THE IMPACT OF GOD'S WORD

"But the word of God grew and multiplied." - Acts 12:24

The Bible continues to be the #1 best-selling book of all time.  If you visit a Christian bookstore, you'll probably notice that a large portion of the store is dedicated to Bibles.  These days there is no shortage of Bibles.  Numerous versions of the Bible are available (too many in my opinion).  Additionally, Bible software is available, as well as on-line Bibles and Bible resources.  Teaching and preaching podcasts are free on the internet for any believer. 

As Christians, we believe that the Word of God changes lives.  The message of the Gospel has the power to penetrate a human heart and bring a sinner to repentance.

With all the resources available to the Church today, I can't help but ask, why isn't the Word of God impacting society like it did in the first century?  Acts 12:24 states that "... the word of God grew and multiplied."  If you read the book of Acts, you'll note that the Holy Spirit moved in a dynamic way:  souls were saved, lives were changed and the culture was impacted.  The Word of God grew and multiplied during that time.  In spite of all the resources available to believers today, there seems to be so little impact being made here in America.    

I believe that the problem lies in very fundamental areas.  For instance, our response to the Word of God is different today than it was in the first century.  In the first century, there were no Bibles available for the average believer. Obviously, the resources and ministries that we take for granted today did not exist then.  Yet their attitude towards God & His Word was vastly different from our own. 

I want you to consider three things about the early church's response to God's Word.

1.  THE WORD OF GOD WAS TREATED SERIOUSLY

First of all, the first century believers took God's Word seriously.  I don't think that is always the case with believers today.  In fact, these days most believers only read from their Bibles in church on Sunday.  I fear that most Christians treat the Word of God lightly.  We don't have the fear and reverence for God's Word that the early church did.  They treated God's Word like it came directly from God.  We typically treat God's Word like it only came from the bookstore.  The first century believers treated God's Word as something sacred, we treat it like a dry book of rules.  If we don't treat God's Word seriously, we aren't treating God seriously.  If we aren't treating God seriously, we shouldn't expect Him to bless.

2.  THE WORD OF GOD WAS OBEYED ZEALOUSLY

Secondly, the early Church obeyed God's Word.  As you read the book of Acts, it is obvious that believers obeyed God's Word zealously.  Today, the commands of God are treated more like options.  It is rare to find Christians who are zealous in their obedience to the Word of God.  The unbelieving world around us has taken note of our willful disobedience to the Word of God.  They recognize that we don't treat God's Word seriously or obey His Word zealously.  Thus, they don't take our message or mission seriously.  It's not hard to understand why, is it?

3.  THE WORD OF GOD WAS SPREAD CONTINUALLY

Finally, the early church continually spread God's Word.  The Word of God was more than a subject for church on Sunday.  For the first century believers, they had a mandate to share God's Word everywhere they went.  Are we doing that today?  Quite honestly, outside the church doors, our society has pressured believers into keeping our faith silent.  If a believer is a visible and verbal witness for Christ, he is belittled & considered to be a "religious fanatic."  In some cases, a verbal witness for Christ is subject to social pressure & even legal threats.  What ever happened to Christians who would boldly stand for Christ regardless of social or political pressure?  We need more Christians to be like the Apostle Peter, who said, "We ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29).

There is power in God's Word, but if we fail to treat God's Word correctly, we are to blame for the anemic results of our efforts, not God or His Word.

The unbelieving world needs to see Christians take God's Word seriously, obey God's Word zealously and share God's Word continually. 

What is keeping you from doing this today?

BELIEVER OR DECEIVER

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:  And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." - John 10:27-28

Most Americans consider themselves to be Christians.  Many will engage in spiritual conversations without hesitation.  They have no problem identifying themselves with the Christian label, but there is a glaring problem.  Their lives do not manifest the fruit that accompanies genuine salvation.  I fear that many of these individuals have religion but have never been born again.

Biblical Christianity is more than repeating a "sinner's prayer," or becoming a church member.  Genuine salvation is a life-changing experience.  A person cannot have a real encounter with the God of the universe and remain unchanged.  It is possible to join a church, get baptized and attend church regularly without being changed, but it is impossible to be saved by God's grace and live the same way as before.  Religion is no substitute for salvation.

Jesus was bold when He shared spiritual truth.  In John 10:27-28, Jesus said, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:  And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand."  I believe these two verses give us insight concerning a genuine Christian. 

1.  A GENUINE CHRISTIAN LISTENS TO GOD

First of all, Jesus teaches us that a genuine Christian hears the voice of God.  Jesus refers to believers as "My sheep."  Sheep are dirty, smelly, dumb animals.  Not a very attractive description, is it?  Yet this description is very accurate.  Apart from Christ, we are dirty and dumb.  When a man recognizes his sinful condition & turns to Christ in repentance, he is changed by the grace of God.  At this point, his appetite is changed.  He is hungry for God and His Word.

