There is an unfortunate tendency for us to think things were easier in earlier days; they weren't.
I am reading 1 Peter.
I have been trying to imagine living as a Christian in a world without church buildings, paid ministers, Katoomba conventions or Koorong bookshops.
How did those first century Christians keep growing?
I can imagine residents of some Roman province, transported "Dr Who' style into the 21st century, scolding us when they hear how we complain about getting involved in evangelism.
It was much harder for them. They didn't even have access to Power Point presentations for their sermons!
Peter told his readers they were "God's people" (2:10) who were like refugees (2:11) heading to a better home. They were to be good citizens (2:13-17), respectful workers (2:18-25) working hard at their marriages (3:1-7).
They registered on the Roman radar to such an extent that they attracted community attention which resulted in them experiencing persecution (3:8-17 and 4:12-19).
Unlike them, we have very few "fiery trials' in suburban Sydney. I can imagine a teleported visitor from the 1st century telling us in no uncertain terms - "You've never had it so good!"
Fair enough.
That's when I came up with a ticklish question. I'd love to ask you but it might be too disturbing.
"Ask me what question?" you may well reply.
The answer requires you to turn up 1 Peter 3:15 which, you will quickly discern, is not a question. Confused? Well just read the verse:
" but in your hearts regard 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;
The question is elementary - "Has anyone asked you yet?"
Could it be that the lack of any question put to us in those terms simply means that there is no hope within us? Could it mean that the hope is well and truly hidden, or we are well and truly hidden?
Have we become so like our neighbours that the only questions they ask are those concerning plasma vs. home theatre, holiday destinations or superannuation schemes? Are we so enmeshed and immersed in society that we are just like everyone else?
Peter obviously expected his readers to be living in a manner distinct from the rest of the community. In a world of uncertainty, terror and unsavoury sexual morality he thought his readers would stand out. More than once he reveals his longing for non Christians to become aware of God and what He has done in Christ through the actions and decisions of the Christians to whom he writes (2:12; 2:21; 3:1; 3:15).
The first step in evangelism for the preacher or the pew-sitter, is to be so appreciative of what God has done for us in Christ, so attuned to His values, so excited by His mission, so confident in His future, that it is evident in common everyday situations. Now all I have to do is to be ready with answer. Are you? Have you practised it?
