Today is scripture reading Sunday, a time when we simply listen to parts of God’s word along with some thoughts relating to the text that was read. With part of our focus this year being evangelism, Antonio thought it would be good to read about when the Lord’s church began. of when it all began. It is the Day of Pentecost and Jews “from every nation under heaven” (Acts 2:5) have come to Jerusalem to celebrate. The death, burial and resurrection of Christ has taken place and Jesus has given the apostles the command to stay in Jerusalem (Acts 1:4) because they would soon receive the promised Holy Spirit (Acts 1:5) who would “convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” through them as they were guided “into all truth” (John 16:8, 13) as the Holy Spirit taught them and reminded them of things Jesus had taught (John 14:26). The proclamation of the gospel would start in Jerusalem but would not stop there (Acts 1:8).

            Our first reading today will be done by Robert Balsamo. He will be reading Acts 2:29-47. Leading up to this text are the events of Pentecost. Thousands have assembled, but no one knew what was about to happen.  The Holy Spirit empowers the apostles to speak the languages of those gathered there (Acts 2:8). Confused by what they saw, some marveled while others mocked the apostles saying, “They are full of new wine” (Acts 2:13). They were full of something, but it was not new wine. It was the Holy Spirit. Peter takes the opportunity to try and inform the listeners concerning what they were witnessing. He says that what they saw is that which the prophet Joel spoke about hundreds of years before. With that he points to the reason for all this commotion, it is Jesus. All that has happened to Him was the result of God’s “determined purpose and foreknowledge” (Acts 2:23). He was in control the whole time! What follows is the start of what God planned from the beginning (Ephesians 1:4).

            Our second reading will be done by Matthew Sampson. He will be reading Acts chapter 3 in its entirety. It is interesting to note that these new believers were meeting daily “in the temple” (Acts 2:46). So, it is not surprising that Peter and John would find themselves there “at the time of prayer” (Acts 3:1). That day, something extraordinary would happen that changed a man’s life forever. A lame man walks! People were amazed! What is more important, it presented an opportunity to preach Jesus once again. The One you crucified is the One who healed this man. But the Jew’s actions towards Jesus were done in ignorance (3:17) and God used it to fulfill His promise of a Savior. Despite what they did, there is still hope, so Peter pleads with them, “Repent therefore and be converted…” (Acts 3:19). This was God’s desire from the very beginning! Peter and John invite them to find forgiveness “that your sins may be blotted out” (Acts 3:19). They encourage them to repent, saying, “To you first, God, having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities” (Acts 3:26).

            Our final reading today is Acts 4:1-22 and will be read by John Marescot. Up to this point, we see the apostles taking advantage of opportunities to evangelize. But the freedom they once had to do so, now faces push back. The religious leaders of their day didn’t like what they were hearing for they became “greatly disturbed” (Acts 4:2) about this “Jesus” message. Now facing them, Peter and John are asked a simple question, “By what power or by what name have you done this?” (Acts 4:7). Once again, opportunity arises and they point to Jesus and with unabashed confidence, they let it be known, the One you crucified is man’s only hope, for there is no “salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Caught off guard, the religious leaders needed to confer with one another. What are we going to do with these men and their message? We will simply tell them to be quiet. How did Peter and John respond? “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge” (Acts 4:19).

            Wow! Right? These men were so bold for Christ and unashamed of the gospel (Romans 1:16), even when that very gospel caused them hardship. I find it interesting that the early church, as evangelistic as they were, faced the challenges that would seek to silence the message of Christ. I find comfort in their prayer found in Acts 4:29, “Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word…” That’s what I need, boldness to speak of Christ and Him crucified, for it truly is the only message of hope sinful man has in this life. God, grant Your servants renewed boldness to the glory of Your name and the furthering of Your church.

I can remember as a youngster, arguing with a friend and then being called a name, with the response, “I am not!” only to have them retort, “You are too!” This past week I was listening to a lesson concerning Christ’s journey to the cross and the men who journeyed with Him for some three years. I marvel at Peter’s conviction after Jesus had told them, “all of you will be made to stumble” (Matthew 26:31) and how convinced he was that it would never happen to him, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” And, the rest of the disciples shared in the same sentiment (Matthew 26:35). The gospel of John gives details of the events directly after this that are nothing short of gut wrenching. As Jesus is taken to be falsely accused, Peter and another disciple, which many think is John, followed Jesus as He is brought to the high priest (John 18:15). Peter “stood at the door outside” while the other disciple “went with Jesus into the courtyard” (John 18:16). This disciple comes out to get Peter, and the servant girl who kept the door asks him a question, “You are not also one of this Man’s disciples, are you?” (John 18:17). Now inside, warming himself, watching the proceedings and the abuse of his Lord, Peter is suddenly asked again, “You are not also one of His disciples, are you?” (John 18:25). Then, “a servant of the high priest, a relative of him whose ear Peter cut off, said, ‘Did I not see you in the garden with Him?’” (John 18:26). What a gut-wrenching story. Luke tells us that “Peter went out and wept bitterly” (Luke 22:62).

