We started yesterday looking at the early church and comparing what they did with what we do. We can mostly agree that the early church possessed a power and authority in the midst of suffering that is not present in the Western church found in America. Today, there is an emphasis among many to preach, "your best life now," "God has a wonderful plan for your life," "being purpose driven," and having "seeker sensitive" services. Do you find this type of evangelism in the book of Acts? Look at Peter's message on the day of Pentecost:
"Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain...." Acts 2:22-23
Peter told his listeners that they had wicked hands and crucified Christ themselves. One might call that "straight preaching." In verse 37, we are told that those that heard were "pricked in their hearts." That is what good evangelism does; it pricks the heart through truth. Stephen got stoned in chapter 7 for preaching in part the following: "Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye." The early church was direct in their message and they did not try to persuade their audience through gimmicks or an easy gospel. I am convinced the second reason that we don't see the power of God like the early church is that we have added "a spoonful of sugar" to make the gospel more presentable.
Does your heart cry out for God to bring true revival? (And I am not talking about some of the silliness that passes today for revival that resembles a bar scene.) Are you ready to be fully committed to the cause of Jesus Christ today? If so, meet Him in prayer and open your heart to Him. Tell Him your fears and ask for His boldness. Don't be surprised if your life starts to shake!
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