Go Share the Good News: Overcome Excuses

Devotional

Day 1: Honoring Christ as Holy

Jesus stood resurrected before Thomas, placing scarred hands in his doubt. “My Lord and my God!” Thomas cried. Like the disciples, we’re called to fix our eyes on Christ alone—not rulers, jobs, or distractions pretending to be lords. [46:37]

Peter’s letter cuts through competing loyalties. To honor Christ as holy means letting His authority reshape our priorities, wallets, and calendars. Nero demanded “Kurios,” but only Jesus deserves that title.

Where have you let lesser things sit on faith’s throne? Name one distraction that dims Christ’s centrality this week. How might physically redirecting your eyes (to a cross, Bible, or worship song) recalibrate your focus?

“But in your hearts revere 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.”
(1 Peter 3:15, NIV)

Prayer: Ask Jesus to reveal what pseudo-lords drain your spiritual focus. Confess one by name.
Challenge: Set three phone alarms labeled “KURIOS” today. When they ring, pause to whisper “Jesus is Lord.”

Day 2: Prepared with Living Hope

The woman at the well ran to her village, dripping with Messiah-news. Her testimony wasn’t polished—just true. Peter urges readiness to share our hope-story, not theological treatises. [48:06]

Defending our faith starts with remembering what Christ has done. Like the healed blind man who said, “I was blind, now I see,” our preparation is daily gratitude for grace received, not memorizing apologetics scripts.

When did you last write down your Jesus-story? Grab a pen. Describe one moment God’s hope broke into your darkness. Who needs to hear this raw, unedited version of His faithfulness?

“But in your hearts revere 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.”
(1 Peter 3:15, NIV)

Prayer: Thank Jesus for three specific hope-moments in your life. Ask for courage to voice one today.
Challenge: Text one friend: “How have you seen hope operate in my life?” Save their response.

Day 3: Gentleness in Unlocked Rooms

Paul stood on Mars Hill, studying Athenian altars before speaking. He quoted their poets, then pivoted to Christ’s resurrection. No debates—just bridges. [50:49]

Respect disarms. When we listen first like Paul, we honor others’ dignity. Peter’s “gentleness” isn’t weakness—it’s strategic love, refusing to weaponize truth.

What relationship feels strained by spiritual tension? Commit to asking three questions before sharing your perspective this week. How might attentive listening prepare fertile soil?

“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.”
(1 Peter 3:15-16, NIV)

Prayer: Confess a time you prioritized “winning” over loving. Ask for gentle speech today.
Challenge: Initiate a conversation with someone who disagrees with you. Listen 5 minutes before responding.

Day 4: Turtle Aid and Bold Obedience

Three turtles starved because none trusted enough to fetch umbrellas. The sermon’s parable exposes our excuse-making—we delay gospel obedience, fearing scarcity or rejection. [54:00]

Jesus’ “go” in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19) is a present imperative—keep going! Like the pastor’s McAllister’s routine, faithfulness thrives through habitual, relational presence, not grand gestures.

Where have you overcomplicated evangelism? Identify one “third place” (coffee shop, gym, park) to show up weekly. How might consistent, prayerful presence birth gospel opportunities?

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
(Matthew 28:19, NIV)

Prayer: Ask God for one name and one place to intentionally “go” this week.
Challenge: Visit a local eatery. Pray silently for staff and patrons as you order.

Day 5: Creedal Courage for the Quest

The Nicene Creed’s “I believe” anchors wandering hearts. Early Christians recited it when persecution made witness dangerous. [19:18]

Affirming core truths—Christ’s divinity, resurrection, Spirit’s work—fortifies us for mission. Like a family passcode, the Creed reminds us whose we are before we represent Him abroad.

When did you last declare these truths aloud? Gather two believers this week to recite the Creed together. How does voicing ancient words strengthen modern obedience?

“I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth…And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only Son of God…For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven.”
(Nicene Creed)

Prayer: Read the Creed aloud. Thank God for one line that especially fortifies you today.
Challenge: Text the Creed to a younger believer. Ask how it resonates with their current struggles.

