"Some Were Persuaded"
Acts 28:24

Deep in thought over a troublesome scripture passage I was startled by the outburst of the doorbell. I rose from my chair and looked out my office window. Two young men, dressed in white shirts and thin black ties were standing at the gate. I could see that they each also wore a black identification badge above their left shirt pocket. "Oh no," I thought, "Do I really have time for this?" I opened my window and called out to them, "I'll be right down!"

These two young "missionaries" were definitely on a mission. I had to admit that I admired their courage. They could not have been more than twenty years of age. They were from the state of Utah and were to be here in Germany for one year. The leader of the pair spoke perfect German-in fact I thought he was German when he introduced himself as Elder Deutsch. He did not seem phased when I told him that I was a Baptist pastor. He politely and respectfully "went for the jugular" as he engaged with me in a very reasonable and thought provoking debate. He did what ever he could to try to shoot holes in my reasoning for rejecting any extra-Biblical revelation, and affirming the work of their modern-day prophet. He knew he would not convince me, but I think he thought that I was good practice. Politely, even lovingly they withdrew and made their way down the street.

I have to admit I felt a sense of conviction-not because of the way that I handled myself, but for the fact that my particular denomination (and others like it does) not feel the same compulsion to share the truth of Jesus Christ as these two young men had the compulsion to share their error. I am not saying we don't have the occasional person or group who share their faith systematically. But on the whole we often find ourselves excusing our need to share the truth of Christ not just only to strangers, but even to the ones we know best.

In the last portion of Acts 28 we read once again of Paul who, having enjoyed the good company and fellowship of Christian believers in Rome, hardly allowed himself enough time to rest from his long sea passage to call together the leaders of the Jews in order to share with them the Good News of Jesus Christ. As he spoke his testimony, the Jews in Rome seemed somewhat receptive to his message. They had been isolated from the Jewish leaders in Palestine and on Asia minor and Greece. They met Paul with an open mind ready to hear about "this sect...which is spoken against everywhere." Paul did not go "door to door," rather the Jews actually went to where Paul was lodged and heard him speak. It tells us in verse 24 "And some were persuaded by the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved."

We need not be afraid to testify of what we know of Jesus Christ. Not everyone was convinced in hearing Christ preached by the Apostle Paul and not everyone will be convinced when we tell them about Christ. The important point to emphasize is that some will, not because of our eloquent words, but because of the persuasive, convicting power of the Holy Spirit as He speaks through an obedient and willing witness.

May you have a blessed day today encouraged by the power of your testimony in Jesus Christ.

Jeff Russell

Friendship Baptist Church,
Langenselbold, Germany

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