go public!

• Going public is part of what Hope Revolution is all about. I mean, let’s face it, it’s fantastic to get stuck into social action projects in our community, yet what are we going to do when someone stops us and says “Hey, tell me, exactly why are doing this stuff? Who do you work for? What are you lot all about?”
  
  
• It’s easy to answer “We’re the Hope Revolution” but people are going to want to know a little bit more about you than this! People get curious when you start going public, especially when you're seen to be doing amazing stuff. So, are you ready this week to go public? Are you ready to take your stand in the community, nail your colours to the mast and give people the reason why you’re getting involved? Have you already done this? Did it go well? Maybe you need to have another go at speaking out?
  
  
• I love this translation from The Message. It’s a fresh look at an otherwise familiar translation of a verse we hear so many times. The danger with familiar verses is that we can develop the ability to recite them off by heart, but fail to actually live their meaning out. You might recognise this verse from its familiar reading in the New International Version:
  “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.” It’s a powerful verse and many great songs and books have been inspired by it.
  
  
• There’s been some great news around this past week that some of you I'm sure will have been proud to announce. If you’re a Man Utd supporter I bet you've spent most of the last week sharing the news that your team [just about] won the Champions League final in Moscow. Or, if you’re a Hull City fan, you’re going to be enjoying life in the Premiership next season [But will you be one season wonders..?] What other news are you proud of at the moment? Maybe your older sister has just got engaged or you’ve just been offered a place at college for next September. Maybe you’ve just passed your driving test or your Dad told you he was taking you on holiday to Florida next month? Good news is great to share, but what of the greatest news anyone could hear. Are we good at going public on that?
  
  
• So, looking honestly at The Message translation, can you say that your love for Jesus is “...news I’m most proud to proclaim”? You see, there’s so many things we’re proud of, but Jesus should be the person we’re most proud of and the news we’re most keen to share. Jesus didn't 'just about' claim victory on the cross. He romped home and saved the whole human race! Jesus isn't a 'one season wonder'. Here's there in every season of your life, in every circumstance. Hope Revolution gives us the chance to practice sharing good news in our community. Yet in doing all the many social action projects throughout Hope08, we must, as the Apostle Peter says “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] So, begin this week by going public!