Caleb Walker

     From Acts 22 we observe Paul sharing the gospel with a vicious mob filled with hatred, and he still did it. They were appalled that he was taking the gospel to the Gentiles. Paul received a brief window of calm in their hostility to sharing with them whatever he wanted to share. He did not share his intellectual acumen. He did not share his pedigree and connections. He did not share clever worldly wisdom we see so often expressed on social media and by influencers and by people who value cleverness over simple Bible. He did not out-think and out-intellectualize them. What did Paul the great apostle do? He shared his personal salvation testimony of how Jesus changed his life. And we must take a cue from Paul, and reject all these other methods of man’s earthly wisdom, and be verbal witnesses for Jesus Christ while we have time.

     By the way, you won’t do it perfectly; so let’s clear the air on that. And you’ll often be rejected. And you’ll have to share the more uncomfortable parts of your testimony like your sin nature before Christ save you and changed you. That’s ok. The vulnerability piece is part of it. You do not have to put on a show of super-spirituality. Please surrender that idol to the Lord. People with real sin and real-life problems—people like you before Jesus stepped into your life—need to hear your testimony of how Jesus changed your life and when the Holy Spirit is working on their hearts they’re asking, “Can He really do the same for me?”

     Although Paul’s gospel-sharing testimony was not received—in fact, it was violently rejected—he still obeyed. He knew that the fact that Jesus mercifully and generously and graciously changed his life from being a persecutor to being a follower compelled him to share the Good News with others. If you are saved, you are equally compelled and duty-bound to share this awesome—the greatest news that others can hear. There is a fresh start, a radical change, a new and forgiven life, a clean and righteous record in Christ, the removal and payment and cancellation of our sin debt record available for anyone you encounter today who will simply ask God to save them. This is the most incredible, cosmological, and truly awesome news in the universe; and you know it! You’ve experienced it! So go tell it! Here is a recommended conversation starter: “May I have your permission to share with you briefly how Jesus changed my life?” Give it a try.

How to Pray:

• Help me share the gospel when I feel like it.
• Help me share the gospel when I don’t feel like it.
• Help me share the gospel until I DO feel like it.