Acts 22
February 19, 2010 by: InHisTime
Bible Passage: Acts 22
When called upon to share our faith or even contend for it(Jude 3), do we seize the opportunity to do so? Or do we keep silent?
The desire for evangelism is shared by many, but often, not many express this desire into action. What is keeping the church silent?
While the church is silent, millions out there are still kept in the dark. We can learn something from Paul’s experience in Acts 22, when he gave an account of his faith to his persecutors.
In the first few verses of today’s chapter, we see that Paul gave a personal testimony (Acts 22:2-5)
Perhaps some of us might be intimidated by the idea of evangelism, thinking that it’s a spar of words and test of bible knowledge,
Yes while we have to know our church doctrines and corresponding bible verses, there are other ways to bring our non-christians friends to Christ as well.
It is important to note that evangelism is not about taking a warlike approach and out talking the other party. Rendering him speechless with evidence from the bible does not mean he is truly truly convinced.
Other than introducing them to our church doctrines, sharing personal testimonies could be a powerful way of evangelism.(Mark 5:19) The Samaritan woman in John 4 shared her testimony with the men of the city after meeting Jesus. (John 4:28-30) In John 4: 39 it adds that “many Samaritans of that city believed in Jesus because of what the woman testified..”
People can argue about doctrines, but nobody can rebut a testimony.
By telling others what God has done in our lives, it encourages others to believe in God and receive His promises. (1 Chronicles 16:24)
Sharing testimonies also reminds us of the compassion and mercy God had on us.
Even among our brethren, we could share our personal testimonies with one other, no matter how insignificant. This strengthens our faith, edify one another and also gives glory to God.
May the Lord guide us in this area of work and fill us with boldness to preach the gospel.
February 19th, 2010 at 12:54 am
Agree! Testimonies can be very powerful because they are more ‘real’ or palatable to some. People are able to experience God through our testimonies. But our testimonies will hold water only if we are exemplary in our everyday behaviour.
February 19th, 2010 at 2:02 am
Ananias said to Paul in Acts 22:14-15 that:
“The God of our fathers has chosen you that
you should know His will,
and see the Just One,
and hear the voice of His mouth.
For you will be His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard.”
Sharing Lord Jesus’ salvation for us is just these 3 simple steps:
See
Hear
Speak
What we see in the bible, our own life, brethren’s life.
What we hear during sermons, bible study, seminars, fellowship, from brethren, in our prayers.
Speak.
Paul saw and heard Lord Jesus and bore witness:
” and saw Him saying to me,’Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, for they will not receive your testimony concerning Me.’
“Then He said to me,’Depart for I will send you far from here to the Gentiles.’ (Acts 22:18,21)
Paul had a personal relationship with Lord Jesus.