Many years ago there was a question being asked from pulpits and in Christian writings that went something like this, “If you were arrested and put on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?” Today, Christians are being persecuted in many different parts of the world. And, the way things seem to be trending in our country, the idea that you and I could be put on trial for our faith in Christ may not be far-fetched
What if you were arrested today for your faith? Would there be enough indisputable facts, witnesses for the prosecutor to convict you as a follower of Jesus? What do you think your accuser would look for as evidence against you? What would be the conclusive proof, that one thing that would leave no doubt in the jury’s collective mind?
What if John, a neighbor or family member, is called as a witness concerning your faith? Imagine the prosecution’s line of questions: “Does ( put your name here) profess to be a follower of Jesus, a Christian?” “Yes,” John answers.
“Does ( ) attend and support a local church?” Again John answers, “Yes.”
“Does ( ) pray and read the Bible?” “I have reason to believe they do.”
“Why do you believe they do?” “Because ( ) has told me they pray for me and my family. And, they talk with me from time to time about things in the Bible.”
After hearing these things, the prosecutor presses for John’s conclusion to convict you as a Christian, “So, on this evidence that ( ) claims to be a Christian, attends and supports a church, prays and reads the Bible, that you believe he is a follower of Jesus?”
“No,” John answers, “There is something more that has convinced me.”
The startled prosecutor continues, “More, what do you mean?”
“( “ is the most caring and consistently good person I have ever known. ( ) has dealt with lots of stress and loss but it hasn’t changed their basic approach to life. I believe this is true because ( ) has a personal relationship with God. I don’t know any other way to explain it.
The prosecutor says, “John, I have one other question for you. Are you a Christian?”
“No, I am not. But, if I were, I would want to be one like ( ).
Conclusion
Do you love Jesus? “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” John 14:15.
Are you a disciple of Jesus? “By this all men will know you are my disciples if you have love for one another.” John 13:35
Where is the evidence? It is in the way we live in relation to the truth in these verses. The life of faith in Jesus produces the kind of evidence that proves our guilt.
Paul was proud to be found guilty as a follower of Jesus, ” The life I live, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20.