Central Truth

The gospel message does not change. Speak boldly and let God take care of the rest.

Reflections

How many times during the last few presidential campaigns have we heard, “It’s the economy, stupid?" I believe the gospel message gets covered up with human attempts to make it something God never intended (politically correct, complicated, confusing, and so forth). 

Paul and Barnabas faced trials and tribulations at the last stop. Yet they cruised into Iconium and went straight to the Jewish synagogue. “They spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Gentiles believed.  But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers.” Did they give up and start changing the message to make the crowd feel better about themselves? No, they spent “considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord.” They used the extra time to build relationships with the Iconiums. God was so pleased He allowed them to show off His grace in signs and wonders.  But Paul and Barnabas never strayed from the message they were commissioned to bring to both Jews and Gentiles. 

Recently my older sister, who was like a second mother to me, was diagnosed with cancer. As I flew to spend time with her in the hospital, I prayed that the Lord would give me an opportunity to share His message. When I arrived, she was anxious, feeling she might die at any moment. She said that she couldn’t talk to her family about her fears. I felt God giving me the opening, so I talked about my faith in Jesus. I thought she was hearing the message. Later, she starting feeling better and her fears were replaced with a hard heart. Her husband also vehemently explained why he believes there is no God. It was difficult, but I did my best to be bold (My sister is on hospice now. Perhaps a seed was planted. Please pray for them).

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7) Be brave! Be bold! Develop relationships! God is on your side! And thank you, Lord, for adopting us Gentiles.

Discussion Questions

1. Have you had opportunities to share your love of Jesus but were afraid of offending someone? 

2. Do you have your testimony ready for a “close encounter” of the best kind? If so, pray that the Lord will give you opportunities to share your story. If not, please consider thinking through and perhaps writing out your testimony.

3. We are so impatient in our culture. Are you willing to take “considerable time” to build relationships with people? If not, what can you do to slow down?