            When it comes to the gospel, the claim that there is but one way to the heavenly Father (John 14:6) and by which there is no “other name…by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12), it is rather easy to talk about this amongst ourselves. But when it comes to others around us who desperately need to hear the gospel, that need to come to know the saving grace found in our risen Savior, we hesitate. My neighbor recently came over to my house during our young adult gathering, wanting to learn what we believe. Although nothing really occurred that night, it took me several days before I went to speak to him. Sharing the gospel. What, at least in part, moves us to share it? What causes us to hesitate? Our text today is Romans 1:16.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ…” (Romans 1:16a)

            Shame! It is one of the most powerful motivators we have. It can cause someone to speak up, “I am really sorry for what I did” and it can cause us to turn our backs on someone. The apostle Paul has come to a place of conviction concerning the gospel he once sought to extinguish. I am not ashamed of Christ! You have often heard me quote 2^nd Timothy 3:12, “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” He knew what he was talking about. His fellow Jewish brethren plotted to kill him (Acts 9:23) and he escaped in a basket down a wall (Acts 9:25). He and Barnabas were expelled from a region (Acts 13:50). He faced being stoned in Iconium (Acts 14:5) and in Lystra was stoned and left for dead (Acts 14:19-20). He was beaten and imprisoned (Acts 16:22-24). Paul would say, “We have been made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things until now” (1^st Corinthians 4:13). Of course, there is more to his story, but this is sufficient to make the point. This man who faced such extraordinary things, did so because he was not ashamed of the gospel of Christ. He was convinced it was a story worth telling, a story that needs telling. Why?

“…for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes…” (Romans 1:16b)

            The Greek word dunamai means force. This word at times is associated with the miracles recorded in the New Testament (Matthew 11:23). Jesus, when He taught about the resurrection to come spoke of the “power of God” (Matthew 22:29). Paul says that the gospel has the POWER of GOD! One person writes, “A powerful agency put forth by God Himself—the lever, as it were, by which He would move the world.” Still another writes, “It is the efficacious or mighty plan, by which power goes forth to save, and by which all the obstacles of man’s redemption are taken away.” The gospel could reach anyone and do for them what nothing else could do, save their soul. Paul knew this better than most. Once a murderer of those in Christ (Acts 8) and when it came to self-righteousness, he had his ducks in a row (Philippians 3:4-6). But he had come to count it “loss for Christ” (Philippians 3:7), for the righteousness he sought after could only be found through faith in Christ (Philippians 3:9). His conversion is recorded in Acts 9 where we find him coming to believe in Christ.

So, when we read Romans 1:16, we are caused to remember that it is a transformed man who pens these words. A sinful man that became convinced of the good news of Jesus Christ. So convinced, that he endured persecutions beyond what we could imagine, because he was not ashamed of his Savior. Paul knew of the power of the gospel, because it changed him completely. Help us Lord to have such a conviction of the salvation that is found only in Christ.

In our mid-week bible class, we are going through the gospel of Mark. In last week’s discussion, we read a verse that has been going through my mind repeatedly. It is found in Mark 4:21, “Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not to be set on a lampstand?” This parable spoken by Jesus speaks of something’s purpose, in this case, a lamp. The lamp’s purpose is to bring light into darkness. Placing it under a basket or a bed would keep it from its intended purpose. The parable seems almost ridiculous, right? I mean, who in their right mind would put a lamp under a basket or a bed? Yet if I were to be brutally honest, how many times have I placed myself in dark places only to have my light, my purpose, be diminished or compromised in some fashion. You see, my purpose is to shine in this world.

            So, the intent of this article is simply to remind us of our purpose as it is beautifully portrayed in God’s word. There are many bible verses we could consider. I think of Paul’s words to those in Corinth, “Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us” (2^nd Corinthians 5:20). An ambassador acts as a representative. We, as God’s children, are called to represent Him to the world. How about what Paul writes to the church in Ephesus, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light…” (Ephesians 5:8). Realizing what we were and what we are now through Christ, reminds us of our purpose; that is, to walk as children of light. So today we build on this idea as we consider the words of our Savior found in Matthew 5:14-16.

“You are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:14)

This is Matthew’s account of what Mark wrote. It is interesting to see that this parable is on the heels of the beatitudes which speak of how we are to be different amid a broken world. In our text today, Matthew mentions our purpose; that is, we are to be the light of the world. There are so many bible verses that help us grasp who we are in Christ. When we understand them, we begin to also grasp our purpose as Christians. The apostle Paul would say “we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works” (Ephesians 2:10). This good work which God began, He plans to bring it to completion (Philippians 1:6). Part of that work is being the light of the world. One commentator writes that this reveals how Christians “are lights of the world, because they, by their instructions and example, show what God requires, what is the condition of man, what is the way of duty, peace, and happiness the way that leads to heaven.” To the church in Philippi, Paul, after reminding them that they are to “do all things without complaining and disputing” goes on to explain why,  “that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:14-15). Our purpose in this life is to be different from the darkness around us. Instead of blending in, we are to stand out. Our Savior is “the light of the world” and through Him we “have the light of life” (John 8:12). It only makes sense then, that we shine.

“A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.” (Matthew 5:14-15)

Remember, Jesus just finished talking about the beatitudes. When we claim our purpose, embracing the joy that is found in walking with Christ, the inevitable happens, we shine. We, the body of Christ, are the “city on a hill” intended to bring light to all those around us. How so? By walking as children of light! By living out the beatitudes in our daily lives. Go the extra mile (Matthew 5:38-42), love your enemies (Matthew 5:5:43-48) and the list could go on of how we shine our light in this world. As much as we are blessed through Christ, it was never intended to be just that, our blessing. “It is given that we may benefit others. It is not to be concealed, but suffered to show itself, and to shed light on a surrounding wicked world” (Barnes).

Dwight L. Moody writes, “We are told to let our light shine, and if it does, we will not need to tell anybody it does. Lighthouses do not fire cannons to call attention to their shining- they just shine.” This is our purpose in life! To be a lighthouse to the world and be used by our Lord to draw those in the storms of life to safe harbor in Christ. Heavenly Father, You have given us the light of Your Son and we thank You for blessing us with Your grace. Now help us be the lights You have called us to be that others may come to know Your love.

I googled the topic of evangelism, and this is part of what the search provided, “Evangelism is portrayed as an essential, urgent, and universal command for believers, rather than a choice. Key themes emphasize that sharing the Gospel is a mandate to save souls, an act of love for both God and humanity, and the primary purpose of the church.” Essential! In the lesson series I use to share the plan of salvation, the word essential is used to emphasize certain aspects of God’s plan to save a lost soul. Essential refers to something absolutely necessary, fundamental, or constituting the core nature of a thing. So, what is absolutely necessary, fundamental, at the very core of evangelism? I will answer that in a moment.

            J.I. Packer writes, “What is the motive for evangelizing? There are, in fact, two motives that should spur us constantly to evangelize. The first is love of God and concern for his glory; the second is love of man and concern for his welfare.” Being concerned about mankind’s welfare is at the core of evangelism. Concerned about what? As the Pharisees watched Jesus engage with people, they asked His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” (Matthew 9:11). Jesus responded by saying, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance” (Matthew 9:12-13). Luke 19:10, “…for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” So, what is essential to evangelism? What is it about man’s welfare that should move us to action? Mankind is sick and the illness is extremely contagious. No one is immune and there is only one cure. The problem is sin.

“Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.” (Isaiah 59:1-2)

            There are certain things that are etched in my often-forgetful mind. One of them is the day I was diagnosed with psoriasis. The doctor simply showed me a grotesque picture of someone covered with it, saying, “This is what you have.” It brought me to tears and at that time, there was no real cure. It would not be long before what I saw in the picture was my reality. That was almost forty years ago and things have changed. What does this have to do with evangelism? How do we react to the subject of sin? What is the picture you see? Isaiah speaks to the devastating reality of sin, that it “separates you from God” resulting in God hiding His face and making Him unable to hear us. It is a universal problem! Psalm 14:3, “They have all turned aside, they have together become corrupt; there is none who does good, no, not one” (Psalm 14:3; Romans 3:10). It causes man to fall short of his Creator’s glory (Romans 3:23). Sin robs us of our potential! This spiritual disease has only one outcome, spiritual death (Romans 6:23). Someone may think they are okay, like the Pharisees mentioned above, but they deceive themselves. 1^st John 1:8, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” No one is exempt! Everyone has the sin problem!

