Preaching the Word of God should cause a reaction. Take the examples of Peter and Stephen in Acts. After Peter’s sermon in Acts 2 in which he (under the anointing of the Holy Spirit) proves that Jesus is Lord and Christ and points out that they were the ones who crucified Him, the crowd is cut to the heart and repents (Acts 2:37-41). This leads to three thousand being added to the church.

In Acts 7 we see Stephen standing before the Jewish council being falsely accused. He proceeds to preach a message showing them the reality of their sin. This also cuts those listening to the heart, leading them to gnash their teeth and ultimately stone Stephen to death (Acts 7:51-60).

So what’s my point? Wherever you find yourself, whether among those who do not follow Christ or among what calls itself the church, speak the truth under the direction of the Holy Spirit and something will happen. Either there will be a willingness to hear and be saved or there will be a stubborn refusal to hear, maybe even leading to your persecution.

No matter what the final reaction is the bottom line is clear. If we call ourselves Christians, we must be willing to allow the Holy Spirit to direct us. We must be obedient to Him, speaking for the Lord when prompted.