Ps 119:41,May Your lovingkindnesses also come to me, O Lord, Your salvation according to Your word; 42 So I will have an answer for him who reproaches me, For I trust in Your word. 43 And do not take the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, For I wait for Your ordinances. 44 So I will keep Your law continually, Forever and ever.

45 And I will walk at liberty, For I seek Your precepts. 46 I will also speak of Your testimonies before kings And shall not be ashamed. 47 I shall delight in Your commandments, Which I love. 48 And I shall lift up my hands to Your commandments, Which I love; And I will meditate on Your statutes. NASB

The New Testament agrees with the Old Testament

I will give an answer for him who... Reproaches/Mocks 42: So I will have an answer for him who reproaches me, For I trust in Your word. 1 Peter 3:14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.”15 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, NIV

The Biblical Theme: “Tell” Dan 3:6 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

Historically the culture has said “Don't tell” Acts 4: Peter and John healed a man. Put in jail for it, then brought before the ruling council. 4:8 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! 20 As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”21 After further threats they let them go.

The “don't tell” summary The “only Jesus” part of your message upsets what others believe Conform to the requirement given to all- worship the emperor (Dan 3) Act like everyone else “We” don't want to hear it “They” don't want to hear it (not true today) People are anxious to have spiritual conversations with someone who will engage

Tell what you have witnessed 20 As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” How have you experienced Jesus?What has Jesus done for you? Your personal experience What have you seen Jesus do for others? Answered prayer What have you heard? What have you learned from the Bible? Bible Teachers? Stories of reputable people

Your Word of Truth Stays in my Mouth 43 And do not take the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, For I wait for Your ordinances. We must tell with our mouth 8 But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: 9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. NIV

I will walk in liberty 45 And I will walk at liberty, For I seek Your precepts. When you speak about God, you are not keeping a secret any longer You are acknowledging God publicly You become “integrated” and live in harmony with your “self” Being the same at work and at play sets you free

13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free 13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh rather, serve one another humbly in love... 19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self- control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. NIV

I will speak to those in high positions 46 I will also speak of Your testimonies before kings And shall not be ashamed. People worry about things that never happen Worry steals energy and kills Lk 12:11 “When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, 12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.” Can you do it? Release the concern

So What? We live in a country that still claims freedom of speech and freedom of religion. Use it! Live in harmony with your self Don't hide Be gentle and have respect People want to have spiritual conversations