From a scoffer to an evangelist (2) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2022

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 (2)
The whole village heard about our plan, and on Sunday the church was filled to capacity. The preacher spoke on the text: “The fool has said in his heart, There is no God.”
At the end of his sermon, he spoke on the crucifixion: “The Son of God was nailed to the cross like a criminal. They mocked him. Then a Roman soldier came and plunged his spear into the crucified One’s side. Blood and water flowed out of the wound. For believers of all ages, that has become a precious sign. The blood that flowed from Jesus’ wound shows that Christ died for sins. The sinner can be cleansed the blood!”
The sermon was over. Everyone watched Ralph Newman. But he didn’t move. The preacher was about to announce the final hymn when Ralph suddenly jumped up and shouted through the church, “O God, forgive me! I am that soldier, that sinner, I crucified Jesus because I hated Him!” There was a deathly silence. Then the organ started playing. Later, I saw the preacher talking to Ralph.
From that Sunday, Ralph was a different man. Shortly afterwards, he moved to London. When I said goodbye to him, I asked what led to this complete change. I learned that he had been deeply moved when the preacher mentioned the crucifixion of Jesus. When he spoke of the soldier who pierced His side with the spear and of the Lord’s blood that cleanses from sins, Ralph suddenly became aware of the sins of his own life. He didn’t gloss over them, but confessed his guilt before God that very day and accepted the atoning work of Jesus by faith.
(concluded)
Today’s reading: Acts 16:1-18