Day 239 - The Power of Speaking in Tongues: Understanding the Role of the Holy Spirit in Evangelism

Understanding the role of the Holy Spirit in evangelism is the key to success.

The Holy Spirit came upon the Apostles. They were given the languages of many nations and the gift of tongues to proclaim Christ and teach as Jesus had told them to. With that skill, they could reach the ends of the earth with the message.

The Jews around the apostles were baffled that they could not understand what was said in their language. Yet they questioned and scoffed, passing the experiences off, saying the Jews were drunk.

Peter stopped that by stating the truths of what happened and connecting the events of the time to the prophecies of David. Many began to realize that a miracle and great gift had occurred. Yet they worried they were too late...

They were not, and Peter explained Baptism and how they, too, could receive the Holy Spirit. Three thousand came to the Lord that day. They had learned that it was not too late, just as it is still not too late for us to gather those who still need the Lord's mercy and grace through Baptism and proclamation of faith. It is our duty and perhaps the challenge of God for us to share and help others join the kingdom of believers. To be on the same mission as the Apostles. It is one of our greatest gifts to have the opportunity to bring others to the Lord and grow the numbers of those who are his. Feel the joy of helping someone become saved by Christ and realize your happiness at their acceptance of Christ. It is a candle's flame compared to the Lord's bonfire of pure joy at their coming home to him.

Prayer:

Jesus, with the gift of our helper, the Holy Spirit. You enabled the Apostles to have the skills to communicate as they needed to. I see a deep connection of the Holy Spirit in evangelism. I ask that the Holy Spirit encourage me in this task. I may not need the gift of languages for my work, but I know I need the right words and timing to do my job. I am open to sharing and encouraging others, though my voice is weaker than it should be. Over time, I have grown bolder, but I still think I am sometimes ineffective. Perhaps this is a layering process. Hearing something once or twice may not be enough for some. If so, remind me to use each opportunity to build another layer for their consideration. Give me the words; I have the heart; allow me to speak my heart with your words. Do not let me stumble in the journey to build your kingdom, but if I do, please help me pick myself up and begin again with faith and determination. Together, we will succeed. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen