Jim Bettison, a Bible translator with Pioneer Bible Translators based out of Dallas Texas, gave the message today about speaking out about our faith. This is a short synopsis of his message. For security purposes, the entire content of the message cannot be shared on line.
The disciples were very bold when they thought that Jesus was the political messiah who would help them overthrow the Roman government. They were much more timid when Jesus was hung on the cross and crucified. But in Acts 3 we are given a picture of Peter and John healing a lame man, then giving a powerful testimony about the power of Jesus Christ when speaking to the high priest.
What changed these men from being weak, timid, and afraid for their lives, to being bold and powerful in their witness about Jesus Christ? They prayed for openness in their faith and they prayed for boldness to be able to speak and to present the witness of Jesus Christ's life.
Even though we did not see the things and witness the miracles of Jesus that Peter and John saw, we have something they did not have. We have God's transforming word in our hands, translated into our heart language. The scriptures contain the testimony of eyewitnesses who declare that Jesus was crucified, died, was buried, and was resurrected on the third day. God's word tells us that Jesus has ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
Hebrews 4:12 tells us, "For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thought and attitudes of the heart."
The word of God holds a tremendous transforming power. But you may never experience that power if you do not step out in faith. If you have not stepped out in faith, living out God's word openly and with boldness and confidence, you may completely miss the fact that God blesses our efforts when we step out in faith.
Jim then went on to tell real life stories of changed lives in Guinea, West Africa when the people received a Bible translation in their own language, then applied God's truths to their lives.
We could just let the world be, couldn't we? We could just pay attention to our own little lives, be consumed by our own little corner of the world, and never let the Fulbe people of West Aftrica come to mind. Why don't we just let the world be? It's because we now know too much. Because we know God's word, we have to act out and speak in openness and boldness. And God will bless our efforts.
Hebrews 4:16 says, "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."
1 John 2:28 urges us, "And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming."