Daily Devotional – Tuesday, November 9, 2021
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Acts 1:8 (ESV)
The first disciples that Jesus called reached out to their friends and families first. Andrew brought his brother, Peter, to the Lord. The brothers, John and James, both became Jesus’ disciples.
The influence of Jesus over His earthly family is evident when we consider that the writers of the epistles of James and Jude were His half-brothers. James even became a prominent leader of the early church.
When the Samaritan woman received the Gospel at the well, she went out and convinced her fellow villagers to come and listen to Christ. This led to the conversion of many Samaritans.
Before Jesus ascended to heaven, He promised His disciples, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.” (Acts 1:8). Those who received God the Holy Spirit would be empowered to carry on the Gospel work.
These believers would also receive a new title: Christ’s witnesses. A genuine witness gives an account of what he has experienced through the senses. The Holy Spirit would transform them and work miracles hence many reasons to witness about Jesus.
The Recommended Process
However, the disciples were not to spread the Gospel haphazardly. There was a formula. “…and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8).
The disciples would first preach in their immediate neighborhood, the city of Jerusalem. Next, they would reach the Jews in the surrounding cities, towns and villages of Judea. The next target would be their bitter enemies – the Samaritans. The circle would then spread to the rest of the world.
The Acts of the Apostles details how the disciple carried out this command, though severe persecution played a key role. That is how you received the Gospel. It is now your turn to start and spread your gospel circle.
The first step is to preach to your immediate family members, friends and neighbours. You cannot be a private Christian. It is unthinkable to keep quiet once you receive the good news of eternal life in Christ Jesus.
How far have you spread the gospel in your Jerusalem? Have you reached Judea? What percentage of Samaria have you covered? When do you plan to reach the rest of the world?
Jesus is counting on you to bring more souls into the heavenly kingdom. Through your acts of kindness, discussing the Bible with others, intercessory prayers and other methods, you can start where you are today and win souls for Jesus.
Lord Jesus, fill me with Your Holy Spirit and make me Your witness in my family, neighborhood, workplace and society.
Do you think we are evangelizing as much as we should? Please leave a comment.
I believe the current generation of Christians is not doing enough to further the gospel.
Wow! What an indictment? What do other readers feel?
When we understand and incorporate the 3 in our evangelistic work , a great amount work would be done and many souls would be worn for Christ.
Exactly. God did not leave us in darkness as to how we should carry out gospel work.
Lord teach me to be an effective witness and evangelist for you. 🙏
Amen, Charles. We are called to call others
If you cannot cross the ocean,
And the distant lands explore,
You can find the lost around you,
You can help them at your door;
If you cannot give your thousands,
You can give the widow’s mite;
What you truly give for Jesus,
Will be precious in His sight.
If you cannot speak like angels,
If you cannot preach like Paul,
You can tell the love of Jesus,
You can say He died for all.
If you cannot rouse the wicked,
With the judgment’s dread alarms,
You can lead the little children
To the Savior’s waiting arms.
Powerful words! Encouraging snd challenging at the same time. God bless you for sharing, Joseph.