SOME BELIEVE, SOME DON’T

Paul tried to persuade them about Jesus. Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe. —Acts 28:23-24

Ten people told Thomas that they had seen the Lord. These were people that Thomas knew. They had spent much time together and had seen and experienced much together. But he was not convinced by them. No, he would not believe that Jesus had risen from the dead unless he saw Jesus Himself. Well, Thomas did see Jesus a week later and said, “My Lord and my God” (John 20:24-29). Jesus said ”Thomas you believed because you have seen. Blessed are those who have not seen and believe.”

According to the verses above the Apostle Paul sought to persuade people with the good news of Jesus— that He was the Messiah and He came to earth to die for the sins of man, give forgiveness and eternal life to all who would believe so that they could serve Him now and be with Him in heaven forever. Paul spent from morning until evening explaining who Jesus was. Some were convinced and others were not. Some believed and others did not. So it is today.

Some plain and simply will not believe who Jesus is, but that does not negate the responsibility to bear witness to who He is (Acts 1:8). There are those who will believe. We just need to be faithful in loving people and sharing the message the Lord has commissioned us to (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8).

So, let me ask you a question. Are you sharing the good news with those around you? The lest we can do is give them the gospel in written form. Anybody can do that and the Lord does not need much of His Word in a person’s hand to convict them. But, do we seek to intentionally share the gospel. This is one of the main reasons we are still on the planet today. God could do this Himself without us, but He has chosen to reach people through us. You see, sharing the gospel with others reflects our love for the Lord Jesus and for people. Obedient believers truly love the Lord and have a deep concern for those who do not know Jesus. So, are you sharing the gospel?

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Romans 10:13-15).

Dear Father, please help me to see the lost as lost and to be showing my love for them and for You by sharing Your good news with them. May it be so in the power of the Holy Spirit and in the authority of Jesus.