September 16, 2024 -- Acts 28:30-31 -- Declaring Jesus anytime, anywhere

He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, 31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.
Acts 28:30-31 ESV

At the beginning of Acts Jesus prophesied that His followers would be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth. When the Holy Spirit was given at Pentecost representatives from 15 nations and regions heard of and believed in Jesus Christ. As the Acts of the Apostles continue the reader sees how Jesus’ words are fulfilled. Even in the most unlikely circumstances. Philip is led to meet an Ethiopian as he is traveling from Israel back home. The man believes. Paul, the one spoken of in today's text, is on house arrest, living at his own expense in Rome. Just prior to his arriving in Rome, he had been shipwrecked. The whole company of the ship were spared and arrived at Malta. Where many heard Paul and believed in Jesus Christ.

Now, though under house arrest, for two whole years, Paul preached the Gospel. No doubt the guards assigned to him for the duration of his house arrest also came to know Jesus Christ and the power of His salvation. If not, they could not get away from his tireless preaching. What is the point of this?

First, those who are united to Jesus Christ will speak of Him wherever they are and whatever their circumstances. Second, even when it seems a believer is under the worst circumstances possible, that man or woman can be used by the Spirit of God to proclaim Jesus Christ to others who are also in dire circumstances.

While visiting a prison last week a newcomer joined in. Here is the background. Two years ago he’d set up an appointment to meet with me. He was too embarrassed to keep the appointment and I never did meet him or know who he is (I’ll call him Dave). Two cells away from that man, another man also incarcerated, would faithfully attend my bible studies. For the purposes of clarity I’ll call him Ed (not his real name). Ed realized Dave needed to speak with a Christian minister. So, for two years, though he himself was incarcerated, Ed urged Dave to set up a visit with me. Ed went through a very dark period and was nearly sent away from the prison; even when that painful circumstance was inflicted on him and he had no idea what was next, whenever the opportunity presented itself, he spoke to Dave, kindly, still encouraging him to meet me.

Dave relented. He attended the bible study. The day he attended, by the grace of God, I had an extra 45 minutes available to me to meet. (Usually, as soon as the bible study is done, I have a 5 to 10 minutes to meet anyone who wants to talk with me and then the prison staff has to tell the men to leave so that he can attend to other duties and I have to leave as well). On this day in question, no one else wanted to stay and talk. Just Dave. That meeting was a divine appointment. We talked. We prayed. And the Spirit of God softened this man’s heart.

Third, trust God. Even if you speak the Good News about Jesus Christ, it may well be that you do not meet that man or woman again. Trust that the Spirit is using you to spread the Gospel and that the Spirit will continue to bring other men and women into the life of that person until, by the mercy of God, that man is brought safe into the fold of Jesus.

Finally, pray. Ask God to stimulate in you an urgent desire to share the Gospel. Ask the Holy Spirit to make you sensitive to the opportunities that are all around you at work, or school, or among family or your circles of influence. A Christian is never somewhere by accident. Wherever you are, God the Father has a purpose for you and for those around you. Proclaim Jesus Christ with boldness.

Merciful Father in heaven, thank You for the people You appointed to teach me about Jesus! Spirit of the Living God, motivate me to act and stir up within me a holy boldness so that I will tell others about Jesus Christ. Lord Jesus Christ, draw me closer to Yourself in ever greater intimacy so that through Bible reading and prayer, busy times and quiet ones, day and night, I will by the eyes of faith see You more clearly. Amen.

https://youtu.be/n9c-efcFTJU?si=5b67pAVj5xsguO2w “Tell Out My Soul”

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