Whose Brand Are You Wearing?

Opening Scripture

Luke 9:26 NIV

Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.

Jesus’ followers faced intense pressure to distance themselves from Him to protect their families, their social standing, and their safety.

Following Jesus calls us to represent Him publically, not privately

So many times we fall into the trap of shying away or denying Jesus because we want to fit in with our friends or family.

In our opening Scripture Jesus gives us insight on what to expect when we stand before Him if we choose to deny Him publically.

Being a follower of Jesus will most definitely have people talk about you

Being a follower of Jesus will most definitely have people leave out of your life

The toughest one, being a follower of Jesus will even lead into persecution.

Through it all — Being a follower of Jesus is the best decision that anyone could ever make in their life.

The Power Within

Romans 1:16 NIV

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.

Paul declares that he is not ashamed of the gospel because it is rooted in the power of God that leads into salvation for anyone and everyone who chooses to believe in it.

The Gospel co-relates to the faithfulness of God in the form of Jesus and the price that was paid on the cross and the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.

The gospel of Jesus (The Good news) exposes us to the power of God that was made manifest in the likeness of Jesus Christ.

We should NEVER be ashamed to stand on God’s word and proclaim God’s word for all to hear.

God’s word will expose Sin not hide it

The Spirit of God that we have recieved simply by receiving Jesus as our Lord and Savior gives us the power to proclaim truth by giving us the understanding to what the truth is!

What’s Your Story?

2 Timothy 1:8 NIV

So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.

Our Testimony is connected to the gospel of Jesus Christ!

Just as Paul and the other disciples of Christ before us were persecuted for their testimony and faith in Christ so shall we.

Often times we can fall into the trap of being afraid of sharing our testimony (our story) because it shows our weaknesses…

BUT we MUST understand that it is in or weaknesses that His strength is made perfect within us

Our testimony is a testament of the love of God and the Faithfulness of God!

There is power in your testimony to set someone else free…

What story is God leading you to share?

Always be ready…

1 Peter 3:15 NIV

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,

We must decided in our hearts that Jesus is Lord — Either He is or He’s not.. We must live accordingly.

As followers/disciples of Jesus we should always be ready to defend the faith and answer questions that others may have.

Defending the Faith doesn’t mean debating or arguing… simply stand firm on the truth of God’s word and be lead of the Holy Spirit in what we speak when we speak it.

When we speak we MUST speak out of love and be gentle — Especially with those who are young in the Faith or non-believers.

We stay ready by devoting our selves to prayer — pray without ceasing

We stay ready by staying rooted in God’s word — Reading to understand, letting the Holy Spirit both guide and teach us.

We Stay ready by having a spiritual mentor who is more stronger in the faith than us

Are You Ready?

Your Next Steps

1. Go "Public"

Stop hiding your faith in the background of your life. Make a conscious decision to let people see who you represent this week.

2. Swap Approval for Power

The next time you feel that familiar "shrink back" feeling when someone brings up faith, morality, or truth, pause and take a silent breath.

3. Share Your "Before & After"

Craft and share your story. People can argue with your theology, but they cannot argue with your changed life. Your vulnerability is someone else's freedom.

4. Upgrade Your "Ready State"

You can’t pour from an empty cup, and you can't defend a faith you aren't feeding. To stay ready, you have to stay rooted.

5. Ditch the Debate

Change your goal from winning arguments to winning people. When people challenge your faith or push your buttons this week, respond with love.