Brothers, listen! We are here to proclaim that through this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins. Everyone who believes in him is declared right with God—something the law of Moses could never do. ~ Acts 13:38-39 (NLT)
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These verses come from a sermon Paul preached in a synagogue in a town called Perga, addressing "the men of Israel, and you God-fearing Gentiles." He was in a God setting, speaking to men to were connected with God's ways. But in today's society, this word from God doesn't resonate with alot of people. Sin? What's that, and who cares? God? Sorry, but I don't believe in God, so "being right with God" makes no sense or difference to me.
Paul's words are no less true than they were 2,000 years ago, but the audience today is, in many ways, vastly different. How, then, do we communicate the simple message of the gospel of Jesus Christ to a world that could care less about sin, God, eternal life, or anything else that rings spiritual?
One thing I know, and that is that only God can convict men of sin. We can shed light on what God has to say about the fallout of a sinful heart, but we cannot bend a sinful heart into submission to the gospel -- only God can do that. What we can do is tell our story about what God has done for us and through us, about how God convicted us of our sin, and the beautiful power of His forgiveness. And if we show sincere love from God for others, so that they don't think we're just trying to sell them a Bible or get a donation for the church, perhaps -- just perhaps -- they might think about what you've said for themselves. They might think even twice or three times about it. Perhaps they will mull over in their mind their own life and what a self-driven life has done (or not done) for them. Perhaps then, the Holy Spirit's voice can be heard over the noise of ego, rebellion, and doubt.
Paul spoke differently to those in the Jewish synagogue than he did to the Athenians in the meeting of the Areopagus (Acts 17). He considered the culture and the belief systems of the people, and made his delivery of the gospel relevant to them, in a way that they could grasp. So, although Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever, how we communicate Him to a post-modern world with no reference to God will most-likely have to change. If you desire to impact the world for God, be ready to listen to Him regarding how you communicate the gospel. Know your audience by listening to them, and allow the Holy Spirit to adjust your method to meet their needs.
Everyone has needs, and Jesus is the answer to every one of them. Always and only.
Love,
Joelene
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