Dare To Share

(Acts 26:1-29)

One of the reasons our Police have difficulty solving the many crimes in our city is the reluctance of people who have witnessed the crime to testify. They are not coming forward to give information of what they have seen, heard and experienced. Are they afraid of retribution? Or is it just sheer indifference? Don't they realize that they may hold the keys to catching the perpetrators? That their testimonies may be the source of information that would lead the investigators to apprehend the suspects?

Four years ago, a ten-year old Holly Jones was murdered. It was the most horrible crime of the year. After a few months of untiring police investigations, the suspect finally was apprehended and his picture released to the public. But, before they can put this person in prison for good, they needed witnesses, people who knew him. The question is, "will people come forward and testify?" The good news is that there were witnesses, and these witnesses enabled the government to prosecute the man.

Those of us who are saved by God's grace are called to be Christ's witnesses (Mt.28:19-20; Acts 1:8). But only a few are living out that calling. Why? Are we afraid of the people? Are we ashamed of the gospel? Or just don't care if men and women are going to hell without Christ. Charles Stanley wrote, "Can you imagine a country filling a great ship to overflowing with all manner of precious cargo and then launching it to sea only to watch the ship repeatedly dock and never offload? Then he added, "Silent Christians are much like such ship. God has personally blessed believers with salvation and has imprinted within their hearts and minds the blueprint for eternal life. Far too few of His children are willing to share that blueprint with others" (InTouch, June, 2003, p.34).

One of the most basic tool to witnessing, every born again child of God possesses is his or her testimony. It is basic in a sense that even a newly converted person who hasn't memorized many Bible verses can use. Remember the blind man in John 9? After repeated questioning from the Pharisees who were denying Jesus' miraculous act, he said to them in v25: "Whether he is a sinner or not, I don't know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see." Has your life been changed by Jesus Christ? If so, then tell others about Him. This morning I will share with you how we can witness without fear, using our testimony as a tool. I'll be using the word T-E-S-T-I-F-Y as my outline.

Outline:

T - Take advantage of every opportunity to share (1).

Jesus Christ speaks of this very thing to his disciples in Jn.9:4: "As long as it is day, we must do the work of Him who sent me. Night is coming when no one can work." What Jesus is saying is that time is short. The cross looms in the horizon, and then there will be no more time for Him to work. With this clear sense of urgency Jesus moves to do what must be done. He takes every opportunity. The apostle Paul is a master opportunist. His ministry is a series of opportunities being taken advantage.

Just to mention some, in Acts 16 while in Philippi, on the Sabbath they went outside looking for a place to pray. On the process of their search they came across a group of women. What happens next is remarkable. Starting in v13: they "sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message." For Paul, when opportunity comes, no culture or gender can stop him from sharing the gospel.

In Athens, while waiting for Silas and Timothy, a good time to take a break from the missionary work, we find him engaging the Jews and God-fearing Greeks in a discussion. Why? "He was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols" (Acts 17:1). His heart of compassion begins to beat faster. These people are lost and confused; they must hear about the one true God. You see, a person who is intimately in love with Jesus will have an eye for opportunities and a compassionate heart to share the good news of salvation to those who have not heard. An opportunity to rest and relax in Athens turns into a preaching event. The result is in v34: "A few men became followers of Paul and believed. Among them was Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, also a woman named Damaris, and a number of others."

Back to our passage in Acts 26, verse 1 says, "Then Agrippa said to Paul, 'You have the permission to speak for yourself.'" This is a giveaway for Paul. He is being given the opportunity to present the gospel. The same can and will happen to us. We will be asked: "Why aren't you joining us anymore in our usual activities? What's wrong with you? How come you are not reacting with anger to what happened this morning?" "Why did you convert?" "Why are you so different?" These are opportunities we should take advantage. These people are asking us; they want to know, so speak up! This is easier than having to start the conversation ourselves. The apostle Peter says of this in 1Pet.3:15a-b: "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have."

Are you always on the look-out for opportunities? Do you ask God for opportunities of sharing your faith in Christ? "Lead me to some soul today, Teach me Lord just what to say. Friends of mine are lost in sin and cannot find their way. Few there are who seem to care, and few there are who pray. Melt my heart and fill my life, give me one soul today!"

E - Expect Interruptions and objections (24-26).

