Sermon Tone Analysis

GOSPEL CONTEXT: WE Must be Clear about the Gospel

…the hope that is in you...

Creation, Sin, Separation, Promise, Incarnation, Crucifixion, Resurrection, Repentance, Faith, Salvation, Transformation, Security, Service

GOSPEL ENCOUNTERS: …Be Ready at Any Time to Give a Defense...

…to anyone who asks you for a reason...

Gospel Conversations—What we most likely think of when reading this verse; the positive question (Why are you helping me…why are you so calm…?);

I want what you’ve got; Genuine Consideration

Gospel Confrontations—What we must also think about when reading this verse; the antagonistic question (Aren’t you a little arrogant to believe ___________(that)…Isn’t believing in God is a fairy tale…You actually believe in resurrection / heaven & hell / that ________ is a sin…?);

I think what you have is a joke; Serious Antagonism (yet still is ‘give me a reason for the hope...’)

We’ve gotta have these conversations (dialogues)!

[How?]

Conversations: make it as simple as telling someone about that excellent new movie, book, restaurant; The essence of the Gospel in 3 verses (; ; )

Confrontations: ask, ‘Would you tell me more about why you think/believe that?’…then, ‘Ok.

I appreciate you sharing that with me.

Could I tell you what I believe/think about this?’…or, I’m sorry you feel that way.

I’d like to share with you what I believe (the Bible has to say) about that.’;

No easy way here

GOSPEL IMPACT: What Will be the Responses?

Acts 17.

Red Light— “…some began to ridicule [mock, scoff, laugh, jeer, made fun of, joked, sneer, ‘whatever’…yawn, shake head, roll eyes]...”

Yellow Light— “…like to hear from you again [talk about this some other time, hear more about this, ‘let’s do this again’...”

Green Light— “…joined him and believed [on his side, stayed with him, went with, became followers, …became believers]...”

acts