Below is but a small measure of revelation that my father had received from the Lord. I hope this will be a blessing to you. All that is written below are the words of my father.
April 14, 2021
 |
| In loving memory of my father Robert Louis (Bob) Padgett July 28, 1931-May 22, 2023 |
In our previous message, we shared some background of the Book of Hebrews, gave a short overview of each chapter, and some gleanings from Hebrews, Chapter 1. In this message we want to look at Hebrews, Chapter 2, which continues to show the superiority of the risen Lord Jesus Christ over angels. Chapter 2 also declares the role of Christ in salvation. Revelation, Chapter 1 Verse 3 says,
Any time we see the word "therefore," we should ask why it is there for. Therefore, the word "therefore" in Verse 1 relates back to the last few verses in Hebrews, Chapter 1. We should remember that there are no chapters in the Greek manuscripts. Verse 1 says that we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard. What things? and heard from whom?
Verse 2 gives a partial answer ... from angels. Verse 3 gives the more complete answer. The last part of Verse 1 says, "lest at any time we should let them slip." That certainly implies the possibility that any Christian can let these things slip.
Verses 6 through 8a are a quotation by David in Psalm 8:4-6. Psalm 8 is a look backward to Genesis 1:28, when God gave to man dominion over every thing that moves on the earth. Psalm 8 also looks forward to the Son of man as Jesus Christ, where God subjects all things in humanity to Jesus, the Captain of our salvation.
This is a quotation from Psalm 22:22, which describes the sufferings and triumph of God's righteous servant. How does the Lord Jesus sing praise unto the Father in the midst of the Church? Jesus does not literally appear in every church gathering in the world at the same time to sing praise to the Father. This means that natural man cannot worship the Father. It is only the Christ within believers that can worship the Father.
Satan wields the power of death only insofar as he induces people to sin and to come under the penalty of sin, which is death.
In those 18 verses, I counted 23 references to Jesus, 10 references to God the Father, and one mention of the Holy Ghost. That does not count the number of times we see "thy," "me," and "thou," which also refer to the Father or the Son.
The major word from this Chapter that I want to share with you comes from Verse 3:
That verse never was intended to sow doubts in our minds. The significance is that if we have been born again, then we should know for a certainty that Christ dwells in our heart. Salvation is a process. We have been saved, we are being saved, and we shall be saved IF we continue in the faith of Jesus.
Verse 18 says that no matter what my circumstances may be, I will joy in the God of my salvation. It does NOT say I will joy in my salvation. There is a difference. Do we rejoice in our provision from God or in the Provider of our provision? Salvation is much more than a process. Salvation is a Person.
The second major point that really impressed me from that audio message I listened to was this. He said that if he could have his way, he would declare a two-year moratorium in which there would be NO public plan or focus of preaching salvation or how to be saved. Does that shock you? I believe he made a very good point.
The earth was cursed when Adam and Eve fell from grace. All creation likewise fell when man fell. That truth is clearly stated in
That verse is quoted from Isaiah 6. God has blinded the eyes and hardened the hearts of those who do not know Him. In like manner, God is the ONLY one who can awaken us. God is the ONLY one who can open our eyes and allow us to understand with our heart. But then WE must keep those things which we have heard and seen. That is our responsibility.
Now, in case you are still a little skeptical, let us compare the way evangelism is typically carried out in contrast to the scriptural pattern given to us. Christian man's form of evangelism includes some or all of the following:
Advertise your church services in the newspaper, on radio and TV, and on the internet. Make sure you have enough natural-level attractions for people of all ages, such as coffee and doughnuts, sports teams, sell Christmas trees to make more money for the church, free mugs for first-time attendees, and on and on. Have marquees and signs outside to say "everyone is welcome," "come join us," "we are a friendly, family church with something for everyone," and on and on. Tell your church members to invite their neighbors to visit your church. When new folks actually attend your church, ask them if they want to be saved and go to heaven one day. Then tell them to repeat after you some "sinner's prayer" or quote Romans 10:9-10 and ask them if they believe that. When they say a few "uh-huhs," smile, tell them that now they are saved, and everyone claps and smiles. The result of that approach? A mixed multitude, to which now you have to preach feel-good messages on Sunday to keep them coming.
Now, did anyone say, "But brother, doesn't the great commission tell us to go into all the world and get them saved?" No, that is not what scripture says. What scripture does say is that we are to make disciples out of those whom the Lord saves. Then what IS our part in evangelism? And what is the function of one who is called as an evangelist? Let me try to answer that second question first. An evangelist, like all of the five-fold ministries recorded in Ephesians, Chapter 4, Verses 11-12, is given to the church, not to the world, to help to perfect each member of the church by teaching God's method of evangelization to the body of Christ. What IS God's plan for evangelization?
To whom are those verses in Isaiah written? certainly not to non-believers. They are written to the chosen people of God over all of time ... to you and to me.
The best chapter in the New Testament concerning evangelism is Acts, Chapter 8. In that chapter, Philip is called an evangelist. In Acts, Chapter 6, Philip was one of seven men chosen to be deacons. When Philip went down to the city of Samaria, what did he do? He preached the word (Acts 8:5); he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ. He also was an instrument used by God to heal and deliver people who were possessed by unclean spirits. There is not ONE verse to indicate that Philip asked the people if they wanted to be saved.
Later, in Acts 8, Verse 26, we read of Philips' encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch. That encounter was clearly set in motion by the Lord Himself. Philip never asked the Ethiopian if he wanted to be saved. Instead, Philip preached unto him Jesus (Acts 8:35). After the Lord stirred up the heart of the Ethiopian eunuch, he asked Philip what he should do to be saved. Of course, Philip was prepared to answer any heart-felt plea that might come from any man.
Jesus always preached the gospel of the kingdom of God. Verse 38 is quite interesting. When His disciples told Jesus that all men were seeking for Him, He said, "let us go into the next towns." I wonder how many traveling evangelists today would say that. Or would most of today's evangelists say, "Great! They like me here and they like what I am preaching, so let's stay another week or two." Why did Jesus move on to other towns? because He knew that He had already done everything He could in that town. When men did not receive Jesus, He never ran after them and said, "Wait! Maybe you did not understand what I said yesterday."
In other words, if unbelievers do not hear the gospel the first time, they will not hear it the second time. Therefore, Paul did not continue to reason with them. When Paul went to Corinth,
I have just suggested three things that men can do to help others to come to Christ ... be an example, pray and intercede, and be a witness, at the appropriate time, of what we have seen, heard, and experienced of the amazing grace of God. Of course, no man can save another man.
"Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand."
There is a blessing in simply reading the word of God. Before we continue, let me emphasize that our purpose is NOT simply to understand the meaning of scripture, although that also is a blessing. Our purpose is to keep those things which are written therein. That, of course, is possible only by cooperating with the Holy Spirit. Let us turn to Hebrews, Chapter 2.
1 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.
Any time we see the word "therefore," we should ask why it is there for. Therefore, the word "therefore" in Verse 1 relates back to the last few verses in Hebrews, Chapter 1. We should remember that there are no chapters in the Greek manuscripts. Verse 1 says that we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard. What things? and heard from whom?
Verse 2 gives a partial answer ... from angels. Verse 3 gives the more complete answer. The last part of Verse 1 says, "lest at any time we should let them slip." That certainly implies the possibility that any Christian can let these things slip.
2 For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard Him;4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to His own will?5 For unto the angels hath He not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak.6 But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him?7 Thou madest Him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst Him with glory and honour, and didst set Him over the works of thy hands:8 Thou hast put all things in subjection under His feet. For in that He put all in subjection under Him, He left nothing that is not put under Him. But now we see not yet all things put under Him.
Verses 6 through 8a are a quotation by David in Psalm 8:4-6. Psalm 8 is a look backward to Genesis 1:28, when God gave to man dominion over every thing that moves on the earth. Psalm 8 also looks forward to the Son of man as Jesus Christ, where God subjects all things in humanity to Jesus, the Captain of our salvation.
9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that He by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
10 For it became Him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.11 For both He that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren,12 Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.
This is a quotation from Psalm 22:22, which describes the sufferings and triumph of God's righteous servant. How does the Lord Jesus sing praise unto the Father in the midst of the Church? Jesus does not literally appear in every church gathering in the world at the same time to sing praise to the Father. This means that natural man cannot worship the Father. It is only the Christ within believers that can worship the Father.
13 And again, I will put my trust in Him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me.14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same; that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
Satan wields the power of death only insofar as he induces people to sin and to come under the penalty of sin, which is death.
15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.16 For verily He took not on Him the nature of angels; but He took on Him the seed of Abraham.17 Wherefore in all things it behoved Him to be made like unto His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.18 For in that He Himself hath suffered being tempted, He is able to succour them that are tempted.
In those 18 verses, I counted 23 references to Jesus, 10 references to God the Father, and one mention of the Holy Ghost. That does not count the number of times we see "thy," "me," and "thou," which also refer to the Father or the Son.
The major word from this Chapter that I want to share with you comes from Verse 3:
"How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard Him;"
We Christians tend to take this process of salvation much too lightly after a period of time. That tends to breed indifference, apathy, and being lukewarm. Add to that the prosperity that most Christians in the United States have experienced and we have the church of the Laodiceans all over again. There is a great tendency, particularly in Evangelical circles, to reduce salvation down to forgiveness of sins and going to heaven one day. When we do that, we rob ourself of our inheritance and we rob the Lord from His inheritance. Our major thesis from Verse 3 is that our salvation is greater than we believe it to be. Note from Verse 3 the phrase "which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord." Jesus preached "repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." In scripture, the word "heaven" is a figure of speech that is frequently put for who dwells there, namely God Himself. For example, in Luke 15:18 the prodigal son said, "Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee." He means he has sinned against God. Also, in John 3:27, we read, "A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven," meaning from God who dwells there. There is a big difference between being born again, which is the initial step in salvation, and walking and living in the kingdom of God. We can have no greater attainment than simply to walk with God day by day.
Not too long ago I listened to an audio message from a good preacher who is no longer on earth. He said two things that really struck home to my spirit. I definitely agree with him. To convey his first point, he quoted many well-known ministers who all agreed that they doubted that no more than 1 of 10 Evangelicals, professing Christians, were actually born again, because they have mentally agreed with a doctrine, but have never experienced the new birth. That has sometimes been called "easy believism." I see scriptural evidence of that in at least three different passages of the Bible. One example is Gideon's army, which started with 32,000 but was reduced down to 300. A salvation that costs us nothing is not really salvation. The Lord said, to the church of the Laodiceans and to us,
Not too long ago I listened to an audio message from a good preacher who is no longer on earth. He said two things that really struck home to my spirit. I definitely agree with him. To convey his first point, he quoted many well-known ministers who all agreed that they doubted that no more than 1 of 10 Evangelicals, professing Christians, were actually born again, because they have mentally agreed with a doctrine, but have never experienced the new birth. That has sometimes been called "easy believism." I see scriptural evidence of that in at least three different passages of the Bible. One example is Gideon's army, which started with 32,000 but was reduced down to 300. A salvation that costs us nothing is not really salvation. The Lord said, to the church of the Laodiceans and to us,
Revelation 3:19, "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent."
Then we read, in Proverbs 29:1, "He, that being often reproved [or chastised] hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy."
Paul said, in 2 Corinthians 13:5, "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?"
That verse never was intended to sow doubts in our minds. The significance is that if we have been born again, then we should know for a certainty that Christ dwells in our heart. Salvation is a process. We have been saved, we are being saved, and we shall be saved IF we continue in the faith of Jesus.
Habbakkuk 3:17-18, "Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation."
Verse 18 says that no matter what my circumstances may be, I will joy in the God of my salvation. It does NOT say I will joy in my salvation. There is a difference. Do we rejoice in our provision from God or in the Provider of our provision? Salvation is much more than a process. Salvation is a Person.
Isaiah 12:2, "Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; He also is become my salvation."