Sermon Summary

We belong to a family formed by the resurrection. That identity grounds everything we do and gives mission its urgency. We live out resurrection realities when we move from private faith into public witness, not out of obligation but because grace compels us. We resist excuses that keep us comfortable: procrastination, fear of being stumped, hiding behind civility, or treating people as trophies. We reject three common missteps: reducing evangelism to notch-taking, turning conversations into intellectual showdowns, or pretending good deeds alone can replace clear words. Scripture calls us to a different posture. We must honor Christ as Lord, root our hope in Scripture, and be ready at all times to give the reason for our hope. Preparation looks like steady time in God’s word and practice telling what Jesus has done for us in everyday life. When we speak, we must speak with gentleness and respect so grace can meet people where they are instead of driving them away. Practical faith finds places to go — workplaces, gyms, regular tables — and uses those rhythms to pay attention and love people into conversation. The gospel literally begins with go; urgency flows from the fact that many die without this hope. Confession and the Lord’s Supper center and renew us for the work ahead, reminding us that forgiveness precedes and fuels our witness. Together we will keep returning to the cross for courage, practice the habits that prepare us, and step into conversations with humility, clarity, and compassion.

Key Takeaways

1. We are chosen and valuable We have identity before we have assignment. God calls us a chosen race and a treasured possession, and that status changes how we relate to others: we offer dignity rather than demand results. That conviction sustains patient, long-term relationships that open fertile soil for the gospel. [35:36]
2. Gospel requires both words and actions Our lives must show grace, but actions without words leave the core message unsaid. The incarnation models speech plus life; Jesus is both Word and deed. We should let kindness prepare ears and then speak clearly of what Christ has done. [43:56]
3. Prepare to give your reason Being ready means steady formation, not perfect answers. Scripture and prayer shape our story so we can share why hope lives in us when questions come. The “defense” the text asks for is ultimately the testimony of change and forgiveness rooted in Christ. [48:06]
4. Speak with gentleness and respect Truth that wounds without love repels; truth offered with humility invites. Listening first and matching tone to context honors the image of God in others and opens doors for deeper truth. If discussion becomes hostile, we step back and preserve relationship for another time. [50:21]
5. Go now the field is urgent The gospel starts with going, and waiting sacrifices souls to time. Regular places and repeated visits create trust that opens hearts during crisis and everyday conversation alike. We move now because hope cannot wait. [52:05]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[35:14] - Resurrection realities introduced
[37:13] - Common evangelism excuses
[42:03] - How not to evangelize
[45:09] - 1 Peter 3:15 explained
[52:05] - Urgency to go and share
[57:10] - Confession and communion
[73:51] - Blessing and sending

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading
1 Peter 3:15 (ESV)
"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."

1 Peter 2:9 (ESV)
"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."

Observation Questions

According to 1 Peter 3:15, what three attitudes or actions are required when sharing the reason for our hope?
In the sermon, what practical examples were given for "places to go" to build relationships and share the gospel? [40:31]
How does 1 Peter 2:9 describe the identity of believers, and what purpose does that identity serve?
What common excuses for avoiding evangelism were mentioned in the sermon? [37:13]

Interpretation Questions

Why does 1 Peter 3:15 emphasize gentleness and respect as essential to sharing hope? How might harsh or argumentative approaches undermine the gospel?
The sermon warns against reducing evangelism to "notch-taking" or intellectual debates. What do these approaches miss about the heart of the gospel? [42:03]
How does recognizing our identity as "chosen and valuable" (1 Peter 2:9) change the way we view others when sharing faith?
The sermon says, "The gospel literally begins with go." What urgency does this create, and why is procrastination dangerous? [52:05]

