Evangelism Isn’t Always Easy, But Oh So Worth It

Every evangelist knows what it feels like to be accused of things that they have not done. Some of their accusations are minor and others are life-threatening. It is especially dangerous for people to witness the truths of Jesus, our God, in hostile countries that are mainly Islam-filled. If caught sharing your faith about Jesus, it can land a person in prison or even be killed. This is very similar to the times that the early disciples went through with the Jews and the Romans. And in Acts, chapter 25, you will see exactly what was happening to Paul, after he was put in prison. It reads, “now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem. Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him, and desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in the way to kill him. But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither.” (Acts 25:1-4) You may not know how Paul was feeling in this moment of what it looks like despair. Many of the Jews were just waiting to catch him and kill him secretly. Even did the Romans imprison him although he was innocent of all his charges. And so we have people that are still bold for the sake of Christ, even to the point of dying for their faith. For to die in the Lord is the best way to go out in this life. Praise God for all the many martyrs over the centuries. People who have proclaimed the good news of Jesus, in order to lead more people to God, although it would mean their life, are His lights in the world.

Here is what happened next when it came to Paul. It reads, “let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with me, and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him. And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Caesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought. And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove. While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended any thing at all.” (Acts 25:5-8) As Paul was being judged, they were trying to find any fault in him that they could find. This way he could be wrongly accused and be put to death. And so they complained about what he was doing, even stirring up crowds of people and doing other things that they would call disturbances. However, in the rightful terms, it would be called setting a revival in towns and cities. These revivals have happened all around the world since the time of Paul and his death. You may have heard of a person in our generation named Reinhard Bonnke. Only recently did he die, but before this happened, millions of people have come unto Christ in Africa. Praise be to God that he stood true to his faith, even until death. Great is his reward in heaven. My friends, Jesus is God. Be bold and proclaim His great name.

Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that people will follow You no matter the cost. That they will declare Your Name, Jesus, wherever they go. There is so much darkness in this world, but light can still come, in order to overthrow it. I wish people could have a heart for evangelism, but I know that I cannot cause anyone to become this way, but trust that You will continue to call Your disciples, in order to truly serve You. What a blessing it will be when they finally get on their two feet and see the fruits of the Your salvation. I have seen it in Boise and Utah, as I have witnessed for Jesus with others, especially with Patrick Roy, my good friend in the faith. You have been with me these last five years. Thank You, Lord, for leading me in the harvest, no matter the cost. Many seeds have been planted and I have seen so much fruit. One experience I will never forget is the day that I saw a man hold up a Bible, while on the streets, of whom I gave to him a few months back and say, “Paul, look what I have in my hands. Thank You so much for stopping that day and sharing the gospel with me. I have not stopped reading the Bible since. It has changed my life.” Praise be to God. I pray for more encounters like this, and I know I can if I continue to trust in You, God, it will happen. You are able to open my mouth today like in the past. I trust in Your hands of mercy and miracles for my life and others. You are the great God of the heavens and I will never stop doing Your will for mankind. I give You praise and honor, Jesus. I love You. Amen.

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