When should we be ready to give the hope of our faith?
Believers should be ready to give the hope of their faith whenever the Lord provides an opportunity, especially when someone offers an opening with even a word or two. They are not to force it on others, but should be prepared to share with anyone willing to listen.
Les explains that just as people readily brag about a good car because it means something to them, believers should let others know what their salvation means to them. He hopes class people can talk about the things of the Lord as easily as they talk about the weather, because it has become that big a part of them. Paul says that if we have come to the place that Jesus is Lord, we should be ready to share it with anybody who will listen. Les clarifies he never ascribes to forcing anything on people, or grabbing them by the nap of the neck and trying to shove it down their throat, because it won't work. But when the Lord gives an opportunity, when someone gives an opening with just a word or two, then be ready as Scripture says to give the hope of your faith. Continuing in verse 9, this is the Gospel: Christ died, was buried, and rose again; if you believe that God raised Him from the dead, the promise is thou shalt be saved, not try to be or work the best you can.