It is wrong to claim that God doesn't speak if you keep your Bible closed.  God speaks to us through His Word.  I believe a genuine Christian has a hunger for God's Word.  The Bible becomes a regular part of his daily ritual.  Furthermore, he has a hunger to hear God's Word preached & taught through the ministry of the local church. 

Many who claim to be Christians refuse to assemble at God's House.  If the truth were known, they probably never read the Bible either.  The facts speak louder than their words. 

2.  A GENUINE CHRISTIAN IS KNOWN BY GOD

Secondly, we know that the Good Shepherd knows His sheep.  He knows whether a person belongs to Him or not.  The Father knows His children. 

Sadly, most people know ABOUT God, but don't know Him personally.  Be assured, if you don't know Him personally, He doesn't recognize you as one of His children.

3.  A GENUINE CHRISTIAN FOLLOWS CHRIST

Next, a genuine Christian follows Christ.  In other words, a real Christian obeys God.  Obedience is a key component of Christian discipleship.  Jesus said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15).  It is difficult to seriously confess faith in Christ while living in willful disobedience. 

Look around at our society.  Many who claim to be Christians are living in willful disobedience.  A "Christian" girl lives with her boyfriend.  A "Christian" businessman lies and takes ethical shortcuts.  A "Christian" layman tells dirty jokes and uses profanity.  Does this bother you?  It should.  If we claim to love Jesus, it should show through our obedience.

4.  A GENUINE CHRISTIAN HAS ETERNAL LIFE

Finally, a genuine Christian has eternal life.  Abundant, everlasting life is granted to those who truly repent and believe.  Eternal life does not begin at death, it begins at the moment of conversion.  For the Christian, our citizenship is on high.  We are not at home here on earth.  We are not comfortable living in this sin-cursed world.  We are eager for Christ's return.  We long for heaven.  We have a desire to be with Jesus. 

I am convinced than most who profess Christ do not possess Christ.  They are deceivers and not believers.  Worst of all, they have deceived themselves. 

Can you honestly say that you have been changed by the power of the Gospel?  

A REASON TO REJOICE

"Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth." - Luke 15:10

I must confess that I don't watch network television anymore.  I used to enjoy a good sitcom from time to time, but these days most of the "sitcoms" are poorly written and morally bankrupt.  They aren't even funny.  TV sitcoms are prime examples of Hollywood's failures. 

If the quality of the average TV sitcom is any indication, it doesn't take much to make the average American laugh.  The devil has certainly duped most Americans into pursuing happiness rather than joy.  In fact, I feel that the pursuit of happiness is the devil's substitute for joy.  Happiness is temporal, but joy is lasting.  Joy is something the devil cannot offer, because it is something only the Holy Spirit can produce.

Recently, I was asked what I enjoyed doing during my "spare time."  Perhaps you've been asked a similar question before.  Have you ever wondered what God enjoys doing?  In Luke 15:10, Jesus said, "... there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth."  Later in the same chapter, Jesus told the story of a prodigal son to illustrate His point.  When the prodigal son returned home with a repentant heart, his earthly father ran to meet him.  The father was filled with joy and threw a party to celebrate the return of his wayward son.  From that story it is obvious that the Heavenly Father has great joy when a sinner repents.

If the repentance of a sinner causes the Father to rejoice, shouldn't it cause us to rejoice, too?  I fear that the American church has veered too far off the spiritual path.  I fear that some well meaning Christians have been trying to portray Christianity as a "cool religion," for their family, friends and neighbors.  It is not uncommon for a church to be advertised as "a happening place," because of "exciting programs" and "professional-quality music."  While good music and programs can be beneficial, could it be that the average American Christian wants to impress his lost neighbor rather than seek his conversion?  Whether your neighbor is impressed with your church or not, he will still be lost until he repents.

The Bible doesn't state that there is joy in heaven over our church's programs, high-tech lighting or gifted musicians.  Instead, there is joy when a sinner repents. 

Does it bother you that so few "converts" seem to be moved concerning their sin?  Why are few tears shed about sin?  What ever happened to Holy Spirit conviction?  Yes, we may impress someone that our church may be "cool," but without repentance, the sinner is still lost and bound for hell. 

It is time that Christians seek to enjoy the things God enjoys.  We should rejoice about the same things He rejoices about.  Maybe our time would be better spent on the things that bring Him joy.  Instead of trying to impress a sinner, we should be praying and witnessing so that he'll come to genuine repentance.  That will bring joy to heaven ... and our own souls.

OUR LORD'S MESSAGE

"The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel." - Mark 1:15

I like to hear good preaching.  While there are many "ministers" who proclaim a water-downed Gospel & others are false teachers, there are many gifted ministers who boldly, yet clearly proclaim God's Word.  I am grateful that we live in a time which technology permits us to receive God's Word from numerous sources. 

