1.  WE NEED HOPE PROPERLY FOCUSED.
  "But in your hearts set apart 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."  -  I Peter 3:15 (NIV)
   Hope is...an optimistic outlook based on powerful promises.
   How do I know that my HOPE is properly focused?
   If Christ is set apart in my heart as Lord!

2.  WE NEED REASONS INDIVIDUALLY PREPARED.
  "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." - I Peter 3:15 (NIV)
   The best reasons I can give are the Promises of God that mean the most to me!
   How do I get prepared?
   Memorize scriptural promises that encourage and give hope.

3.  WE NEED GENTLENESS SINCERELY EXPRESSED.
  "... But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander."    - I Peter 3:15-16 (NIV)
   How do I know if my attitude is right?
   When God's Word is more prominent than we are.
   When God's activities are more prominent than our accomplishments.

 4.  WE NEED CONFIDENCE COURAGEOUSLY MAINTAINED.
  "[Jesus] went and proclaimed God's salvation to earlier generations who ended up in the prison of God's judgment because they wouldn't listen.  You know, even though God waited patiently all the days that Noah built his ship, only a few were saved, eight to be exact." - I Peter 3:19-20 (MSG)
The illustration of Noah reminds us of three things:
    A.   If Noah had Christ with him, so do we!
    B.   If Noah didn't have to produce results neither do we!
    C.   If Noah could handle the insults/persecution, so can we! 
 "Go everywhere in the world and tell everyone the good news."  - Mark 16:15 (GW)
  "...and you will be my witnesses...to the ends of the earth."  - Acts 1:8 (NIV)
How do I know if I'm really ready?
   I set apart Christ as Lord
   I prepare promises from scripture
   I ask God for opportunities to share my hope.