Friday, August 30, 2019
Impossible Christians
“And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word.” (Acts 4:29 NLT)
We all may have someone in our lives who intimidates us, someone who seems to have it so together, to be so above us, so tough, that we think they never would listen to the gospel. It might be a boss, a professor, or a family member.
However, the fact is that no one is beyond the reach of God. Everyone needs Jesus. Everyone. It doesn’t matter how they appear on the outside. Steve McQueen was at the top of his game, the number one movie star in the world. He had it all, yet he was on a search. He was just waiting for someone to give him the answer. And someone finally did. It resulted in his coming to Christ.
I also think of young Stephen in the book of Acts, who was charged with preaching the gospel. As he stood before the Jewish Sanhedrin, the Supreme Court of the day, he began to share his faith. Their anger grew, and they ultimately gave the decree that he should be put to death. As he was dying, Stephen prayed for them, saying, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin” (Acts 7:60 NKJV).
Stephen was the first martyr of the early church, but among those men was the notorious Saul of Tarsus. You know the rest of the story. Saul of Tarsus ended up meeting Jesus on the Damascus Road. He was converted and became the apostle Paul. I think a seed was initially sown in Saul’s heart by young Stephen.
Maybe there’s someone you know who you think would never be open to the gospel. You think they would never listen to you. How do you know? Why don’t you start praying for them?
Copyright © 2019 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.
For more relevant and biblical teaching from Pastor Greg Laurie, go to www.harvest.org
and
Listen to Greg Laurie's daily broadcast on OnePlace.com.
Watch Greg Laurie's weekly television broadcast on LightSource.com.
SPECIAL OFFER
The story of Johnny Cash’s life and spiritual struggles offers hope to anyone who has had trouble staying on the straight and narrow path—and reminds us that God redeems broken lives and makes them whole again. My new book, Johnny Cash: The Redemption of an American Icon is a fascinating look at a unique and talented musician and follower of Christ!
This book is our thank-you gift to you when you donate to Harvest Ministries this month.