Donnie Gore teaches from 1 Peter 3:13–15 about the sure hope believers have in Jesus Christ and the responsibility to live that hope visibly before others. Christians are called to do good, remain faithful when righteousness brings suffering, and be ready to explain the reason for their hope with gentleness and respect. Biblical hope is not wishful thinking; it is confident assurance grounded in God’s promises, Christ’s finished work on the cross, and the gift of eternal life.

Key points:

• Do good and live worthy of the Christian calling.

• Expect that faithfulness may bring opposition or persecution.

• Honor Christ as Lord and be prepared to defend the faith.

• Let conduct in suffering point others to Jesus.

• Give answers with gentleness, respect, and love.

• Biblical hope is confident assurance—not “I hope so,” but “I know so.”

• The believer’s hope has a name: Jesus.

Timeline:

00:00 — Pre-service room audio

01:30 — Welcome and church-family updates

03:03 — Introduction: Hope and 1 Peter 3:13–15

03:40 — Opening prayer

04:51 — What is your hope, and what is your hope in?

06:25 — Reading 1 Peter 3:13–15

07:42 — Called to do good

08:13 — Reading 1 Peter 3:10–12

09:28 — Faithfulness, witness, and persecution

10:46 — The witness and suffering of missionary Graham Staines

16:05 — Be ready to give an answer for your hope

19:37 — Responding to suffering in a way that points to Jesus

21:31 — Christian apologetics: a defense of the faith

27:04 — Answering with gentleness and respect

31:19 — What biblical hope means

35:01 — Faith, assurance, and Hebrews 11:1

38:13 — Conclusion: Where is your hope?

38:49 — Transition to prayer requests

Scripture referenced: 1 Peter 3:10–15, 17–18; Galatians 6:9–10; Ephesians 2:10; Micah 6:8; Romans 12:21; Colossians 3:23; Matthew 5:10, 16; John 3:19; John 16:33; 1 Corinthians 15:2–4; Hebrews 6:19–20; Hebrews 11:1; Colossians 4:6; Ephesians 4:15; John 6:47.

Topics: Hope, Faith, Assurance, Apologetics, Evangelism, Christian Witness, Persecution, Suffering, Good Works, Gentleness, Eternal Life, Salvation, Jesus Christ