The second major point that really impressed me from that audio message I listened to was this. He said that if he could have his way, he would declare a two-year moratorium in which there would be NO public plan or focus of preaching salvation or how to be saved. Does that shock you? I believe he made a very good point.
The earth was cursed when Adam and Eve fell from grace. All creation likewise fell when man fell. That truth is clearly stated in
Romans 8:22-23, "For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body."
The whole world lies in darkness and is going from darkness to great darkness (Isaiah 60:2). The planet is falling apart because the created have rejected the Creator.
John 12:40, "He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them. These things said Esaias, when he saw His glory, and spake of Him."
That verse is quoted from Isaiah 6. God has blinded the eyes and hardened the hearts of those who do not know Him. In like manner, God is the ONLY one who can awaken us. God is the ONLY one who can open our eyes and allow us to understand with our heart. But then WE must keep those things which we have heard and seen. That is our responsibility.
Now, in case you are still a little skeptical, let us compare the way evangelism is typically carried out in contrast to the scriptural pattern given to us. Christian man's form of evangelism includes some or all of the following:
Advertise your church services in the newspaper, on radio and TV, and on the internet. Make sure you have enough natural-level attractions for people of all ages, such as coffee and doughnuts, sports teams, sell Christmas trees to make more money for the church, free mugs for first-time attendees, and on and on. Have marquees and signs outside to say "everyone is welcome," "come join us," "we are a friendly, family church with something for everyone," and on and on. Tell your church members to invite their neighbors to visit your church. When new folks actually attend your church, ask them if they want to be saved and go to heaven one day. Then tell them to repeat after you some "sinner's prayer" or quote Romans 10:9-10 and ask them if they believe that. When they say a few "uh-huhs," smile, tell them that now they are saved, and everyone claps and smiles. The result of that approach? A mixed multitude, to which now you have to preach feel-good messages on Sunday to keep them coming.
Now, did anyone say, "But brother, doesn't the great commission tell us to go into all the world and get them saved?" No, that is not what scripture says. What scripture does say is that we are to make disciples out of those whom the Lord saves. Then what IS our part in evangelism? And what is the function of one who is called as an evangelist? Let me try to answer that second question first. An evangelist, like all of the five-fold ministries recorded in Ephesians, Chapter 4, Verses 11-12, is given to the church, not to the world, to help to perfect each member of the church by teaching God's method of evangelization to the body of Christ. What IS God's plan for evangelization?
Isaiah 55:8-9, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."
To whom are those verses in Isaiah written? certainly not to non-believers. They are written to the chosen people of God over all of time ... to you and to me.
The best chapter in the New Testament concerning evangelism is Acts, Chapter 8. In that chapter, Philip is called an evangelist. In Acts, Chapter 6, Philip was one of seven men chosen to be deacons. When Philip went down to the city of Samaria, what did he do? He preached the word (Acts 8:5); he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ. He also was an instrument used by God to heal and deliver people who were possessed by unclean spirits. There is not ONE verse to indicate that Philip asked the people if they wanted to be saved.
Later, in Acts 8, Verse 26, we read of Philips' encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch. That encounter was clearly set in motion by the Lord Himself. Philip never asked the Ethiopian if he wanted to be saved. Instead, Philip preached unto him Jesus (Acts 8:35). After the Lord stirred up the heart of the Ethiopian eunuch, he asked Philip what he should do to be saved. Of course, Philip was prepared to answer any heart-felt plea that might come from any man.
1 Peter 3:15, "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:"
Another scriptural example of this principle of evangelization is in Acts 16, when Paul and Silas were beaten and put into prison for delivering the young damsel from a spirit of divination. Some number of other prisoners were also in that jail. What an opportunity to preach to the other prisoners or at least to ask them if they wanted to be saved! But Paul and Silas did none of those things. Instead, from Acts 16:25-30, they waited until the jailor cried out for help.
"And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed. And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"
I learned, 53 years ago, from personal experience, that God can save someone all by Himself; He can heal and deliver someone all by Himself.
