Witnessing
34 Then Peter began to speak to them: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, 35 but in every people anyone who fears him and practices righteousness is acceptable to him. 36 You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all. 37 That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39 We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, 40 but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, 41 not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
Acts 10:34-43 (NRSV)
STORY
Dr. Brad R. Fulton is the Assistant Professor at the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, which is an academic department of Indiana University. He published an article in the journal Sociology of Religion, in which he outlined why evangelicals downplay their religious rhetoric when working with secular organizations. On March 4, 2020, he published a summary of that extensive study for local news outlets. Even though evangelicals are known for their “ethno-religious nationalism” and for supporting “legislative agendas” that promote their conservative causes, often when working with secular organizations these topics are not discussed. They “downplay religious expression” and they also adopt “a self-imposed ‘no-proselytizing’ policy.” Fulton concluded that there is a reason for this. The reason is to “avoid stigma.” They do not want to appear as being “intolerant” of others as they push forward their agenda. The reason is “just being pragmatic.” By avoiding topics of disagreement, they have a better chance of making their “legislative agendas” into actual legislation.
DEVOTION
Cornelius was a Roman citizen whose military duties had him stationed in Caesarea, where as a centurion where he commanded a hundred men. He was a pious man who gave alms to the poor. Though he never converted to Judaism, he respected the Jewish religion and associated himself with the synagogue. This gave him the distinction in Judaism as being a “God-fearer.” Having a visitation from an angel he invited Peter to come from Joppa and share the gospel message with him. After Peter’s witness he became a “Christ-follower,” the term used in the early decades of the church to described a convert until it was replaced with the designation of being a “Christian.” After his conversion Cornelius was baptized. Cornelius is the first Gentile convert to “The Way,” as the Christian movement was referred to in the earliest decades. The early followers of Christ referred to themselves as followers of The Way because of Jesus’ statement that he is “the way and the truth and the life.”
In his witness Peter shared the entire gospel message of salvation. He made no apology for the mysteries that must be accepted. He was succinct in stating that to be a Christ-follower requires a faith response. He was uncompromising that to continue as a member of The Way requires obedient disciplined discipleship.
Peter’s testimony was very personal, which should be understood since he was one of the original twelve followers of Jesus. Our testimony can be just as personal, as we live in an intimate spiritual relationship with Jesus. Peter was knowledgeable, understandably so since he sat directly under the teachings of Jesus. Though, we can be just as informed by studying the scriptures. Peter in his presentation was guided by the Holy Spirit, which is the same Holy Spirit that will guide us.
Points to Ponder
> In your evangelical witness are you “pragmatic” in your presentation to “avoid stigma” of being forthright in your convictions
o For me: Like most Christians I think my life speaks louder than my words and many ways it does – this does not disavow the need for a strong oral presentation and the stigma that it may cause me – it also means that I must always seeking opportunities to be a spoken witness to the gospel message – I know that I don’t make a sincere and conscious effort to find opportunities to witness
> Do you “downplay religious expression” to adopt “a self-imposed ‘no-proselytizing’ policy” for acceptance
o For me: I am too silent on social issues as I desire to avoid conflict – I know that I must correct this as I have been this way for the last seven decades of my life, afraid to state my opinion to avoid criticism and interpersonal hostility and arguments – the new section Points to Ponder on my website Narrow Pathways is my desire to be less timid and more forthright
> Do you feel knowledgeable enough of the scriptures to make an informed testimony
o For me: I have six academic degrees and I still feel unqualified to answer the tough questions – I also want to avoid answering the difficult questions because I might be wrong – I realize that I must offer my opinion even with my limited understanding – I also must be willing to accept criticism and a differing point of view – I have circumvented these questions in the past to avoid arguments
> Do you believe that the Holy Spirit will guide you in your witness
o For me: I seldom physically feel the presence of the Holy Spirit though I always know that it is present and working within me and is the source of my inspiration
Please share other Points to Ponder so I can update my list
Please share your thoughts with me – if you desire I will publish them for others to read anonymously or first name only or your entire name as you choose