Application Questions

What is one "regular place" (e.g., gym, workplace, coffee shop) where you can intentionally build relationships this week? How might you start paying attention to opportunities to listen or serve there? [40:31]
Think of a time when fear of being "stumped" kept you from sharing your faith. What practical step (e.g., memorizing a verse, practicing your story) could you take to feel more prepared?
How can you balance actions (demonstrating grace) and words (explaining the gospel) in a specific relationship? What might that look like this month?
Identify one excuse you often use to avoid sharing the gospel (e.g., procrastination, fear). What truth from 1 Peter 3:15 or 2:9 could help you overcome it?
When have you seen gentleness open a door for deeper conversation? How could you intentionally practice listening before speaking in your next spiritual conversation? [50:21]
The sermon mentions 1.5 million people die without Christ yearly in the U.S. How does this urgency reshape your priorities? What is one way to "go" this week instead of waiting?

Sermon Clips

``And we're called to do all of these things. You, me, us, together, to go share good news. I saw a statistic this week. They estimate that in The United States, every year, one point five million people die apart from Christ. They say that we are the second biggest mission field in the world now. That is God's call for us to get to work, to go and share the good news that we have received. You are saved by grace. It's incredible. Go and share it. Get uncomfortable. Go and share the good news. [00:51:46] (46 seconds) #ShareTheGoodNews

I want you to notice something about the word gospel. It starts with go. We gotta go. This world needs to hear the good news of who Jesus is. We have it. We've been given it. You are saved by grace. This is amazing. There is no sin that you have committed in your past that is bigger than God's love. It is for you. We gotta go and share the good news that there's something beyond this world. And people need to hear it. I I need to hear it more and more myself because this world's getting tougher. I'm getting tired. Are you getting tired? [00:54:02] (46 seconds) #GoShareHope

And people need to know. And if we don't go, they're not gonna know. It's time for us to get to work. You are saved by grace, and you are called to go share this good news, and we are called to do it together. So let's get to work. Amen? Amen. [00:56:35] (21 seconds) #TogetherOnMission

And I tell you that our God has overcome for you. He has overcome every excuse, he's overcome every failure, he's overcome every sin, and he says, you are loved. And so I tell you, in the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven. Your sin is removed as far as east is from West. You are loved. Amen? Amen. [00:58:59] (20 seconds) #ForgivenAndLoved

And I have lunch because the food is good, and they keep filling my tea, and it's really good, and they have good Internet, but I really go there because I wanna love on the people and share Jesus with them. Right? And it's a place that every time I go, I pray, Lord, help me to not make these excuses today, and instead pay attention to the people around me because I wanna share your love with them. It changes the way you live and do things. Do you have a place like that? Yes. Or do we have excuses? [00:40:32] (27 seconds) #ShareOverLunch

But I want people to know, but whenever it comes to talking about Jesus, we we struggle. Right? Your hands get sweaty, you feel uncomfortable. Oh, man. Is this gonna mess up a friendship or my family? It's gonna mess up Thanksgiving. What is it it's about to mess up? We get caught up in all these things, and I am convinced that's the enemy just whispering in our ear going, no, don't do it. And we we come up with a lot of excuses. Right? I I come up with excuses. It's Sunday. Supposed to rest today. It's Monday. [00:38:00] (34 seconds) #FaithOverFear

Alright? That's what you've got. You have good news to go share with people. This is not bad news. You have the best news ever. That's what evangelism is. God is saying to you, I want you to go and share good news. Get out there. And so, we go to do it, and and we try to do it. I have got a couple places now that I go. Right? You know that the gym that we work out at, we see that as one of our places that we reach out with the love of Christ. [00:39:53] (28 seconds) #EverydayEvangelism

We struggle with it. This call that Jesus has for us to go out and share the good news. It's weird the way we struggle with it though because we could go if look. I am the type if I go see a movie and I love that movie, I'm gonna tell you about it. I I I love talking about things. I go to a restaurant and I really like it, I'm gonna tell people. Every time I run into the sub, we start talking about restaurants and go, oh, you should try this place. It's so good. Right? And and now, we have a livestream. So I'm thinking if I tell you them, maybe they'll hear it, and they'll take it as advertising, let me come for free. No. [00:37:23] (37 seconds) #ListenFirstShareLove

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