The Word of God is Living and Active
Bereans,
So often we begin to believe that all it takes for people to believe the gospel (or even basic truths) is for them to hear the facts. We think that the problem is that the truth hasn't been presented in a convincing way. Therefore, we begin to believe that it is up to us to find the best data and deliver it in the most persuasive manner, and voila, the person will embrace the truth!
Well, not only is that way of thinking man-centered, it is also not God's way. In fact, not only does that method of persuasion not work, it is much more difficult than the way God designed it to be. The Apostle Paul is clear that the gospel is not embraced by logic, because the logic of God is foolishness to the world (1 Cor. 2:6-16). Scripture also tells us that man's purposeful embrace of lies only results in delusion (Romans 1:18-32).
It is not up to us to be clever or persuasive or to simply present facts (1 Cor. 2:1-5). Faith is a gift of God that comes through the hearing of the Word of God (1 Cor. 1:18-21; Rom. 10:17; Eph. 2:8). The power of the gospel and the belief of truth comes as a gift of the Holy Spirit working through the Word of God (Rom. 1:16). It is the Word that is living, active, and powerful (Heb. 4:12). So, our job is simply to present the Word of God to others, and let it do the work. Yes, we may have to help explain it, but that is a far different approach than thinking that it is up to us to do the convincing through facts.
This 10 minute video below contains some fascinating footage of an interview with one of the most well-known political figures in American. I'm not going to spoil it, but in it you'll see clear evidence that it is the Spirit of God working through the Word of God that begins to change hearts and minds. (I'm not saying this person is a believer yet, but God is clearly working on his heart through the reading of the Word.) I pray you're encouraged by this video, and reminded that your main job is to introduce others to the Word of Truth, then let it do its work!
Video link: https://youtu.be/0MKgsXTRU-4
Grace and peace to you,
J.W.
So often we begin to believe that all it takes for people to believe the gospel (or even basic truths) is for them to hear the facts. We think that the problem is that the truth hasn't been presented in a convincing way. Therefore, we begin to believe that it is up to us to find the best data and deliver it in the most persuasive manner, and voila, the person will embrace the truth!
Well, not only is that way of thinking man-centered, it is also not God's way. In fact, not only does that method of persuasion not work, it is much more difficult than the way God designed it to be. The Apostle Paul is clear that the gospel is not embraced by logic, because the logic of God is foolishness to the world (1 Cor. 2:6-16). Scripture also tells us that man's purposeful embrace of lies only results in delusion (Romans 1:18-32).
It is not up to us to be clever or persuasive or to simply present facts (1 Cor. 2:1-5). Faith is a gift of God that comes through the hearing of the Word of God (1 Cor. 1:18-21; Rom. 10:17; Eph. 2:8). The power of the gospel and the belief of truth comes as a gift of the Holy Spirit working through the Word of God (Rom. 1:16). It is the Word that is living, active, and powerful (Heb. 4:12). So, our job is simply to present the Word of God to others, and let it do the work. Yes, we may have to help explain it, but that is a far different approach than thinking that it is up to us to do the convincing through facts.
This 10 minute video below contains some fascinating footage of an interview with one of the most well-known political figures in American. I'm not going to spoil it, but in it you'll see clear evidence that it is the Spirit of God working through the Word of God that begins to change hearts and minds. (I'm not saying this person is a believer yet, but God is clearly working on his heart through the reading of the Word.) I pray you're encouraged by this video, and reminded that your main job is to introduce others to the Word of Truth, then let it do its work!
Video link: https://youtu.be/0MKgsXTRU-4
Grace and peace to you,
J.W.
Posted in Church
Tagged with 1 Corinthians 2:6-16, Romans 1:18-32, 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, 1 Corinthians 1:18-21, Romans 10:17, Ephesians 2:8, Romans 1:16, Hebrews 4:12
Tagged with 1 Corinthians 2:6-16, Romans 1:18-32, 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, 1 Corinthians 1:18-21, Romans 10:17, Ephesians 2:8, Romans 1:16, Hebrews 4:12
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