October 5, 2012

Chapter 28- New Beginnings   

Acts 5:41-42  ⁴¹ The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. ⁴² Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.

Oh that I would be an Acts 5:41 and 42 Christian!  If only I would be considered worthy of sharing Christ's stripes.  Rejoicing for persecution.  Daily going from house to house to teach and proclaim the Good News!  

How many Christians utter the same sentiments and have the same desire!  Well, at least in Sunday School and perhaps at a Bible study.  But how many are afraid to make that same request known to God in a sincere time of prayer?  Do we fervently, insistently ask God to provide us with witnessing opportunities, regardless of the personal or professional cost?

Let's do a quick scripture walk:

1. John 5:14-15  ¹⁴ This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. ¹⁵ And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

2. Jesus last words to His disciples were to spread the Gospel.  Acts 1:8   ⁸ But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

3.  James 4:17 ¹⁷ If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.

Since we know that Scripture, history books and today's media are replete with stories of people that have been mistreated, fired, beaten, even killed for their Christian witness.  AND if we ask according to God's will, it will be granted.  I wonder how many of us truly plead with God to provide us with chances to witness each and every day?  Are we in fervent prayer for the chance to share the Gospel truth at ALL costs?

If we don't mean it, we best not pray it.  Witnessing is very clearly in God's will, and what we pray in His will He will grant, and if we ignore those witnessing opportunities we are sinning.  Is it better not to ask than to ask, receive and ignore?  (This leads us to a whole other discussion about God not taking us where we are not spiritually ready to go, but I am out of time this a.m.)