             So, what is absolutely necessary, fundamental, at the very core of evangelism? It is the conviction of mankind’s sin problem. It is the awareness that outside of Christ, mankind has no hope of eternity (Ephesians 2:12). That they, whether they realize it or not, have no relationship with God, that He is separated from them. That He is unable to hear them because of the sin in their lives. The gospel calls people to the awareness of this sin. For us to proclaim it, we must first be convicted that the problem is real and there is only one cure (John 14:6; Acts 4:12; 1^st John 1:7).

Accountability. It is a scary word, especially when it comes to the Christian journey homeward. Jesus taught, “But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:36-37). The apostle Paul writes, “So then each of us shall give account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12). Truth be told, few of us are comfortable with those words. We simply do not like being held accountable for a variety of reasons. That said, few, if any, achieve any spiritual growth without it. One person writes, “We need accountability. Left to our own devices, we will soon devise or succumb to all kinds of evil.”

            As we draw our study of the minor prophets to a close, we find God’s remnant returning to Jerusalem from Babylonian captivity. What got them there in the first place? What influenced them? I know, it was the sin they participated in for so many years. But what got them there? Listen to Jeremiah 23:1-2, “’Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!’ says the Lord. Therefore, thus says the Lord God of Israel against the shepherds who feed My people: ‘You have scattered My flock, driven them away, and not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for the evil of your doings,’ says the Lord.” So, what influenced them? Their spiritual leaders. Jesus repeatedly said woe to the religious leaders of His day because they guided people down destructive pathways (Matthew 23). This caused me to think of a text found in Hebrews concerning the topic of leadership that I would like to share with you today.

“Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls…” (Hebrews 13:17)

            Obey! Be submissive! Like accountability, those words often leave a bad taste in our mouth. As much as these are part of the discussion, it is not my focus today. Instead of looking at what we are to do towards our spiritual leaders, I want to look at the why behind it. So, why obey…be submissive? The reason is simple; they watch out for your souls. The Easy-to-Read translation says, “…they are always watching to protect you.” That word “watch” means to be sleepless, i.e. keep awake. Why sleepless? Because souls are at stake! The words of Jesus towards the religious leaders of His day echo in my mind, “Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch” (Matthew 15:14). The responsibility of spiritual leaders is daunting. The apostle Peter, himself an elder, exhorts elders to “shepherd the flock of God among you” (1^st Peter 5:2). The New Living translation says, “care for the flock that God has entrusted to you” while the King James Version says, “feed the flock of God.” A godly leader will invest his time into helping God’s people to achieve their God given mission. To imitate Christ (Ephesians 5:1), share Christ (1^st Peter 3:15) and to care for all, especially those in Christ (John 13:34; Galatians 6:9-10), impacting the world around them (John 13:35). A godly leader will be used by God to help His people reach their full potential in Christ. The gravity of this task is seen in the words that follow.

“…as those who must give account.” (Hebrews 13:17)

            Leaders carry a greater level of accountability and thus, more responsibility. Why? It is because these men have assumed the role of guiding God’s children, the souls of those God has placed in their hands. The apostle Paul exhorted the elders in Ephesus, saying, “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.” (Acts 20:28). Spiritual leadership is not about position; but rather, it is about those whom God has placed in their care. One commentator writes, “The ministers of religion must give account to God for their fidelity. For all that they teach, and for every measure which they adopt, they must soon be called into judgment.” It is with this awareness that the believers themselves, could help ease this burden of their spiritual leaders by submitting to their direction “with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable” for them (Hebrews 13:17).

            Throughout history we see repeatedly the need for God centered leaders. And in that same history we can read of the downfall of nations at the hands of ungodly ones. From the very early stages of the birth of the church, the exhortation to establish capable spiritual leaders was evident as the Holy Spirit guided the apostles. Why? Because we need men willing to watch out for our souls! Men who are willing to be accountable for our welfare! Not perfect men. Not all-knowing men. But mature men who are being transformed into the image of Christ and desire nothing more than to help others in that journey.

The bible tells story after story about those who God used to help guide His people over the years. We are familiar with individuals like Moses, who God used to help free His people from Egyptian bondage. Then there is Joshua who led God’s people into the promised land after Moses died. Not too long ago, in our midweek bible class, we studied the kings of Israel, who in many cases were ungodly leaders and led God’s people into idolatry, bringing calamity we have learned about in our Sunday morning bible class on the minor prophets. Over the course of this year, I have been given the task to share with you two subject matters: evangelism and leadership. I believe these two topics are inextricably linked together: that is, evangelism is in part the result of God focused leadership. More about that as the year unfolds.

            Today, I want to look at leadership in action through the story of Nehemiah. As we have noted in our Sunday morning bible class, the prophet Haggai came to focus on the temple being rebuilt (520-516 B.C.) while Ezra came later (458 B.C.) to help restore knowledge and respect for the Law of Moses. Nehemiah’s mission is the result of news he received, “the survivors who are left from the captivity in the province are there in great distress and reproach. The wall of Jerusalem is also broken down, and its gates are burned with fire” (Nehemiah 1:3). So taken by this discouraging news, he immediately goes to the Lord in earnest prayer. At this time Nehemiah is cupbearer for king Artaxerxes who noticed he was not himself. The king hears his anguish and sends him to Jerusalem on a mission to lead the way to rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem.

“…I told no one what my God had put in my heart to do at Jerusalem…” (Nehemiah 2:12)

            Godly leadership springs from a heart of conviction. When we consider the work of an elder in the Lord’s church, the very first qualification is that “he desires a good work” (1^st Timothy 3:1). That Greek word translated desire means to set the heart upon, i.e. long for. To be a good leader you must be certain you want to lead. This describes Nehemiah so well. After examining the ruins of this once great city, he says to those with him, “Let us rise up and build” (Nehemiah 2:18). Now inspired by Nehemiah, the rebuilding process begins. Chapter 3 is about groups of people assuming the task of rebuilding, but like the building of the temple, there were those who were not so thrilled with what was taking place. Chapter 4 opens with Sanballat the Horonite who is someone who was “deeply disturbed that a man had come to seek the well-being of the children of Israel” (Nehemiah 2:10) and now finds himself “furious and very indignant” hearing that the wall was being rebuilt and “mocked the Jews” (Nehemiah 4:2). If that was not enough, he, along with others “conspired together to come and attack Jerusalem and create confusion” (Nehemiah 4:8). What did Nehemiah do? Not swayed by their tactics, he prayed for God’s deliverance (Nehemiah 4:4). God’s leaders must be prayerful. Moses prayed often. We know that Jesus often withdrew to pray (Luke 5:16). Then Nehemiah became resolved to finish the job he was called to do. He placed men in places to protect the workers (Nehemiah 4:13). And then he tells the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, great and awesome, and fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses” (Nehemiah 4:14). This mission was more about God’s people than it was about a wall. Nehemiah’s resolve helped the mission to be completed.

            You may have noticed that three letters were highlighted in the article. CPR. That is what the Lord’s work needs every once and a while. It is needed to help bring life back into God’s people. We need to have men who are certain that God has called them to lead, prayerful in their willingness to assume that role and resolved to help bring the mission of God’s people back into focus. There is always need for reflection as God’s people (2^nd Corinthians 13:5)  and sometimes that reflection reveals to us a need to rebuild. Are you ready for that mission?

Last week I spoke of the need for us to strive to be bold and persuasive in sharing the hope of Christ with others. Boldness is the ability to speak confidently and freely about Christ. It is being persuasive in our own conviction about the One who gave Himself that we might have eternal life. I think of what Jesus said in John 8:24, “Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” Or, consider the frequently quoted verse where Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). We all know this and I assume believe it, yet we find ourselves intimidated when it comes to sharing Christ with others. The fact that the spirit God has given us that is “of power and of love and a sound mind” (2^nd Timothy 1:7) seems like nothing of the sort all too often. Why so intimidated? Reluctant? Afraid?

            I would like to add further thought into the “why” behind our lack of engaging a lost and dying world with the only hope that it has. I want to discuss the “who” behind evangelism. I understand the pressure behind the sharing of the gospel. In one of my first evangelism classes, we were asked this question, “How many people do you plan to baptize your first year in ministry?” I understood its intent, but it troubled me and I let the instructor know. I certainly understand the essential part baptism plays in the scheme of things, but focusing on numbers should not be our focus. Instead, it should be the effort of sharing Christ with others which at some point, would necessitate baptism being discussed (Acts 8:35). So, what is our role then? I think the apostle Paul gives some insight in his second letter to the church in Corinth.

“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.” (1^st Corinthians 3:6)

            There was a problem in Corinth which is clearly seen in 1^st Corinthians 1:12-13, “Now I say this, that each of you says, ‘I am of Paul,’ or ‘I am of Apollos,’ or ‘I am of Cephas,’ or ‘I am of Christ.’ Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?” As the Holy Spirit guides the apostle to help the church work through this concern, we learn of a particularly important principle that can help with evangelism. First, realizing that we are spiritual farmers with the task of planting seed. In the Parable of the Sower found in Luke 8 we learn that “The seed is the word of God” (v11). The sower simply “went out to sow his seed” (Luke 8:5) indiscriminately; that is, not trying to determine the condition of the soil. All soils were an opportunity. The word translated “planted” means to set out in the earth, to instill doctrine. That was Paul’s job. Apollos, he had the job of watering; that is, to irrigate, to furnish drink to that newly planted seed. Evangelism is more of a “we” event as opposed to a “me” event. Apollos was a fitting example of this, as was mentioned last week, because Priscilla and Aquila “watered” the seed he had, bringing him to the fuller and more accurate understanding of the gospel (Acts 18:24-28). We may find ourselves in either of these two roles, a “sower” or a “waterer.” Our objective is merely to allow ourselves to be used by God to increase His kingdom.

This brings us to the most crucial point to grasp, the who behind evangelism. We often put so much pressure on ourselves! Say the right thing. Have all the answers. How can I bring that person to Christ? Listen to what Pasul says, “…but God gave the increase.” I like the Easy-to-Read Translation, “But God is the one who made the seed grow.” It is the day of Pentecost, and the gospel is miraculously being proclaimed. About three thousand came to Christ that day. Listen now to Acts 2:47b, “And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” He is the One who gave His Son! He is the One who raised His Son! It is His Spirit who will “convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” John 16:8). God is the One behind evangelism.

The credit of salvation is God’s and His alone. We are simple farmers given the task of planting and watering. Yes, we need to be responsible when it comes to the planting of the seed and watering that seed. To seek boldness and courage from Him who will empower us to speak on His behalf.  This may take some learning on how to take advantage of the opportunities afforded to us as we interact with this world. All with the understanding that it is God who brings forth the harvest. So, think of yourselves as farmers planting the seed of Christ in the hearts of others. Or maybe you are the farmer that waters the seed already planted. Maybe God has you doing both. No matter what role you play, always remember, He brings the harvest. Help us Lord to be farmers for Christ.

Some have suggested that in the United States we may be experiencing another “great awakening” of sorts. You may be asking, what is meant by great awakening? As explained by Britannica, “The Great Awakening represented a reaction against the increasing secularization of society and against the corporate and materialistic nature of the principal churches of American society.” It was push back against the world that was making inroads in religion. Although it was rooted in Calvinism, something that I do not agree with, it does reveal a time when religion stood up against the influence of contemporary society. This great awakening, which is said to be taking place today, centers around the death of Charlie Kirk, who was openly defending biblically moral truths in a society which, like that of many years ago, has wandered far away from God. Subjects like gay marriage, transgender, homosexuality, the reality of absolute truth and of course, the gospel itself, are things many feared to talk about because of the strong opinions and intense emotions that come with it.

            When we look at the life of Jesus, we see someone boldly and persuasively endeavoring “to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). And as we were reminded just a couple weeks ago, this was the exhortation Jesus gave his apostles in the great commission, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20). His mission remains the same to this day for us, His church. To proclaim Him to a lost and dying world. The apostle Paul is a wonderful example of this very thing. Let us see what we can learn.

“And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months,

reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God.” (Acts 19:8)

            It is obvious, the apostle Paul was bold! The Greek word used here means to speak freely, boldly; to be confident. We find other examples of his boldness in the book of Acts. While in Corinth, “Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks” (Acts 18:4) which was his custom (Acts 17:2). Was this boldness simply who he was or was it something more? In Ephesians 6:19-20 we find him asking the church to pray “for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” So, he needed and sought the Lord’s help to be bold for Christ. This is something we find the early church doing as well; that is, praying for boldness and receiving it (Acts 4:29-31). Paul’s boldness was rooted in his conviction of the gospel as well. For he reasoned, “Therefore, since we have such hope, we use great boldness of speech…” (2^nd Corinthians 3:12). Boldness then, is the byproduct of two things: first, it comes from God and second, it is anchored in Christ. This boldness gave Paul the confidence to act on behalf of Christ.

This idea of “reasoning and persuading” seems intimidating. If you have the NIV, you will find the words “arguing persuasively” while the KJV reads “disputing and persuading” which makes it seem even more intimidating. Unfortunately, there seems to be a contradiction when we speak of sharing the gospel and somehow arguing persuasively.  Are we not to stay away from “foolish and stupid arguments” (2^nd Timothy 2:23)?  Of course, the answer is yes but only concerning foolish and stupid things.  When it comes to the gospel of Christ, which includes the biblical plan of salvation and the scriptural church which would arise from the proclamation of it, nothing is foolish or stupid. The word “reasoning” means to converse, discourse with one, argue, discuss. It is translated “persuaded” in Acts 17:4, describing how Paul dialoged with people about Christ and salvation in hopes to “persuade men” (2^nd Corinthians 5:11).  Such discourse would be necessary because he was endeavoring, with the use of God’s word, to show people the whole message of the risen Christ.  The problem was, many of his hearers, because of their religious Jewish background, did not see any problem with what they believed.  They believed in the Messiah but, in their eyes, he had simply not come yet.  They believed in the kingdom, it too had simply not come yet.  Paul’s mission, at least in part, was to try and convince them of the complete truth about Christ and His kingdom.

Well, does any of this sound familiar?  We have around us many sincere people, just like Paul did, who believe in the Messiah and His kingdom.  They too, need to hear the complete truth and it is our mission as God works through us to try and persuade them.  Using His word and boldness of faith, we need to engage those around us in hopes to “explain to them the way of God more adequately” (Acts 18:26).  To do this, like the apostle Paul, we need to be persuaded about Christ. And like Paul and the early church, we must pray that God grant us boldness.

For those who are sports fans, you may be familiar with an ad with Jason Tatum who is asked a question from a reporter, “What keeps you going?” What a great question to consider when it comes to our Christian walk. Last week I spoke of the terrible plight of those who are not in Christ and how we, God’s church, are commanded to share the good news of Christ. Commands. The Christian life is full of them. God commands us to forgive (Colossians 3:13), attend services of the church (Hebrews 10:24-25), love one another (John 13:34-35), add to our faith (2^nd Peter 1:5-11), and the list can go on and on. All of these are the pursuit of Christ likeness, something we are also called to do (Ephesians 5:1-2) and is accomplished by the renewing of our mind (Romans 12:1-2). Our lives should reveal a desire to “Be holy for I am holy” (1^st Peter 1:16). This quest which our Lord has invited us to travel is not without its difficulties. Like the remnant who were given the task to rebuild the temple, things can frustrate us and discouragement can derail us. Life can become wearisome.

            Let us face it, this Christian walk is not easy at times. The “rest” which Jesus offers (Matthew 11:28-30) seems obscured by the obligations that we are called to engage in each day. Transformation! Even the sharing of the gospel becomes burdensome at times. Why? How can something so beneficial and beautiful become so wearisome? The writer of Hebrews says, “For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become WEARY and DISCOURAGED in your souls” (Hebrews 12:3). We come back to our initial question, “What keeps you going?” Or maybe you are in a place now that suggest the question should be worded like this, “How can I get going again?” Let’s try to give insight into both questions.

“For the love of Christ compels us…” (2^nd Corinthians 5:14)

            I pause for a moment, remembering the first three words of Hebrews 12:3, “For consider Him…” Behind everything we do is someone, right? Wive, husband, children, mom, dad, ourselves! The “who” behind what we do plays a critical role in determining what keeps us going. Paul says it simply; the love of Christ compels him. The ETRV says, “The love of Christ controls us…” The Greek word means to compel, perplex, afflict, preoccupy. One commentator writes, “Paul brings into view the principle which actuated him; the reason of his extraordinary and disinterested zeal. That was, that he was influenced by the love which Christ had shown in dying for all people…” of which he sees himself as the chief sinner (1^st Timothy 1:15). Love needs to be the driving force behind all that we do. John said it clearly and concisely, “We love Him BECAUSE He first loved us” (1^st John 4:19). So let me try to answer our question with another question, “Do you know you are loved?” Here is where conviction comes into view. Listen to Paul as he goes on to say.

