risk-evangelism
"The jailer woke up to see the prison gates wide open. Thinking that the prisoners had escaped, he drew his sword to kill himself." —Acts 16:27
The jailer was sleeping on the job, and woke up to an earthquake. Next, he was about to commit suicide, but Paul, a prisoner, "shouted to him" (Acts 16:28). Paul risked his life to share the gospel.
We have literally thousands of jailers around us. The world is filled with sleeping, shaking, depressed, confused, and suicidal people. We need thousands of Pauls to risk their lives by shouting and singing God's praises. When we fearlessly proclaim the gospel to a hurting world, millions will ask: "What must I do to be saved?" (Acts 16:30) Our answer will be: "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, and all your household" (Acts 16:31). "He and his whole household were baptized" (Acts 16:33).
At all hours of the day and night, whole families will believe in Jesus with all their hearts and give their lives to Him (Acts 16:34). "Day by day the Lord" will add to our number those who are being saved (Acts 2:47).
Many find it hard to believe so many people can come to Jesus so fast. Recall that Paul and Silas were risking their lives for the gospel and had been thrown in prison. By shouting out to the jailer they were risking their lives again. We too will bear abundant fruit when we risk.
Prayer: Father, send the Spirit so my love for You will not be lukewarm but hot (Rv 3:16).
Promise: "I tell you the sober truth: It is much better for you that I go. If I fail to go, the Paraclete will never come to you, whereas if I go, I will send Him to you." —Jn 16:7
Praise: Warren prays with clients, venders, co-workers, and potential customers as a normal part of his business day.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our leaflet Evangelism and Worship or our tape on audio AV 49-1 or video V-49.)
Rescript: †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 9, 2009
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