Acts 18:24-28 says, “And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spoke and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace: For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publicly, showing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.”

From these verses of Scripture, we will find how to effectively communicate our faith. We want to influence people with God’s Word. Everyone is being influenced by something or someone; and everyone is influencing something or someone. The only question is - what is your influence? As Christians, we should want to influence mankind with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. After all, it is the great commission (Mt 28:18-20, Mk 16:15-18). This includes every area of our life - including government. A lot of Christians have believed the lie that they shouldn’t be involved in government. It’s that kind of ignorance that has brought us to where we are in our nation. We were one of the greatest nations in history (and may still be, if we’ll get our act together), because a group of freedom-loving Christians decided to get involved in government. You don’t believe me? Go to wallbuilders.com and get some truth about history.

Many Christians had rather stand on the sidelines and gripe about the way things are going, instead of getting in the game doing something. We don’t need to huddle in our churches and pray the Rapture comes before things get too bad. Jesus said we are to occupy until He comes (Lk 19:12-27)! If Christians go AWOL, then who is left to run the nation? Who is left to make the laws? Is it people who fear Almighty God? No. Is it people who believe in Biblical truth, righteousness, and morality? No. Is it people who will make decisions based on the commandments of God? No. Are you starting to understand? The Bible says the laws of God are made for the unrighteous man (1Tim 1:8-10). Well, if Godly people are not in positions to keep and uphold the laws of God in our nation, what do you think is going to prevail? Unrighteousness - and don’t we have a heap of it today.

Brothers and Sisters in Christ, it is high time - actually, past time - for us to stand up and make our voices heard. We need to get involved in the decisions being made in our government. We don’t need to be “Freedom Moochers” anymore (mooching off the freedoms our forefathers fought and died to preserve). If the godly do not make their voices heard, then the godless will. All it takes for evil to reign supreme, is for the godly and righteous to say and do nothing. If every person who gave an hour to The Lord on Sunday, would give at least an hour to being salt and light on Monday - by the grace of God, we could win this nation back. What is salt that has no flavor? Worthless. What is light that is covered up? Worthless. I know that sounds harsh, but talk to Jesus about it (Mt 5:13-16, Lk 14:34-35).

Jesus said His disciples would be brought before kings and governors, and that The Spirit of God would speak through them (Mt 10:18-20). We see this happen with Paul in Acts 26. What did The Spirit of God speak through him? Was it, “Sorry king. I’m a Christian, and your in government, so I can’t talk to you. I shouldn’t even be here!” No. God, through Paul, tried to persuade King Agrippa to become a Christian. Do you think becoming a Christian would have influenced the way Agrippa governed? You better believe it. Yet God still did it.

Jesus said to whom much is given, much is required. We’ve been given much as a nation, and it requires much of us to keep it. Our Brothers and Sisters in many other nations don’t have any opportunity to affect their government - so they’re not required to. We, on the other hand, do have the opportunity - and we are required to use it for good.

We are blessed! We are children of Almighty God! We are more than conquerors! We are always caused to triumph! We can do all thing through Christ Who strengthens us! Greater is He that is in us, than he that is in the world! Be encouraged! We don’t have the spirit of fear! Stand for what’s good and Godly and right! We believe, therefore we speak! So let’s speak!

Next week we will look closely into Acts 18, and learn how to effectively communicate our faith. Have a blessed Resurrection Sunday, and until next time, rejoice in The Lord!