Speak Up!
This past Sabbath we heard from Brother Caleb. This is the first of a few messages from him on how we, as believers need to become more comfortable speaking up in our everyday lives.
The first place we need to speak up is in accompaniment with promptings. Throughout the Old Testament, people heard things from the voice of Yahweh or through angels. When Yahshua ascended back to Heaven He promised we would receive the Holy Spirit. Part of the Holy Spirit’s duties is in giving us guidance, warnings, and advice that is meant for us or others. An example of this is in Acts 21:4. In this verse, Luke and others are warned through the Spirit that Paul should not return to Jerusalem at that time. We need to learn to listen for and obey the Spirit. It is often awkward and daunting at first, but you have no idea the impact that your words might have on someone’s life.
The second place we need to speak up is in evangelism. In Philippians 1:12-14, Paul highlights some interesting facts. The first thing he does is acknowledge his trials in life. Instead of having negative connotations, Paul realizes that his struggles is not only a testimony to others, but also encouraged them to be more bold in their faith. Verse 14 ends by saying that believers who heard Paul’s story were “more bold to speak the word without fear.” In this day and age, we need believers who are willing to speak without fear. Fear of rejection, judgement, and awkwardness are some of the biggest reasons why believers do not share the gospel more often. Here’s the truth, what Yahweh has given you to share is the single greatest gift you could give anyone. You literally have the chance every day to offer someone eternal life by leading them to our Savior!
Finally, Caleb highlighted a desire for believers to speak up more through teachings. This has to do more with current believers than reaching the lost. Ezekiel 3:11 says, “And go, get to the captives, to the children of your people, and speak to them and tell them, ‘Thus says Yahweh,’ whether they hear, or whether they refuse.” We cannot force people to hear what we have say, but that should not stop us from saying it anyways. Unfortunately, there are many Christian leaders who prioritize comfort over the truth. It is the job of pastors, ministers, and believers in general to share Yahweh’s truth and not just what people want to hear. There are many young believers who end up turning away from the faith because they were promised a simple and easy road. If you have walked Yahweh’s path for any period of time, then you know that that isn’t true. However, Yahweh’s fire purifies and cleanses. Like Paul, we need to accept whatever life may throw at us, and use it all to glorify Yahweh, strengthen those around us, and lead lost sheep to the Great Shepherd.
