Talking About Jesus: Bearing Spiritual Fruit That Lasts for Eternity
- Jack Selcher
- Sep 22, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Summary
God calls believers to bear spiritual fruit that lasts by speaking clearly about Jesus. Loving actions matter, but verbal witness is essential despite uncertainty and opposition. Following Paul’s example, Christians meet people where they are and proclaim Christ’s death, resurrection, and forgiveness. Those who respond in faith are filled with joy and the Holy Spirit and multiply the message of eternal life to others.
The Ongoing Chain of Eternal Life
Angie Papadakis said, “A baby has a way of making a man out of his father and a boy out of his grandfather.”1 It is thrilling to be a link in the ongoing chain of life. God uses those with eternal life to reach others with the message of eternal life.
Called by God to Bear Lasting Fruit
The Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them” (Acts 13:2 NIV). God similarly calls us to bear much fruit that will last (John 15:8,16). He sends most of us to bear spiritual fruit among our friends, relatives, and associates.
Talking about Jesus
When Barnabas and Saul arrived in Salamis, they preached the word of God. They talked about who Jesus is, what He has done, and the response God requires.
To bear much fruit that will last, we must talk about Jesus. Witnessing through loving actions is necessary but not sufficient. God empowers us to do what is right and bear witness.
Opposition and Open Hearts
We talk about Jesus with an uncertain outcome. Sergius Paulus, a government official in Cyprus, wanted to hear the word of God.
Some people are open to hearing about Jesus. Yet, Satan always opposes the delivery and reception of the message.
In Cyprus, Elymas sought to turn Sergius Paulus away from the faith. Satan opposes us when we talk about Jesus. We cannot let that paralyze us.
Building Bridges to the Gospel
Paul preached in the synagogue to Jews and God-fearing Gentiles. He began where they were.
He attempted to move them toward a relationship with Jesus. He used God’s promises to David and his descendants as a bridge to the good news.
Jesus: Crucified, Risen, and Proclaimed
Jesus is the messianic deliverer from David’s line. He was slain (Acts 13:28), buried (Acts 13:29), resurrected (Acts 13:30), and seen by many witnesses (Acts 13:31). Through Jesus is forgiveness of sins and justification for everyone who believes (vv. 38–39).
The Gentiles begged Paul to preach the following Sabbath (v. 42). But the Jews stirred up opposition against Paul and Barnabas and expelled them from their coasts.
Joy, the Holy Spirit, and Multiplying Witness
These Gentiles who believed in Jesus became part of the eternal life cycle. They published the word of the Lord throughout the whole region. They were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit (v. 52).
Joining the Eternal Life Cycle
Those whom the Holy Spirit fills talk about Jesus. That is essential to bear much fruit that will remain. I can do a better job of talking about Jesus. How about you? See additional free spiritual growth resources for Christians.
God has empowered me to write His Power for Your Weakness—260 Steps Toward Spiritual Strength. It’s a free, evangelistic, devotional, and discipleship e-book. Pastors have used it in Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia to lead 7,590 people to Christ and teach the basics of Christianity to 17,681 people. I invite you to explore and use it in your setting.
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