August 27, 2024
General Superintendent
Max Edwards
From the passage in Acts chapter 2 that we’ve been exploring, we know that the number of believers was continually growing:
“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers ... And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:42-47 nkjv)
And we know that the miracle of heart-transformation can only happen by the power of the Holy Spirit as people choose to recognize Christ as Lord, and repent of their sins. But don’t think for a minute that we aren’t an important part of God’s plan in bringing people to Himself.
The Disciples were not silent. Anytime anyone would listen to them, they were sharing the good news that jesus Christ had come to rescue us from sin and destruction. The book of Acts is stuffed with account after account of their spoken witness. Famously, the Pentecost narrative in chapter 2 recalls the Apostle Peter standing to declare that Jesus is the Anointed One – the very Son of God:
“Then Peter stood up with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd …”
And as I noted, this pattern repeated itself again and again. Acts 3:12; Acts 4:12; Acts 4:20 …
Sharing this incredible truth was standard operating procedure for them: (Acts 4:33)
“With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus.”
“Yes, but it was easier for them”, you might object. Really?!? Yes, they were direct eye-witnesses of the miracles and ministry of Jesus, and of His resurrection, but they faced intense persecution, ridicule, and hardships. And it may come to that for us here in America – who can know. But no matter what the cost, we are commissioned to proclaim the good news of Jesus. If He has transformed your life, he simply asks that we share that news with others.
You don’t have to preach some high-sounding theological masterpiece. Just share what your life was like before you met Jesus, and what a difference knowing Him has made for you. That is pretty much what the Apostle Paul did throughout the book of Acts. He talked over and again about his life before Jesus, and what the Damascus road encounter had done for him.
Maybe “Evangelism” is a scary word. Just focus on “sharing” your story. The results are up to the Holy Spirit. It is our privilege and mission to tell people that God loves them too, just as He loves us.