God’s Word Says….

Acts 17:19-20 (CSV)
19 They got Paul and took him to a meeting of the Areopagus, where they said, “Please explain to us this new idea you have been teaching. 20 The things you are saying are new to us, and we want to know what this teaching means.”

My Thoughts…..

In another part of Scripture it is taught that we should be ready to testify about our faith in season or out of season, in other words – any time that we have the opportunity. In the focused verses Paul was given just that type of opportunity, and he clearly presented to his audience the gospel. I wonder how many Christians would react to that kind of opened door today?

Challenge……

Now I bet you are probably thinking, but wait a minute Brother Ed, you can’t expect me to explain the Gospel like my pastor would? And friend, you’re exactly right. God only expects us to share what we know, believe, feel and have experienced. Surely if you are asked to tell a crowd about your spouse you wouldn’t have to go get her father, or his mother to tell everyone, for you would quickly tell about your knowledge and first-hand experience with your spouse. Likewise, God will only hold us accountable to tell what we know about Him, whether experientially or learned knowledge from His Word. I truly believe that more folk come to the Lord because of hearing ‘real’ folk talk from experience, instead of someone trying to tell them what the Word of God says. You see, telling them from experience tells them that this religion, this Savior of which you speak, had a personal impact on you and that you are not merely telling them about something that occurred thousands of years ago. Please don’t misunderstand, the Word of God is important, it is powerful and must be proclaimed. But sharing your personal story, and the impact that God has been in your life is where ‘the rubber meets the road’, it’s the personal thing! So, do you have a word for the lost when they ask about your faith? Of course you do, hopefully it’s a live, vibrant story about a daily, interactive experience with Your maker! Christianity is not about a decision you made 20 years ago, it’s about all that goes on in your relationship with God since that day 20 years ago when you accepted Him as Lord of your life. Please develop that kind of relationship with Jesus, if you can’t brag on that to a friend today!

Prayer……

In the name of the Lord Jesus, I want to personally ask that You continue to work in my life so that I may live a vibrant, daily, 24/7 experience with You dear Jesus. I want that experience to be so fresh, that talking about it would be as real and impacting as telling a friend about the wonderful marriage that I am blessed with. Please help me to do my part, and not consider it enough to invite my friend to church. They may never make it to the next church worship service, and given the opportunity I believe that with Your help, I might impact their life for You on the spot. I know that I can’t ‘save’ anyone, so please use my humble input and witness to my friends to impact their hearts for a decision to accept You as Lord. Please make me ready and willing to share the joy of knowing You, and how it fills my soul every day! For my friends meditating on this devotional today, I ask that You please speak to them also and develop within them a relationship that they can easily brag about (witness) to their friends. I love You Lord, and look forward to Your return! For it is in Your precious and Holy name that I ask all this today, AMEN!

Action…..

In response to God leading You through this devotional today, please get with a Bible teaching Pastor you may know and allow him to guide you. Otherwise feel free to reply to my post online, or you may email me directly at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. I will gladly add you to my prayer list, and/or respond to your request(s) ASAP.