March 12, 2000
One Life - Many Chapters

TEXT: I Peter 3:15-18
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. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, . . . 

I belong to a study group made up of professional and business men. As thought-provoking as the programs are, one of the most interesting parts of the evening for me is listening to these people tell about their experiences as doctors, lawyers, educators, farmers, and business people. It is easy to see how their lives have been shaped by these experiences, and they are anxious to tell others about them. I am no exception. Let someone ask me about my experience as a pastor and I am ready to talk. Yes, there have been a few unpleasant times, but for the most part it has been a wonderful life as I have seen God at work in the lives of people.

Our experiences make us who we are. That is what Peter is talking about in our text today when he says, "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have."

The Christian has many experiences that shape his or her life, but the experience that towers over all others is meeting Jesus Christ. This changes life forever. We live one life, but there are many chapters and Jesus Christ has a place in each chapter. It is impossible to compartmentalize our lives and put Christ in one compartment, never to affect the other parts. He is with us in our work, our play, our joys and our sorrows.

Peter writes, "For Christ died for your sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. For we know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. . . . He Himself bore our sins in his body on the cross so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; by his wounds we have been healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls."

If you have met Christ, your life is different. No matter what chapter of your life you are discussing, Christ has influenced it. Therefore, Peter says, "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that is in you." Those who are not Christian will eventually notice a difference in the lifestyle of a Christian. When they ask about these differences, Christians are admonished not to miss the opportunity to say it is Christ who makes the difference. He shapes every chapter of their lives.

I had a neighbor who was a strong witness for Christ. J. R.'s life was a success story, and I loved to hear him expound on its many chapters. His mother died when he was a child. While they did not attend church, J. R. could see how God gave his dad strength to hold the family together. The high school principal had a good influence on him, which meant a great deal as he headed off for Europe to fight under Patton in the Battle of the Bulge. Only on rareo ccasions would he discuss his war experiences, but I know J. R. was in the thick of the fighting.

Later in life J. R. knew he had been spared to serve God, but little did he know what plans his Heavenly Father had in store for him. Returning home from Europe, J. R. became a good friend of the Congregational minister in town. He had emigrated from Wales and had a great heart for this veteran who was still suffering from the shock of seeing people killed. The two of them spent time together as the Welshman used the opportunity to introduce J. R. to Jesus Christ.

About this time he rented a room from a woman who had never married. It was not just by accident that he landed in her house. Vol became the mother J. R. had not had in an important period of his life. She provided a room for him and fed him with some of the most delicious food known to humankind. But more than that, in her quiet way, she bore witness to her faith in Christ as Savior. Though Vol never married, she knew that J. R. needed a good wife, and one day she had the privilege of introducing him to the lady who became his wife. I had the joy of performing the wedding ceremony. What a couple! 

Through the years, God blessed this couple with two wonderful children who have brought great joy to their parents. J. R. joined our church after completing a course in the basics of the Christian faith. He not only got an understanding of what the Christian Church taught about the way of salvation, he met his Savior and entered into a personal relationship with Him, which thrilled this preacher's soul. I loved to hear him pray at the men's Bible study. With great confidence he offered the prayer many Tuesdays at the Rotary Club.

Though J. R. had no formal education beyond high school, he was very intelligent and had a keen business mind, which made him very successful financially. As his wealth continued to grow, we would often talk about the responsibility of Christian stewardship.

J. R. gave thousands and thousands of dollars away. He was concerned about how these dollars were going to be used, since God had taught him to be a steward. If he were not convinced
that his gift would be furthering God's Kingdom, J. R. was not hesitant to say no. This was not to keep the money for himself, but to look around for a better place to contribute that would bring honor to the name of Christ. He might give $10,000 to a nursing home ministering to people in the closing days of their lives and refuse to give $10 for some other cause. The name of Christ had to be honored or J. R. was not interested in offering his financial support. He taught me much about giving.

One day a friend of mine, who was the president of a church college, asked if I knew of some business person who had a strongcommitment to Jesus Christ, but did not necessarily have a lot of formal education. The president wanted such a person on the College Board of Regents. When I introduced him to J. R., his mind was made up, and this was the beginning of J. R.'s long stay on the college's governing board. Think of how God was using this man from the fox holes of Europe to the board room of one of our finest colleges.

It was in the spring of the year, and J. R. hurried home to mow his lawn before going to the college for its commencement activities. He was excited. It would be a marvelous weekend. However, something happened: J. R. collapsed. He was rushed to the hospital and when I arrived, his son spoke words that ring in my ears today, "It looks like Dad is not going to make it."

Impossible. This could not happen. He was only in his 60s. He was needed as a strong witness for Christ. His abilities were needed. But it was not to be. The Lord Jesus came to receive him into the heavenly kingdom. Had J. R. studied Latin, and if one could have heard his last words, he would have said, Soli Deo Gloria. "To 
God alone be the glory." It was one life with many chapters and in every chapter you saw the hand of God at work. J. R.'s life would never have been as exciting without the Lord. His wealth would have brought him many luxuries, but not the peace which passes understanding that only Jesus Christ can give. Only Jesus Christ could give J. R. the satisfaction of knowing what life was all about.

If Christ has touched your life, you have a story to tell. It is this story that is your Christian witness, and that is what the Lord wants you to share with others whenever there is a chance.

But notice God's instruction telling us how to share this testimony:

1. "Always be prepared to give an answer for your faith to those who ask you. Let the person seeking to know more about the Christian faith begin the conversation. When the friend sees a difference in your life, the question regarding your faith will be forthcoming. It is at that time you have the opportunity to point the person to Jesus Christ. Your testimony for Christ takes Christianity out of the theoretical and into everyday living and that is what some in our society are looking for today. They want answers and God's Word has them.

2. "Do it with gladness." Many well-meaning people have turned relatives and friends away from Christ by their abrasiveness.

3. "Do it with respect." God has created us with a mind that is free to reject Christ if that be the person's will. While our hearts may break in seeing the Savior rejected, it is still the freedom that God has given to people.

You and I have one life to live. This life has many chapters. What is He doing in your life today? How will this chapter read?

Amen.

Rev. Homer Larsen
Christian Crusaders