Living Proof

How would you know if a person is learning to live and love like Jesus? Of course, the very first sign is that he or she begins to be devoted to God together with others. He or she begins to spend more time in prayer, worship and fellowship with other believers. We can see this in the Book of Acts.

12 Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. 13 When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. 14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. (Acts 1:12-14)

40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. (Acts 2:40-42).

But, if we stop here, we won’t see the whole picture. Those who receive the gift of the Holy Spirit will begin to show living proof that Christ is now in them. They will begin to share their faith actively and aggressively without fear. They will begin to go out of their way, and even to risk themselves, knowing that the Christ in them was compelling them to speak God’s word to others. The Gospel will now become their battle cry. They now become bold, unreasonably bold, for Christ. Evangelism will become the living proof that Christ dwells inside of them. We can see this in the Book of Acts.

4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with[a] water, but in a few days you will be baptized with[b] the Holy Spirit… 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”” (Acts 1:4-5,8)

14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say… 40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” (Acts 2:14, 40)

46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:46-47)

So how would you know that a person is learning to live and love like Jesus? In other words, how do you know a true disciple? Simple. He or she is now devoted to God and His kingdom together with others. In addition, he or she is now passionate in sharing Christ with others. What about you? Are you a true disciple? What’s the living proof that you are now a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ?