Acts 13........
(Today we are in Nicaragua with our friends at the Vida Joven Coffee Farm)
On the Sabbath they went to the synagogue for the
services. After the usual readings from
the books of Moses and from the Prophets, those in charge of the service sent
them this message: “Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for us,
come and give it!”
So Paul stood, lifted
his hand to quiet them, and started speaking. “People of Israel,” he said, “and
you devout Gentiles who fear the God of Israel, listen to me.
Acts
13:9-16
In verses 17-41 Paul presents a very culturally connected message
to the Jewish synagogue, using six references to the Hebrew Scriptures.
“Brothers,
listen! In this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins. Everyone who believes in him is freed from
all guilt and declared right with God—something the Jewish law could never
do. Acts
13: 38-39
The message of the Gospel is simple.
It’s not:
Come
to Jesus and all your problems will be solved.
Receive
Jesus and you will be healed of every disease.
Become
a Christian, and you will be able to drive a new car and live in a big house.
The message is simple:
For
God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting
people’s sins against them. This is the wonderful message he has given us to
tell others. We are Christ’s ambassadors, and God is using us to speak to you.
We urge you, as though Christ himself were here pleading with you, “Be
reconciled to God!” 2 Cor 5:19-20
Principle:
To be successful in evangelism, keep
the message simple and on track, and express it in a culturally relevant manner.
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