The Reason for the Reason for the Hope That is Within You

During our Public Faith Conference, we had the pleasure of hosting Joe Novenson, Pastor to Seniors at Lookout Mountain Presbyterian Church.

Joe delivered a two part message, which we've summarized below. Take a few minutes to review Joe's main points to deepen your own understanding of your identity in Christ and consider your relationship to your faith in the public sphere.

Watch Joe's full Sunday sermon or listen to his conference talk Session One and Session Two.

Study Summary

1. Our Forgotten Identity

As Christians, we often live like amnesia patients: we’ve forgotten who we are, yet deep within, something tells us that we have a true identity we aren't living out. The glory of God in us is greater than all the wonders of the natural world, greater than angels and the cosmos. If we can't see this glory now, it may be because we’ve pushed it down and fallen into spiritual amnesia. We glimpse our true identity it in moments of beauty—art, nature, stories—but we must wake up and remember the truth.

2. God’s Eternal Purpose

From eternity past, God chose us. Our names were written before the foundation of the world, and Jesus was predestined to be the sacrificial Lamb before the creation of the universe. This reminds us that our existence and our salvation have always been part of God’s grand plan, not as an afterthought but as an expression of His desire to be in relationship with us.

3. A Call to Be Whole

The concept of being "blameless" is about becoming whole—being everything a human is meant to be. God calls us to "be," to “hush,” and listen to His voice, as creation itself listens and obeys. Jesus suffered so we could be made whole, blameless, restored. We are more united with Christ than with any other thing in our present reality.

4. Learning from Abraham

Abraham's story teaches us to reject inadequacy. Despite having no training or religious framework, Abraham followed God with faith. Even at 99 years old, he embraced God's impossible promise. His life challenges us to recognize our own limitations and trust God’s ability to interrupt our lives, no matter how old, busy, or burdened we are.

5. Living Outwardly for Others

We are called to live outwardly, impacting those around us. This is not just a call to personal piety but to collective influence. Who are you impacting? Who is benefiting from the life of Christ in you? Just as Abraham's name points to his future generations, we must orient our lives outward—toward the needs and hopes of others.

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Next Steps

1. Make a List of People You Know

Identify the people you’ll commit to praying for daily and pointing toward Christ. These people could be non-Christians or fellow Christians who are struggling with faith or seeking God. Consider their proximity to you, the depth of your relationship, their needs, and your unique ability to meet those needs.

2. Invest in Real Relationships

• Pray regularly for those on your list.
• Share meals, watch a game, or enjoy a show together.
• Express how Jesus has been good to you.
• Spend time with people who are different from you, asking curious questions about what brings them joy, sadness, or fear.

3. Invite Others Into Deeper Experiences

Join in service or creative projects together, such as exploring new neighborhoods, playing sports, or attending events. Gradually move conversations from everyday topics to spiritual matters, building trust and deepening connections.

4.Reflect

Reflect on the spiritual journey of the people you are praying for and interacting with. Use the "Salvation Scale" below as a guide to identify where they are—whether they are closed, curious, pursuing faith, professing Christ, growing in Christ, or making disciples. Adjust your interactions and prayers accordingly, seeking to guide them forward in their walk with God.

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