Look at v24, "At this point Festus interrupted Paul's defense. 'You are out of your mind, Paul!' he shouted. 'Your great learning is driving you insane.'" And what did Paul do when he was told he was mad? Did he fight back with biting words of his own? No! He remained respectful. "I am not insane, most excellent Festus, Paul replied" (25). He didn't lose his cool. Why, Paul? You see, the moment you break down and react negatively to objections that may even be personal and hurtful, you'll lose the opportunity.

We must remember that in witnessing, we are in enemy territory; we are confronting Satan, trying to take what is his possession. We can be sure that he won't allow that to happen without a fight. So we must be calm and self-controlled, not allowing our emotion to take over the activity of the Holy Spirit. The last thing we want to see is our witness turning into a foolish argument. Paul's advice to Timothy is as relevant to our dealings with fellow believers as well non-believers. 2Tim.2:23-26 which says, "Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will."

Something else, we must remember to filter those interruptions. Some are made out of sincerity while others are made just for the sake of it. To the ones that need to be answered, use Scriptures to overcome the objections. This calls for familiarization on our part with what the Bible says. In cases where you cannot make a definite correct response, tell the person honestly that you will find that out and get back to him at some appropriate time.

S - Show tactfulness when sharing your testimony (2-3, 22-23).

To be tactful means to show sensitivity to the situation of others. It is to be thoughtful, understanding; to be considerate. This seems to be the point of Peter in 1Pet.3:15c, "But do this with gentleness and respect." Yes, I understand that the central issue of the gospel could mean "life or death" to the hearer, but ramming home the gospel may not be the best way. In fact, it could result in people being upset. If ever they are offended, it rather be by the message of the gospel and not by our way of testifying to the gospel. Observe how Paul begins his testimony in vs2-3: "King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today as I make my defense against all the accusations of the Jews, and especially so because you are well acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently." There is no hint of rudeness or haughtiness but has all the trimmings of respect, gentleness, and humility. This is so not only because Paul is before a King, but because he is under the control of the Holy Spirit whose fruit includes love, gentleness, and kindness.

In sharing his testimony, Paul took into account his listeners' experience, being from the Jewish tradition. He tries to establish a common ground. For me that's part of being tactful- you are discerning. He says in vs22-23: "I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen- that the Christ would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to his own people and to the Gentiles." Sad to say there are some believers who in their zealousness forget that their lack of politeness in presenting the gospel or sharing their testimony can drive instead of draw non-believers to the Lord so that they can be saved. I hope you are not one of them.

T - Tell the testimony in clear, simple words (4-5).

Do not exaggerate your testimony. Don't be overdramatic. Stick to the facts no matter how boring it is. This is especially important when you are witnessing to your family and friends who have known you from way back. The apostle Paul is careful to do this as seen in vs4-5: "The Jews all know the way I have lived ever since I was a child, from beginning of my life in my own country, and also in Jerusalem. They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that according to the strictest sect of our religion, I lived as a Pharisee."

Not only are we to tell our testimonies in truth, it must also be understandable. Avoid using high sounding words and phrases; nor "churchy" words only Christians can understand. Non-believers are not impressed by our knowledge of philosophy or theology. They must not get in the way. Rather use clear and simple words. One very important thing to remember: it is not how dramatic or sensational our conversion experiences have been, nor how fluent we are to tell our testimony that makes our witness powerful and effective. It is the Holy Spirit. Listen to these words from Paul in 1Cor.2:4-5: "My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power."

I - Invite your listeners to decide for Christ (27-29).

Give your listeners the opportunity to respond to Christ's invitation. Don't give them the impression that knowing the facts about Jesus Christ is good enough. Making them to agree in the truthfulness of your testimony is not sufficient. It can be a good beginning, but not good enough for salvation. Commitment to Christ is what is needed for a person to find forgiveness and reconciled to God. Let them realize that saying, "Not now, maybe later," is the same as saying, no!

Look at what Paul says in vs27-29: "King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do. Then Agrippa said to Paul, 'Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?' Paul replied, 'Short time or long- I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.'" A business executive, after hearing an inspiring sermon, said to the preacher, " Your sermon was excellent. However, if you were one of my employees, I would have to fire you." Then he explained, "You've sold me completely, but you didn't close the deal." The preacher was convincing, but he didn't call for a commitment (ODB, November 3, 2001).

