Speak Up, Church

This Jesus ascended into Heaven and will return to carry out His divine justice and make all things new. This Jesus indwells the Bride of Christ with His Spirit and is deserving of the loving loyalty displayed in the hearts of our brothers and sisters throughout the book of Acts and our Church history.

This Jesus—who passionately loves His people and desires to awaken our hearts—wants each of His followers to utter this simple statement daily in our interactions with others: "Jesus Christ has, is, and will continue changing my life."

Jesus told the demonic man who He set free from possession to share with his family and friends all the great things God did for him (Luke 8:39).

And this instruction is the same for all people who have Christ living in their skin. We are the mouthpieces our Heavenly Father wants to use to tell others about His love and forgiveness.

God has set us apart to declare the ugliness of sin and the goodness of Jesus, ultimately sharing that His love for each individual person is the only hope for abundant and eternal life.

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” -1 Peter 2:9

Many believers think God gives us a special glow that makes people want a personal relationship with our Savior, but I have a hunch that non-believers are open to engaging in spiritual conversations because of our willingness to give an account for our hope in Christ (1 Peter 3:14-15).

Believers go to church and know the right answers to matters of faith, but often choose to remain silent about the grace of God working in their lives. The Church is the hope of the world, but we have stopped acting like it. Instead of declaring the authentic, redeeming love of Christ to our networks, we have settled for sitting comfortably on the sidelines.

If we don’t speak up, those around us may never hear that Jesus alone is the One who fills the emptiness in their souls—and no one will escape the coming judgment. Eternal lives are on the line, and when the Church retreats from declaring His goodness, we deny the Holy Spirit an opportunity to use us to transform hearts.

Today’s question is not, Where is the Holy Spirit of the Book of Acts? The real question is, Where are the men and women of the Book of Acts?

We have the same Jesus, the same Holy Spirit, the same promises, but the people of God are refusing to be the people of God. We fear what others think more than fearing what God thinks. Because of that, the Church is moving backward.

Our issue is not the majority’s distaste for public professions of faith; it’s the silence of God’s people to humbly, kindly, graciously, and boldly share the good news we have each seen and heard.

“But Peter and John replied, 'Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.’” -Acts 4:19-20

Receive Weekly Encouragement

To get devotionals from East-West's founder sent to your inbox weekly, sign up below!