“Leaping up, he stood and began to walk; and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.”—Acts 3:8 NASB

An explorer and soldier, Simon Kenton became a hero to many living in the American frontier of the 19th century. He seemed fearless no matter how dire the threat was. But no one realized that there was no peace within his own heart.

In the fall of 1819, Kenton attended a camp meeting in Kentucky where he saw the miracle-working power of God at work.

Moved by what he saw, one morning, he asked a man to walk with him into the woods. Kenton confessed he knew God, but admitted he still was a sinner. As he shared these secrets, tears poured from his eyes. This hardened warrior realized he needed Jesus. He fell to the ground, crying out to God.

Suddenly, the burdens disappeared. Kenton knew he had been born again. Springing to his feet, Kenton let out a shout that could be heard throughout the woods. Like the man healed in Acts 3, Kenton began leaping and praising God.

When he arrived back at the camp meeting, his appearance had changed. The whole encampment was startled. Everyone wanted to know what had happened. He had been born again! He wanted everyone to know. “If I had all the world, I would tell of the goodness and mercy of God!”

Today, millions need to know Jesus and experience God’s power and forgiveness. Dedicate your life to spreading the Gospel, so others might know Jesus! He can meet their needs.

Reflection Question: Whom can you tell about Jesus this week?

“To these He also presented Himself alive after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God.”—Acts 1:3 NASB

Carl Gauss was a brilliant mathematician who realized that it was not enough merely to state concepts. This German prodigy believed that results needed to be tested and proven to be sure they passed every conceivable test.

There are important parallels in our spiritual lives. Jesus demonstrated that it was important to validate what we believe, to provide proof that demonstrated that He was the Son of God, and His teachings were true. He showed that miracles still took place.

We see this when John the Baptist sent some disciples to ask Jesus about His ministry. Indicating some doubts or uncertainties, they asked Him, “Are You the Coming One, or shall we look for someone else?” (Matthew 11:3). Jesus responded by pointing to the evidence of His ministry.

After Jesus’ resurrection, Thomas doubted He was alive. But Jesus appeared to him (and the other disciples). He answered his doubts and proved He was alive (John 20:24–29).

This was one of the “many convincing proofs” provided by Jesus after His resurrection. This was a pattern His disciples were to repeat. They were to demonstrate convincing proof through their own ministries that the Gospel was true (Matthew 5:16).

Today, the world still looks for proofs that demonstrate what we believe is true, the Gospel is relevant, and Jesus still changes lives. Live in such a way that others see Jesus in you. Your life should provide proof.

Reflection Question: How can you show others Gospel truths?