[Acts Inspiration For Transformation Series] The Unstoppable Force Of The GospelSample

Keep on Speaking

Pastor Randy García

Imagine that you and your friends are flat broke, and one of you comes across a hidden treasure but says nothing about it. The answer to all of your problems would be right in front of your noses, but somebody’s silence is stopping you from enjoying the blessing. Well, when it comes to telling people about the Lord, the enemy would love to shut our mouths. 

After being in Athens, Paul traveled to Corinth. The apostle’s modus operandi consisted of preaching in the synagogues, persuading Jews and Greeks. But he had to deal with opposition, even to the point of abuse. You see, not everybody was thrilled about leaving their safe-known good old ways. For some people, it is tough to leave behind what they consider to be safe and known. They fear the unknown, even if the “new” is so much better than the old. 

We cannot expect to preach the gospel and not find opposition. If you are preaching the gospel, at some point people will have to make a decision: believe, accept, and fully embrace, or deny, reject, and oppose. When we decide to follow God’s mandate, and we go and preach the gospel, we need to be prepared to face opposition. The Devil would love to have you stop, and he will use every weapon available in his power to force you to keep your mouth shut. 

In spite of opposition, coming from his own brothers and sisters, Paul decided to keep on speaking, and Crispus and many other Corinthians received the gospel. What made him keep on speaking? God appeared to Paul in a vision an encouraged him to keep on sharing the gospel and assured him of his continued presence and protection over him.

As Christians, it is essential to remind ourselves of the assurance we have as God’s children. In the midst of opposition, remember and be encouraged by Jesus’ words: “… I will be with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19–20 NIV). 

Respond 

When I face opposition, what is my usual response? Do I make excuses not to share the gospel? Does it change the fact that I have wonderful news to share? Remind yourself of that truth, be encouraged by Jesus’s words, and keep on speaking!