From a scoffer to an evangelist (1) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear it again? will ye also be his disciples?
John 9:27

From a scoffer to an evangelist (1)
Many years ago, I made the acquaintance of Ralph Newman in England. He later became a preacher of the gospel. We used to enjoy our leisure time to the full. We spent the evenings with numerous friends in dance halls. Ralph was generally our leader. We lived solely for our pleasure and didn't trouble in the least about God and His commandments.
One evening, we were discussing the young village priest. "He seems to be a good chap", said Rendall, the car fitter. - "What? A good chap?" exclaimed Ralph, "Are you getting religious too?" - "Watch it, Newman, he might get you round as well!" countered Rendall. - "Hark at him!" Ralph shouted. "Ralph Newman in church! Don't make me laugh!" He became more and more worked up and said a lot of bad things about the preacher. But the car fitter said calmly, "It's easy to insult someone behind his back. If you are really a proper chap, just go to church and tell the preacher what you think of him after the service!"
Ralph hesitated. Should he risk a public attack on the man who was respected by the whole village? "You don't seem to be as brave as you pretend, Ralph!" his friends jeered. But Ralph wouldn't put up with that; he shouted, "If you all come to church with me on Sunday, I'll tell the young snorter to his face that he only blubbers pious words and doesn't believe himself what he preaches. Okay, boys?" Some were not enthusiastic about his proposal, but eventually, all agreed to go.
(to be concluded tomorrow)
Today's reading: Acts 15:22-41