Varied Reactions to Gospel Preaching

by Keith Greer

“So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11). God’s message is His power to save sinful men (Rom. 1:16). Aimed at the hearts of men to accomplish the purpose of why He sent it. Whenever and wherever the gospel is preached, there will be a response. Of those who hear the gospel, some will:

Deem it foolishness. “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God...For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe” (1 Corinthians 1:18, 21). This remains true today - some think the gospel is just nonsense. Some also thought this during the time of the early church. “Now as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad! But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason” (Acts 26:24-25).

Be offended. “Then His disciples came and said to Him, ‘Do You know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?’ But He answered and said, ‘Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch’” (Matthew 15:12-14). Some will be offended by the preaching of truth. Why? Because it calls on them to repent and to change their conduct and manner of life. Things have not changed much since the days of old: “...Is there not still a prophet of the LORD here, that we may inquire of Him? So, the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, ‘There is still one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may inquire of the LORD; but I hate him, because he does not prophesy good concerning me, but evil.’ And Jehoshaphat said, ‘Let not the king say such things!’” (1 Kings 22:7-8).

Be indifferent and ignore. “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall” (Matthew 7:26-27). Some would try to convince folks that the Bible is too difficult to understand and demands what is impossible. Those who believe this lie will remain indifferent and ignore the teaching of understandable truth. Sadly, it will be too late when they realize it was true - in death!

Sadly decline. “But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions” (Matthew 19:22). The rich young ruler wanted eternal life. He came to the right person and got the right answer. What happened? The price was too high for him to pay. Such is the case with many today - the cost of discipleship is too high for them!

Gladly accept. “Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them” (Acts 2:41). Some will answer from honest hearts, see their true condition, and make the needed change.

Continue faithful. “But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience” (Luke 8:15). Some will remain faithful to Him during the time they live on earth. Others will not (1 Timothy 4:1-3).

Excuses

by Jeff Curtis

In Exodus chapters 3 and 4, Moses questions to God could be used to introduce a sermon on excuses. The lesson could go on from Moses’ excuses to those offered by other Bible characters – Adam, Aaron, Saul, those invited to the feast (Luke 14:16-24), and others – and then go on to the excuses people offer today for not becoming Christians or for not being faithful as Christians.

Another possibility is to devote an entire lesson to Moses’ excuses as compared to excuses people offer today. (1) Moses asked, “Who am I?” Some people believe they are inadequate t do the will of God, are you? (2) “Who are You?” Some people don’t respond because they don’t understand God’s nature. (3) “They will not believe.” Maybe the closest thing to this excuse today is “Why should I believe?” God offers signs, which are recorded in the Bible, to help us believe. (4) “I am not eloquent.” The “I can’t” syndrome keeps many people from becoming Christians or fulfilling their potential as Christians. (5) “Send someone else.” The heart of the matter is that people do not want to answer God’s call. They need to learn that no one else can do for you what God wants you to do.

Some look at Exodus 3 and 4 and view this account of Moses at the burning bush as Moses talking back to God. So, let’s look at this for a moment.

Is it right to “talk back to God” or to argue with Him?

Should we try ton talk Him out of what He plans to do?

Moses did, and God was patient with him. Job did, and God was patient with him. Maybe we are too reluctant to express the true feelings of our hearts when we go to God in prayer. We may need to speak to God more openly and boldly to God, as Moses did. To speak to God boldly shows faith, not the lack of faith. In the end, that major question is not “Did we ‘talk back’ to God?” but “Did we at last submit to God’s will?” Moses submitted, and Job submitted. We must do the same.

(I read this on Facebook. It is from retired preacher’s page. His son posted it and gave me permission to use it in this bulletin.)

How To Identify A Lukewarm Christian

He has time to read the news every day but not the Bible.

He spends more time with the sports shows than he does in prayer.

He spends as much for tobacco as he gives to the Lord.

For lack of study, he is unqualified to teach others.

When things are not done the way he wants them, he pouts and will not cooperate. "It must be my way or none."

He expects to be visited or checked up on when sick, but never visits the sick.

He doesn't have enough interest in the souls of the lost to make a serious effort to convert them.

He expects the church to develop leaders, but never comes to the men's training class.

Instead of having confidence in the gospel and its power to save, he is ashamed of the word. He often criticizes the preaching.

He sets a bad example by missing church services.

He continually finds fault with those who are trying.

He knows he should be giving more but loves his money too much.

He is not regular in Bible study.

(Now the tough question. Can this be applied to us here at Eastside? Something to think about.)