Devotions this week based on the Message: “BELIEVE: Week 20: Sharing My Faith”
(NOTE: This sermon series and devotional series is based on a book by Randy Frazee entitled, “BELIEVE.”
You may choose to download or purchase the book as a supplement to your worship and devotional emails.)
“I don’t know what to say.”
“They may ask a question I don’t know.”
“I haven’t studied my Bible enough.”
These can all be objections to sharing one’s faith. Certainly being prepared to answer, being comfortable saying something, and growing in your Bible knowledge are all important to become better at sharing your faith.
But don’t let them be a deterrent.
When Jesus left this earth he had one plan to bring the message of grace and the kingdom of God to people…his disciples. While he could have had a different plan, he chose people. But not just any person. People who saw him and heard him…i.e. had a first-hand experience with him.
It is interesting in one of the last conversations, the disciples wanted the details on when the kingdom of Israel would be restored. They wanted the precise answer for themselves and perhaps also for others. It is also possible they didn’t even have a correct understanding of what the kingdom of Israel was going to be. Many expected the kingdom of Israel to be a physical, earthly kingdom with Jesus at the center of that.
So, Jesus could have said, “Disciples, you need more training before I send you out.” Or, “Disciples, you need to get clarity on all your doubts and questions before I send you out.”
But he didn’t.
He wasn’t sending out theologians. He wasn’t sending out master apologists. He wasn’t sending out individuals who had no doubts or questions.
He was sending out witnesses.
People who had seen and heard Jesus and had a first-hand, personal experience with him.
Acts 1:7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 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.”
So what had they seen and heard? Luke records:
Acts 1:3 After his suffering, [Jesus] presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.
He assured them he was alive and taught them about reality and power of the Gospel…his kingdom.
The point for us?
Jesus calls us to simply testify/share what we have seen, heard and experienced with the Lord. We don’t have to know all the passages or even know all the answers. We just need to realize the impact and difference Jesus has made in our heart.
What promises of God are real for you?
How has the forgiveness and grace of God changed your life?
What does it mean to you to have peace, hope, and love that only God can give?
What difference does it make to you that Jesus has lived, died and rose again for you?
Perhaps you have never thought about your “story” or your “testimony.” But the power of your story is simply the witness Jesus calls us to be. Be ready to share your experience with the life and teaching of Jesus and his word of truth.
God will use your witness to bring Jesus to another soul.
Apply: Think through your story. 1) What was it like before Jesus in your life (or what would it be like with out Jesus in your life)? 2) What changed? How did God work a change in life, a deeper understanding, or a realization of the impact of having forgiveness in Jesus? 3) What impact does Jesus have for you today? What difference does he make for you?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for show yourself to us through the power of your Word. Give us boldness to be your witnesses, ready to share what we have seen and heard and the difference it makes. AMEN.