Why is it important for us to urge our listeners to trust in Christ? Because receiving Christ as Lord and Savior is more than intellectual assent to the truth; it is also an act of the will to commit by faith oneself to the claims of that truth.

F - Focus on the Lord.

The whole of Paul's testimony can be outlined in this way: Who he was before his conversion; how he met the Lord and was converted; and what he is now after his conversion. In all of his testimony, what rises to the top is the centrality of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the reason for everything in Paul's life. This is so important for us to realize, because Satan in all his subtleties would always divert our focus away from Christ, even in how we frame and share our testimonies. Satan would like us to talk about anything under the sun other than Jesus Christ, what He has done in our lives and the power of His Word, the Bible. This is what Paul has in mind when he says in 1Cor.2:1-2: "When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolve to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified."

Y -Yield not to discouragement (24-29).

Paul with all his scholarly and religious credentials could not convince his listeners to decide for Christ. So don't get discouraged when you can't either; when after sharing your testimony, they turn down Christ's offer. Our job is to share. It is God's responsibility to convert. When people reject the gospel message; when they turn down God's gift of salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ, they are not rejecting us. They are rejecting God's grace. But even with this assurance (that salvation is of the Lord and He is the one who gives the increase), we often find ourselves still under the shadow of discouragement. This is not surprising because Satan's favorite weapon against us is discouragement. He wants us to think that we are of no value to God. He wants us to believe that lie so that we will 'give up' and stop witnessing for the Lord.

When King Agrippa left unpersuaded and Festus exhibited his utter indifference to Paul's testimony about Christ and His claims, the apostle did not show any expression of discouragement. He believed that he has done what is required of him as a disciple of Jesus Christ- make Him known.

You're on vacation and evening is approaching. You spot a good motel and you pull in. The clerk tells you that a room is available, and she gives you a card to fill out. Without hesitation you write down your name, address, phone number, and driver's licence number. Depending on how you are to pay, you may also write your credit card number. You have given out a lot of vital information without thinking twice about them. It's interesting how easy it is for us to hand over to people all kinds of information about ourselves, yet so often find difficulty sharing the most vital thing about us that could possibly be shared- we are God's children through faith in Jesus Christ. Hasn't He forgiven our sin? Hasn't He granted us peace and joy and wisdom and strength? Hasn't He given us hope and an assurance of heaven when we die? Then why can't we share the salvation that He has accomplished in our life?

Perhaps the reason why we are not witnessing is that we have no testimony to share. We don't know how we got saved. In that case, we may not be believers at all. When you know whom you have believed and have tasted the goodness of His grace, you will know what to share and how to tell others about Him. So, have you been born again? Have you believed in your heart that God raised Jesus form the dead and have confess with your mouth that He is Lord? If you have, then my friend you are one of His own. You have a testimony to tell, you have Christ to share.

T - Take advantage of every opportunity. E - Expect interruptions and objections. S - Show tactfulness when sharing your testimony. T - Tell your testimony in clear, simple words. I - Invite your listeners to decide for Christ. F - Focus on the Lord. Y - Yield not to discouragement.

A man was assigned a middle seat on an airplane. Tired and wanting to sleep, he was irritated when the young girl next to him with Down syndrome asked, "Mister, do you brush your teeth?" "Yes," he replied. "That's good. People who don't, lose their teeth." A little later she asked, "Mister, do you smoke?" "No," he answered. "That's good. People who do, die sooner." After a long silence, she turned to him again, "Mister, do you love Jesus?" "Yes, I do" he responded. "That's good," she added. "People who do, go to heaven." Though deeply touched, he settled back, hoping there would be no more questions. Just then the girl said, "Mister, ask the man next to you if he brushes his teeth."

Now, I don't want you to leave this place remembering nothing except that story. I want to challenge you with the words of the prophet Ezekiel, in Eze.3:17-21.

The passage seems to place the onus on us for the salvation of people, but it doesn't. We know that salvation is of the Lord and that it is a personal response of individuals to the gospel that secures such salvation. But what God's words in Ezekiel say is that we are responsible to God for warning people of the consequence of rejecting God's offer. We are accountable to God for sharing the good news of salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ. What makes us responsible? The command was given to us, His disciples. The task of proclaiming the message of the cross was entrusted to us, who have received God's mercy. He has committed to us the message of reconciliation. Do we implore people to be reconciled to God? Are we sharing Him?