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How to Share Your Faith Using the Terrorist Bomb Plot

British authorities foiled a terrorist plot to bomb up to 10 planes bound from London to the US. The 24 terrorists arrested were planning to use explosives they carried onto airplanes disguised in sports drink bottles. As the news story unfolded, the unsettling coverage all sounded like it could be an episode straight out of a script for the TV series 24 .

Disruption in the air travel world was immediate and widespread, with untold hours of delay and mountains of discarded liquids and gels filling airport dumpsters. But even more unsettling than the ongoing air travel disruptions and inconvenience is the in your face reminder of our vulnerability. Once again we are confronted with the reality that we live in an uncertain world where our sense of personal safety can be ripped away in a moment.

How should we deal with living in this uncertain world? Should all the potential calamities swirling out there leave us stressed and depressed? If you're a follower of Jesus, your hope is in Him and your ultimate future is already determined - to be with Him in heaven! You may face uncertain or difficult times now or in the future, but you have God's promise that says,

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31:6)

What about our friends? Are they unsettled by the recently unveiled terrorist plot? Are they fearful of what the future may hold? Use this news story as a springboard for God-talk. Here are some ideas for getting the conversation started:

  • Ask your friends if they think the world is a scary place? Share the reason for your hope of God walking with you through whatever the future holds and ultimately taking you to be with Him in heaven. Explain that "The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the strength of my salvation, and my stronghold." (Ps. 18:2)
  • Ask your friends why they think evil exists in the world? Share what you believe. For help with this topic, check out the Soul Fuel Evil: Blame it on God?
  • If you're a teen today you live with childhood memories of the 9/11 terror attacks and the Columbine school shootings. What effect do you think these tragic memories have on your generation? How can your generation respond and reach out with hope to a hurting world? Explain why you are hopeful and not despairing. The Bible challenges us in 1 Peter 3:14-15, "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened. 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, but do this with gentleness and respect."

Life can be unsettling and uncertain - there are few guarantees. While we often live our day-to-day lives lulled by the thinking that life will go by smoothly, the reality is that at any moment something totally unexpected could invade our personal world. Whether it's a terrorist attack, the devastation of losing a friend in a car accident, or the breakup of our family, tragedy could slam into us at any moment. But we can hold onto God's promise and eternal presence no matter what comes our way. He promises that he will never leave us. Let's share that promise with our friends.