more judgmental and mean.” Now I have been around long enough to know that if those in the church confront an adulterer with their adultery, this can be deemed as “judgmental and mean.” I have also been around long enough to know some Christians are judgmental and mean, and Jesus seems to make little difference in their lives. The sad truth is that many inside the church are keeping many outside the church. That’s why today’s passage is so important for us to follow.
1 Peter 3:15-16
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.
Believers must be prepared to stand up for Christ and communicate the main points of Christianity. And…they must act and speak “with gentleness and respect.” Remember, you used to be the person who “didn’t get it.” Apart from God’s grace, you would still be that person.
A few years ago, an individual at our church told me, “I’m a Calvinist. I’m just not mad about it anymore.” I love that line. Whatever persuasion of theology you most closely adhere to, you really don’t need to be mad about it. Your most passionate conviction can be shared with gentleness and respect…no, your conviction must be shared with gentleness and respect.
Lord Jesus, help me demonstrate to a watching world that you do make a difference in my life not just for eternity, but for right now as I do marriage, parenting, drive down the road, handle disappointments, deal with the pressures of my job, handle my finances, and wait in a long line at the gas station when I am in a hurry (when am I not in a hurry?). And when you graciously give me a chance to share my faith, help me to share the deepest convictions of my heart with gentleness and respect. In your name I pray. Amen.
I was so scared and felt awkward walking into the Bible Chapel the first time. It only lasted for thefirst 20 steps…I was met by wishes of Good Mornings, smiles and people ready to assist me. That never stopped. I felt the warmth of God through all the members. I “danced” to my car after the service. Now I am one of the Christians welcoming and greeting the people coming through the door for service. Doesn’t matter if they are in the choir, the janitors, security, ministry staff or Connections. My life changed, November 12 of 2022 I am a member of the Bible Chapel with a new heart filled with love and Grace. I feel blessed everyday. And am honored to be a part of John Petersavage and Scott Keffer’s Bible studies. I tell everyone about the Chapel. God Bless You All.