We’ve begun a new pulpit series on the Book of Acts, focusing for now on chapters 1 to 5. Even within these first few chapters, a central message rings out unmistakably: we, as Jesus’ disciples, are called to be his witnesses.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
— Acts 1:8

A Difficult Environment, Yet a Clear Mission

The early disciples were not spreading the Gospel in a welcoming environment. Their Master had just been crucified by the religious leaders, who certainly weren’t eager to see his followers preaching that Jesus was alive. And yet, the disciples could not remain silent.

They had seen Jesus with their own eyes, touched his wounds, spoken with him, and eaten with him after his resurrection. It was a reality too powerful, too beautiful, and too important to keep to themselves.

They were also filled with the Holy Spirit, which gave them not just boldness but the very words to speak. Untrained fishermen like Peter and John stood before religious elites and spoke with astonishing confidence — confronting those who had crucified Jesus. The religious leaders were stunned. Where did this courage come from?

Jesus had already prepared them:

“And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”
— Luke 12:11–12

What About Us?

We haven’t seen the risen Christ with our eyes, but Jesus speaks a word of blessing to us:

“Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
— John 20:29

And just like the first disciples, we too have received the Holy Spirit. We too have been empowered to bear witness to Jesus.

“A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.”
— Matthew 10:24

If Jesus was met with rejection, and so were the early Christians, why should we expect a warmer reception when we share the Gospel? Evangelism isn’t always easy — but it is a privilege. A privilege to suffer for Christ. A privilege to speak of the One who saved us. A privilege to point others to the same hope we have found.

No More Excuses

Evangelism is not the job of a special few. It is the calling of every disciple. And so we must be honest: the excuses we often give — “I’m too introverted,” “I don’t know enough,” “My life isn’t good enough” — are just that: excuses.

We are not saved by works, but faith that bears no fruit is dead (James 2:17). And Jesus himself warned:

“For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory…”
— Luke 9:26

There’s a difference between fear and apathy. I understand fear. Evangelism doesn’t come naturally to me either. But when I step out in obedience — even with cold hands and wet feet — I often discover that it’s not as scary as I imagined. In fact, it’s often joyful.

Seeds Sown in Everyday Conversations

Not long ago, a few of us took a private hire vehicle to Johor Bahru for a church camp recce. We invited the driver to lunch, and I had the chance to sit beside him. He knew we were Christians, so I asked if he had ever been to church. He recalled someone once sharing the Gospel with him, though he couldn’t remember the details. I shared with him about Jesus’ death and resurrection, and we forwarded him the Jesus Film, praying he would watch it.

More recently, at a car workshop, the lady at the counter asked if it was my day off. I said I was a pastor, and asked if she had ever been to church. She said she had attended weddings in churches, but added, “All religions are the same,” before quickly returning to her work. I sensed she wasn’t keen to continue the conversation, so I let it end there. On hindsight, I should have said to her as I left, “Jesus loves you; give yourself a chance to know him.”

Not every conversation leads to a full Gospel presentation — but every encounter can plant a seed.

Begin with Prayer

So where do we start? With a simple prayer.

Each morning, ask the Lord to give you the desire and courage to do his will. Pray for opportunities to be salt and light. Pray for open doors — and the boldness to walk through them.

Try not to overanalyse the moment. Often, when we hesitate, the opportunity slips away. Instead, remind yourself: this is done out of love. Say a quick prayer. Take a deep breath. And just do it!

We Are All Beggars

There’s a beautiful image that sums up evangelism:
“Evangelism is just one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread.”

We are not the baker. We didn’t prepare the feast. We’re not even the owner of the store. We are simply hungry people who found food we didn’t deserve — the Bread of Life — and now we tell others where it can be found.

We don’t share the Gospel because we’re morally superior or spiritually perfect. We share it because we know what it feels like to be starving for truth, for forgiveness, for hope — and we’ve been met by the One who can fully satisfy.

Evangelism is not about winning debates. It’s about compassion. It’s remembering the pit we were in, and longing for others to experience the grace that pulled us out. We offer the Gospel like bread — because we’ve been hungry too.

We found Jesus not because we were clever or good, but because someone pointed the way.
Now we get to do the same.