Three different men, in Mark 10:17, Luke 10:25, and Luke 18:18, asked Jesus what he could do to inherit eternal life. But just as with the Ethiopian eunuch and the Philippian jailor, Jesus had never asked them if they wanted to be saved. Of course, Jesus preached the kingdom of God, not how to be saved.
Now let us consider what our part is in evangelism. Of course, we always have an over-riding truth, from John, Chapter 2. Whatsoever He says to you, do it. There is no substitute for hearing the voice of the Lord and obeying. However, may I suggest a possible three-part pattern in man's actions pertaining to evangelism.
The most obvious first step is to be an example of His grace. This is a difficult first step for most professing Christians because man, by nature, is a "doer." The Lord is more interested in our becoming like Jesus than any or all of our works. Words mean very little to non-Christians. One reason for that is because they see hypocrisy in the lives of professing Christians. Of course, Jesus, when He walked the face of the earth, was the perfect Example to all men. That is one reason why He attracted so many people. Mark 12:37 says the common people heard Him gladly. It was the religious elite of the day who crucified Him.
I suspect that some ministers have said that the field most ready for harvest is in our own backyard. That includes our own family members, neighbors, those we work with, close friends, and even fellow Christians. Several years before the Lord sovereignly apprehended me, during the lunch break, five or six co-workers would gather together in a small conference room and play pinochle for an hour. I played with them a few times. One day I went to the conference room at lunch time to play pinochle with the boys, but the game had already started. When I walked into the room, one of the young men said, speaking of me, "Here comes the preacher." I had never talked with any of them about the Lord, church, or any type of religious involvement. Perhaps he had noticed that I did not behave the same way that they did.
The second step is to pray and intercede for those whom the Lord lays on our heart. I know for a certainty that several people prayed for me that I might come to know the Lord. One of those was my maternal grandmother, who always lived with our family from before I was born.
The third phase of our involvement is to be a witness to the amazing grace of God. From Acts 1:8, Jesus said,
Three different men, in Mark 10:17, Luke 10:25, and Luke 18:18, asked Jesus what he could do to inherit eternal life. But just as with the Ethiopian eunuch and the Philippian jailor, Jesus had never asked them if they wanted to be saved. Of course, Jesus preached the kingdom of God, not how to be saved.
Now let us consider what our part is in evangelism. Of course, we always have an over-riding truth, from John, Chapter 2. Whatsoever He says to you, do it. There is no substitute for hearing the voice of the Lord and obeying. However, may I suggest a possible three-part pattern in man's actions pertaining to evangelism.
The most obvious first step is to be an example of His grace. This is a difficult first step for most professing Christians because man, by nature, is a "doer." The Lord is more interested in our becoming like Jesus than any or all of our works. Words mean very little to non-Christians. One reason for that is because they see hypocrisy in the lives of professing Christians. Of course, Jesus, when He walked the face of the earth, was the perfect Example to all men. That is one reason why He attracted so many people. Mark 12:37 says the common people heard Him gladly. It was the religious elite of the day who crucified Him.
I suspect that some ministers have said that the field most ready for harvest is in our own backyard. That includes our own family members, neighbors, those we work with, close friends, and even fellow Christians. Several years before the Lord sovereignly apprehended me, during the lunch break, five or six co-workers would gather together in a small conference room and play pinochle for an hour. I played with them a few times. One day I went to the conference room at lunch time to play pinochle with the boys, but the game had already started. When I walked into the room, one of the young men said, speaking of me, "Here comes the preacher." I had never talked with any of them about the Lord, church, or any type of religious involvement. Perhaps he had noticed that I did not behave the same way that they did.
The second step is to pray and intercede for those whom the Lord lays on our heart. I know for a certainty that several people prayed for me that I might come to know the Lord. One of those was my maternal grandmother, who always lived with our family from before I was born.
The third phase of our involvement is to be a witness to the amazing grace of God. From Acts 1:8, Jesus said,
"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."
Note that Jesus said we should BE a witness unto Him, not speak or do a witness to other people. Note also that the first place we should be a witness is in Jerusalem, which speaks of our own back yard. A witness only testifies to what he has seen or heard. As a witness, we can only testify to that which we have seen, heard, and experienced of the life of Christ.