I can't help but wonder what it would have been like to hear Jesus teach and preach.  The Bible records a few of His teaching sessions.  The longest of these is the passage we refer to as "the Sermon on the Mount."  When the Sermon the Mount came to a close, His listeners were amazed that He taught with such authority. 

Although Jesus taught many things during His brief ministry, His overall message could be summarized in Mark 1:15:  "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel."

The first part of Mark 1:15 is Jesus' declaration that His presence marks the fulfillment of prophecy.  He came as God in the flesh, delivering the message of the kingdom of God.  Long before, prophets had foretold His coming.  The patriarchs had longed for His arrival.  Old Testament saints had faith that God would provide a sacrifice that would be sufficient payment for their sins.  At the right time, in the right place, in the right way, God's great work of redemption was coming to fruition. 

Because of this great truth, Jesus preached that each person needed to respond to His work & message.  I still believe that individuals need to personally respond to Jesus.  The message of our Lord was simple, yet profound.  It was simple to understand, but difficult for many of His listeners to obey.  Very simply, Jesus commanded people to repent and believe the Gospel. 

Notice that Jesus didn't call people to "repeat this prayer after me," "make a commitment," or "walk an isle."  It is interesting how the American church has altered the Gospel invitation.  Many ministers call on "seekers" to repeat a sinner's prayer, raise a hand, or "make a decision."  Today, we call on people to "accept Christ," which is a phrase that is not even in the Bible.  Christ does not need our acceptance ---- we need His. 

I have the conviction that we need to preach as Jesus preached.  We need to call men, women, boys & girls to repent and believe the Gospel.

1.  REPENT

First of all, Jesus called on His listeners to repent.  Believe it or not, there are churches and ministers who consider it heresy these days for a preacher to extend a Gospel invitation and call for repentance.  However, John the Baptist called for people to repent.  Jesus required people to repent.  On the day of Pentecost, the Apostle Peter preached the necessity for repentance.  The Apostle Paul preached a need for repentance. 

Repentance is a change of mind that leads to a change of behavior.  It is not a sinner's job to change his or her life.  Only God can do that.  A sinner is required to change his or her mind about sin. 

These days, the Gospel has been watered down to the point that the tares are welcomed into church membership with ease.  The reason for so many so-called, "backsliders," is the fact that they never repented.  They aren't real backsliders ... they never slid forward to begin with!  These individuals were probably told that if they want to go to heaven, just repeat a prayer.  A woman may want to go to heaven, but still live with their boyfriend.  A man may want to avoid hell, but still get drunk on weekends.  Do you see the problem with this?

Under the influence of the Holy Spirit, a sinner must realize his sinful condition, feel contrite about his sins, understand that he can't save himself or stop sinning, yet have a new view about sin.  He must know that his lifestyle and behavior are unacceptable to the holy God of the universe.  He must understand that God is His only hope and that He can come to God only through Jesus Christ.  He must come to God, with a hatred for his own sin and a desire to live differently.  That is Biblical repentance.

2.  BELIEVE

Secondly, Jesus called for His listeners to "believe the Gospel."  The Gospel is good news --- the news that Jesus came to die for sinners.  In order to believe the Gospel, a person must believe that Jesus is whom He claimed to be, that He did what the Bible says He did and that He'll do what He promised to do.   Let's look at each one of these.

First of all, a sinner must believe that Jesus is whom He claimed to be.  Jesus declared Himself to be the Son of God.  The Bible clearly states that Jesus was God in the flesh.  We must receive Him as He really is & not how society or religion portrays Him to be.  He is more than a good teacher or a religious leader.  He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Secondly, a sinner must believe that Jesus did what the Bible said He did.  He was born of a virgin, lived a perfect life, taught and performed miracles.  Most significantly, He came to die upon a cross, paying our sin debt with His precious blood.  A sinner must believe that Jesus died for him and rose again, as the Scriptures teach.

Finally, a sinner must believe that Jesus will do what He promised He'd do.  In other words, a sinner must take God at His Word.  A sinner must come to God believing that He would save him, simply based upon the promise of God's Word.  Jesus said, "Him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out."

When a sinner truly repents and believes, God keeps His Word and saves the sinner.  The sinner is saved by grace, through faith.  The sinner comes to God by faith, but he is saved by the wonderful, amazing grace of God.  Grace is God's unmerited favor, lavished upon undeserving sinners.

While it may be statistically more advantageous to preach a modern Gospel with modern evangelistic tactics, I still believe it is best to simply preach as Jesus preached.  Instead of having large numbers of false converts, we could start seeing sinners get broken about their sin & made new by the power of the Gospel.

Jesus demanded that people repent and believe the Gospel.  We should do the same.

Have you personally repented and believed the Gospel yourself?