“…because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died

for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves,

but for Him who died for them and rose again.” (2^nd Corinthians 5:14b-15)

            The ETRV says in part, “…because we KNOW that one person died for everyone.” The NIV says, “because we are convinced.” The Greek word here means to distinguish. I have reasoned in my mind that this is true! Christ died for all, including me. This very idea carries with it an awareness of sin and its consequences. The stark realization that outside of Christ’s love for me through His completed work on the cross, I have no hope. He died for me! He gave up His heavenly dwelling to live in human form for the purpose of giving Himself for me. Fill in the blanks with your name. “For God so love ___________” (John 3:16). “For when __________ was still without strength, in due time Christ died for _________” (Romans 5:6). Once again, I seek to answer our first question with the second question, “Do you know you are loved?” Are you convinced you are loved?

You see, we strive to do His will not to be loved, but because we recognized how loved we are. And when we lose sight of His unconditional love for us, then all things become laborious, even righteous things. When what we do loses sight of the true reason behind it all, we “become weary and discouraged in our souls” (Hebrews 12:3). So, what keeps you going? In that commercial mentioned above, the answer was this, “Knowing who you do it for.” Remember, we do the things we do because we know God loves us and the proof is the cross of Christ. Thank You for loving me so much!

Consequences. It is defined as a result or effect of an action or condition. What is the role of consequences? In psychology they break it down into two areas: reinforcement and punishment. Reinforcement is any consequence that increases and/or strengthens the future rate of a given behavior. Punishment is any consequence of a specific behavior that decreases the future rate of that behavior. Example: your child keeps their room clean, so you praise them and take them out for an ice cream. Or your child has some chores they are responsible for and fail to do them, so you express your disappointment to them while affirming your love for them, then tell them they cannot go and play with their friends until the chores are done. The objective remains the same with each; you are trying to help them to be responsible in what they do.

Our whole Sunday morning bible class on the minor prophets is a story filled with consequences. We have seen repeatedly God working with His “special treasure” (Deuteronomy 7:6) Israel. How they have wandered from Him, and how He has used consequences to help draw them back. Just this past week I was reading in Nehemiah in preparation for Sunday morning bible class and read of this very thing. God had miraculously brought them out of Egypt and yet scripture says of and to them, “they and your fathers acted proudly, hardened their necks, and did not heed Your commandments” (Nehemiah 9:16). Their consequence, forty years of wondering in the wilderness (Nehemiah 9:20) and all the while their God graciously sustained them. I say this because it is important for us to remember, sin has consequences! The cross, which Jesus took upon Himself, is the consequence of our sin. This is the sobering, serious subject of this article.

“The wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23)

            The ETRV is bold in its translation, “When people sin, they earn what sin pays-death.” Simply put, sin has consequences and that is death! This is not physical death; but rather, spiritual death. The challenge with most people today is convincing them they are spiritually dead because of their sins. Paul reminded the church in Ephesus, “And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world…” (Ephesians 2:1-2). He wrote to the church in Colossae concerning their previous state outside of Christ, “And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh…” (Colossians 2:13). NO ONE is exempt from this spiritual condition outside of Christ. NO ONE! Paul wrote, “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to ALL MEN, because all sinned” (Romans 5:12). He said this earlier in Romans 3:23, “…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” So how do we understand death, the consequence of sin? Remember God’s people of old and how sin made this life so difficult. It is no different today, yet it is not just about today.

“These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the

Lord and from the glory of His power…” (2^nd Thessalonians 1:9)

            Before I speak to the above verse, it is important to know that sin has present day consequences. Isaiah 59:1-2, “Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.” Here is a question to consider, is God not answering my prayers because there is willful sin in my life? Sin has consequences in this life! The greatest and most tragic consequence is spoken by Paul in the above verse. Judgment day is coming and when it does, droves of people will face “everlasting destruction.” Never to be freed! Jesus speaks of a place where there will be “weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 8:12; 13:42, 50). This is hell, sinful man’s final destination. It is a place where “everlasting destruction” is deserved because of sin and where the created will never be in “the presence of the Lord” and will never know the “glory of His power.” Everyone outside of Christ will go there (John 14:3). EVERYONE! It is the reason Jesus needs to be proclaimed.

            The question for us is simple and challenging, do I believe sin is a problem with eternal consequences? If we do, then we wrestle with the task of talking to others about the only solution, Jesus (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). As I have said so many times, there can truly be no real good news if we are not convinced of the real bad news. Renew within us Lord the true tragedy of sin and as the early church prayed, give us boldness to proclaim the only solution God has given sinful man.