How to Proclaim the Gospel Despite Persecution and Difficulties (Acts 11)
Bonsoir à toute ma famille. Je vous espère très bien portant ce soir.
While I was meditating in the book of the Acts of the Apostles, chapter 11, I understood that the good news is not limited to one single people. Christ is not dead for one single people. Christ died so that humanity might be saved. The duty that has been given to us, the mission that has been entrusted to us, is to spread this good news. For it is a mission.
The Bible speaks to us about persecution. The apostles and the first believers went through difficult and complicated moments. Yet, when they were scattered, instead of remaining silent, they announced Jesus everywhere they went. Despite the complicated situations they went through, they proclaimed Christ.
In verses 19 to 21, the Bible shows us that the difficulties did not prevent them from testifying of Christ. On the contrary, these difficulties became an opportunity to make the Gospel known.
« Those who had been scattered by the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, announcing the word only to the Jews. … However, among them were some men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they came to Antioch, spoke also to the Greeks, and announced to them the good news of the Lord Jesus. »
I remember a time when I myself went through very complicated trials. I was on a balance, uncertain. In my own strength, I could not strengthen myself. But Christ strengthened me, and I was able to remain a child of God and continue to do His work.
The success of evangelism does not depend only on our human abilities. This is what the Bible declares:
1 Corinthians 1:27: « But God chose the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to confound the strong. »
Do not say to yourself: « To announce the Gospel, I must be perfect, I must be like this or like that. » No. If we do it with sincerity and with all our heart, it has impact, it has effectiveness. It is the action of God that gives success to evangelism.
When you make yourself available, God uses you. Our responsibility is to announce the Gospel faithfully, everywhere we pass. Not to seek glory or personal interest, but to populate the kingdom of God and to establish this kingdom in our generation, on earth.
Our duty is to proclaim Christ, to speak of Him. The rest of the work belongs to God: it is He who touches the hearts, it is He who convinces.
This evening, God is calling us to proclaim the Gospel, no matter the difficulties. This evening, Christ is calling us to announce the Gospel. May we go everywhere in the world in order to make the nations disciples of God. May Christ empower us and still give us His wings for evangelism. May He set our hearts on fire with a burning love for the Gospel.
May the Eternal God bless His Word.
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Presented by Sr. Sarah