August 27, 2023
Daniel 1.8-21 and 1Peter 3.8-16
Courage to Communicate Your Faith

Peter is writing to the Jews who were being severely persecuted and run out of Jerusalem. They were all over and dispersed throughout the Middle East. Peter encouraged them to conduct themselves like the followers of Christ that they were. He also told them to have the courage to communicate their faith, their reason for their hope.

Daniel along with Shadrach, Meshack, and Abednego were teenagers who courageously communicated their faith. Even when threatened with the fiery furnace, the three Hebrews held to their faith. You can read their story in Daniel chapter 3.

Many of us will not be faced with the threat of a literal lions’ den or fiery furnace. We may be faced with extreme peer pressure to follow the crowd. Paul was pressured to follow the crowd in Athens, Greece.

Paul’s defense in Acts 17:
1. Common ground connection – v22 (very religious)
2. Combine other connection points (unknown God v23; own poet v28)
3. Close with major point (vv30-32 repent & accept the resurrected Christ)

Paul’s defense in Acts 26:
1. Common ground connection – vv2&3 (Agrippa expert in Jewish beliefs)
2. Combine other connection points – vv25&26 (Agrippa knows OT Scripture & heard about the many witnesses of Jesus’ resurrection)
3. Close with major point – v27 (I know you believe) v28 almost persuaded

Jesus used parables (Matthew 13):
1. A farmer went out to sow (common ground connection)
2. Seeds fell by wayside, stony places, among thorns, and good soil (connection points)
3. Hear, understand, and apply the word of God (major point)

Daniel and the three Hebrews boys were brought up believing in God. They knew why they believed. Know why you believe. I believe somebody is ready to accept Jesus after you courageously communicate your faith with them.

Amen. Invitation to follow Jesus.