There was a popular movie several years ago that revolved around a man who heard a voice that told him to build a baseball diamond in his cornfield. A statement from that movie is as well-known as the movie; “If you build it, they will come.” A pastor friend of mine has his own version of this sentence with regard to getting Christians to come to an event; “If you feed them, they will come.”

As you read through 1 Peter and come upon chapter three verse fifteen, it would seem that Peter had the same idea in mind. This verse tells us that if we have set Christ apart in our hearts as Lord, our lives are then lived in such a way that will get people curious. You could say that this verse conveys, “If you live Christlike, they will ask.”

The verse actually reads, “But in your hearts, set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” This charge was given to a people who were facing brutal persecution because of their life in Christ. They would never be able to endure faithfully unless Christ was Lord. Their hearts had to be wholly His.

As they set apart Christ as Lord, they had hope. Jesus was the reason for their hope. Indeed, He WAS their reason and their hope! That faith and hope could not go unnoticed. In their suffering, the fruit of the Spirit would be evidenced rather than bitterness and hatred. Their lives were so radically different from others that people asked them about it. Their responsibility was to be ready to give the answer to the question when asked. Their answer was simple – Jesus.

The radical contrast between a Christian’s life and those in the world is no different – whether under persecution or freedom. That is one reason why Peter elsewhere refers to Christians as “aliens and strangers.” Christians cannot hide their life in Christ any more than a city on a hill can be hidden in the night. Jesus told us that we are “salt and light” in the world. Neither of these can be concealed.

There isn’t such a thing as a secret disciple. It’s not that we wear name tags or badges. It isn’t the bumper stickers on our cars, or posters on our walls. It is our life – our actions, conversation, habits, work, lifestyle… It may not be visible immediately to everyone, but in the day-to-day routine, it will show. And what shows will generate a curiosity in others. The Holy Spirit intensifies the curiosity prompting them to ask us about the hope we have. We need to be ready to give the answer when they ask.

There is a great amount of discussion these days among church leaders about how the church can be more effective in reaching the unsaved. And so there should be. Going into the world to make disciples is the church’s divinely-given mission and must be kept a central part of our worship. Many methods and programs, both to reach out and to motivate and mobilize people, are being suggested. But, amidst all the discussion let us not forget, that the most effective way to reach the lost is for God’s people to live Christlike – “in their hearts setting apart Christ as Lord.”

For, if we live it, they will ask!

Submitted by Greg Helle
Sports Pastor
Willow Creek Community Church

Powerful short movie.

Choosing which college to attend can be the most exciting and thrilling time of a young woman’s life…unless your overprotective father isn’t quite ready to let you go. In the Disney family comedy, COLLEGE ROAD TRIP, Melanie (RAVEN-SYMONÉ) is eagerly looking forward to her first big step towards independence when she plans a “girls only” road trip to check out prospective universities. But when her overbearing police chief father (MARTIN LAWRENCE) insists on escorting her instead, she soon finds her dream trip has turned into a hilarious nightmare adventure full of comical misfortune and turmoil. As they overcome outrageous obstacles, both father and daughter rediscover and rekindle the strong bonds of family.

This film is rated “G” for all audiences. Take your family to see this hilarious and heartwarming film in theaters March 7th!

Click here for more information.

I watched an old movie on either the Turner or Classic movie channel this week and I noticed something strange. All the “really bad” swear words and “gd” profanity were blocked. However, here is the strange part, the names “Jesus” and “Christ” were not blocked. Instead they were frequently used in a God dishonoring way as if one were saying “shucks” or “for goodness sake”.

This world will someday come to grips about the precious name of Jesus Christ. Some will bow in confidence and be part of God’s Kingdom … others will bow in shame and be excluded.

“Therefore God … gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow … and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord …” Philippians 2:9-11

A few days ago, while I was on a walk with our kids, my wife Stephanie rented “The Greatest Game Ever Played” (PG, Disney, 2005) from our local McDonald’s Redbox. We rarely have the opportunity to relax with one another and watch a movie but fortunately this night we did.

What a tremendous movie! Set in early 1900′s, the film details the determination, passion and success of a working class young man from Boston named Francis Ouimet. The climax of the movie (which is inspired by a true story and based on a book by Mark Frost) is when Francis competes in the 1913 U.S. Open against his boyhood idol, a British golfer named Harry Vardon.

Besides having a hot chick next to me on the couch there are multiple reasons why I enjoyed this movie. For starters, it is laced with references and images of the struggle against any separation between the rich and the poor. Golf was, and in many cases still is, a sport that divides people of different socio-economic classes. Yet neither Vardon nor Ouimet let this stop them. Their valiant determination to push through such sinful man-made barriers was inspiring.

A second reason I liked the film so much was because of Francis Ouimet’s virtuous character. There is a wonderful scene in the movie where Ouimet’s caddie (a funny, fat little 10 yr. old) is convinced by the golf club members that Francis would rather have an older, more professional caddie. When Francis learns how the club members are deceiving his friend he becomes indignant and he tells the little caddie that he wants no one else on his bag besides him. Then he stares down the club members, and with a fierce intensity in his eyes and cold steel in his throat, he tells them, “Never talk to my caddie again!”

Francis Ouimet was a young man filled with virtue and determination. He worked hard to develop his skills and he didn’t let anything stand in his way. “The Greatest Game Ever Played” is the perfect movie to watch with your kids, especially for dads and sons. There are many examples of solid character and emulative behavior, all of which could lead to some wonderful conversations and teaching opportunities for parents.