ACTS of the Apostles, Part 2

Thursday, September 15

ACTS of the Apostles, Part 2

Learning How to be Daring and Dynamic

Read Acts 21:1-26

Focus Verse: Acts 21:13

Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”

Traveling through cities where he had started churches, Paul encouraged the believers there with exciting news about what God had accomplished among the Gentiles. But he also shared sobering news that the Holy Spirit was impressing on him to go back to Jerusalem. He let them know that he might not be able to see them again. The young believers were stricken and heartbroken. They all knew that there were staunch Jews in Jerusalem who wanted to stop him from preaching the gospel. They feared for Paul’s life. Yet he was willing to risk it all to speak the truth about Jesus.

Here in America, most of us never have to face a risk to our very lives when we share the message of Christ. But God may be asking us to risk other things—like stepping outside of our comfort zone for Him. If Paul was willing to be imprisoned or killed for the sake of Christ Jesus, then we should be willing to be speak out and say what we know is true about our Lord.

Unfortunately however, today in America, we Christians are also slowly losing our freedom to share the Gospel. We are bad-mouthed on social media and laughed at by progressives in the media. Churches are pressured to teach things that are more acceptable to modern society. If this trend continues, there is a possibility that one day we may have to risk being imprisoned or killed just for being a Christian. Do we love our Lord enough to risk our lives the way Paul did?

Dear Lord, You ask us to be daring in our faith. Forgive us for the many times we have stayed silent about what we believe so that we don’t “offend” people around us. Forgive us for holding back when we should speak out against a wrong. Help us never have spirits of timidity and fear within our hearts and minds. Flood us with Your Holy Spirit so that we can be bold the way Paul was. Let us be willing to take risks for You. In Jesus’ Name and for the Father’s glory. Amen