The Book of Acts: Turn Your World Upside DownSample

Today’s Devotional:

One of the things I love most about the Apostle Paul is his passion for sharing his faith. No matter where he went in the Book of Acts, he always told people about Jesus. He did this so boldly that the Romans arrested him, stripped him naked, beat him, and nearly flogged him to death before throwing him in jail. All this was because he committed the crime of sharing his faith!

Paul sat in a Roman dungeon for two years, but when his case finally went to trial, he was warned not to say anything about Jesus. But do you think this stopped Paul? Not a chance!

In Acts 26, Paul boldly shared his faith, presenting the gospel and his personal testimony. The prosecutor, a guy named Festus, said: “You are out of your mind, Paul!” he shouted. “Your great learning is driving you insane.”

“I am not insane, most excellent Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable” (verses 24-25).

Then Agrippa asked Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”

Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains” (verses 28-29).

Seriously, you’ve got to love Paul! He is unashamed and courageous. He had every reason in the world to keep his mouth shut, but not only does he share his faith, he actually attempts to lead the prosecutor and the judge to Christ as well! If Paul is willing to risk his life to tell others about Jesus, what excuse do we have for not doing the same? And yet a recent study said that 95% of Christians have never shared their faith with another person.

The Bible gives us at least three reasons why we should share our faith:

1. God loves us.

God’s love for us compelled Him to send His Son to die for us (John 3:16), and that love should compel us to share our faith with others.

2. God commands us.

In Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus gave us the Great Commission, where He didn’t just suggest that we share our faith—He actually commanded us to do it!

3. God promises to empower us.

Jesus didn’t just send us out to tell others about Him—He actually promised to help us as we share our faith (Acts 1:8).

Church, let’s follow Paul’s example and boldly share our faith today!

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Today’s devotional was written by Pastor Drew Hage.

Questions to Consider:

• When was the last time you shared your faith?
• Who in your life do you need to tell about Jesus?

Prayer:

God, I pray that you would put people in my path and on my heart that need to know you. Equip me to share my faith with those people and give me boldness like Paul. Amen.