Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: Faith Walk
Scripture Reference Esther 1 Acts 5:1-21
Public Faith
Esther 1-2, Acts 5:1-21
Key Verse: Acts 5:12-14
A growing trend in sports is for athletes from opposing teams to gather after the game, kneel and pray. What began as the practice of a few players on one team has spread to other sports, from the ranks of pros down to prep athletes.
A simple act becomes a public confession of faith. Some players refuse to join in, even though they may "respect them" for their faith. Others are drawn to the circle of prayer because they desire a relationship--not just with other athletes, but with Jesus Christ. When they commit themselves to Jesus and join the circle of prayer, they join the people of God as well.
This happened in the Book of Acts too. "The believers used to meet together in Solomon's Colonnade" (v. 12). That was the public arena for them. This simple act became a confession of faith. Yet "no one else dared joined them, even though they were highly regarded by the people" (v. 13). They were respected for what they did. "Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord" (v. 14). Others did join as they committed their lives to Jesus.
Our simple acts, done in public, can be used to bring others to Jesus.
Does your commitment to Christ show? Perhaps praying before a meal in a restaurant will be the testimony that touches another. Maybe you can join or lead a group in prayer after a game. Even the regularity of your church attendance can tell others that Jesus matters to you. But remember to follow up your lifestyle with the verbal word of testimony. Help others come to Christ by how you live and what you say.
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