In the first epistle of John, chapter 1, verses 1-4, John writes,
In the first epistle of John, chapter 1, verses 1-4, John writes,
"That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;(For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full."
Mark 1:33-39, "And all the city was gathered together at the door.And He healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew Him.And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, He went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.And Simon and they that were with Him followed after Him.And when they had found Him, they said unto Him, All men seek for thee.And He said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth.And He preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils."
Jesus always preached the gospel of the kingdom of God. Verse 38 is quite interesting. When His disciples told Jesus that all men were seeking for Him, He said, "let us go into the next towns." I wonder how many traveling evangelists today would say that. Or would most of today's evangelists say, "Great! They like me here and they like what I am preaching, so let's stay another week or two." Why did Jesus move on to other towns? because He knew that He had already done everything He could in that town. When men did not receive Jesus, He never ran after them and said, "Wait! Maybe you did not understand what I said yesterday."
Paul, in Acts 17:16-33 followed the same pattern set by Jesus.
16 Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.17 Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him.18 Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.19 And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is?20 For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean.
21 (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)22 Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, Him declare I unto you.24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that He is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;25 Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though He needed any thing, seeing He giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after Him, and find Him, though He be not far from every one of us:28 For in Him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also His offspring.29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
31 Because He hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom He hath ordained; whereof He hath given assurance unto all men, in that He hath raised Him from the dead.32 And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter.33 So Paul departed from among them.
In other words, if unbelievers do not hear the gospel the first time, they will not hear it the second time. Therefore, Paul did not continue to reason with them. When Paul went to Corinth,
Acts 18:4-6, "And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks. And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ. And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles."
When Paul reasoned and tried to persuade the Jews in their synagogue, nothing happened. But when Paul was pressed in the spirit and testified (gave witness) that Jesus was Christ, something happened. It was not the result that Paul had hoped for, but then Paul knew it was a waste of time to remain there.
Matthew 7:6, "Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you."
Back to Verse 34 of Acts 17.
34 Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.
I have just suggested three things that men can do to help others to come to Christ ... be an example, pray and intercede, and be a witness, at the appropriate time, of what we have seen, heard, and experienced of the amazing grace of God. Of course, no man can save another man.
After the unnamed woman in Mark 14:8 poured precious ointment on the head of Jesus, Jesus said, "She has done what she could." After we have done all that we can do, then the Lord must work in the heart of the unbeliever.
Earlier, I said that my maternal grandmother interceded for me, that the Lord might make me His minister and messenger. However, I am not aware that anyone was an example for me or that anyone was a witness to me of the saving grace of God. If we consider how the Lord sovereignly apprehended Paul, we see none of the three steps I have mentioned as man's part in evangelization. However, the Lord sovereignly fulfilled all three of those steps for Paul. Jesus is our perfect Example. From Hebrews 7:25, Jesus continues to pray and intercede for us. And Jesus is the only faithful witness. That confirms the three steps in evangelization ... someone we can see is an example of His saving grace, someone prays and intercedes for us, and someone is a witness to us to testify of His saving grace. What a mighty God we serve!
Until next time, may the Lord continue to bless you as you both labor and rest in His Vineyard.
Earlier, I said that my maternal grandmother interceded for me, that the Lord might make me His minister and messenger. However, I am not aware that anyone was an example for me or that anyone was a witness to me of the saving grace of God. If we consider how the Lord sovereignly apprehended Paul, we see none of the three steps I have mentioned as man's part in evangelization. However, the Lord sovereignly fulfilled all three of those steps for Paul. Jesus is our perfect Example. From Hebrews 7:25, Jesus continues to pray and intercede for us. And Jesus is the only faithful witness. That confirms the three steps in evangelization ... someone we can see is an example of His saving grace, someone prays and intercedes for us, and someone is a witness to us to testify of His saving grace. What a mighty God we serve!
Until next time, may the Lord continue to bless you as you both labor and rest in His Vineyard.
No comments:
Post a Comment