The early church grew because they kept on teaching and preaching the message of Jesus Christ despite opposition (Acts 5:42). When Peter and John were told not to teach at all in the name of Jesus, they said they could not stop speaking about what they had seen and heard as witnesses of the resurrected Lord (Acts 4:18-20). Saul spearheaded a persecution effort against the church in Jerusalem by dragging people to prison (Acts 8:3), but those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word (Acts 8:4). Multitudes were added by the Lord to His church because they heard the message of the gospel and believed (Acts 2:41, 47; 4:4; 5:14). As the word of God spread, the number of disciples multiplied greatly; moreover, even many of the priests were obedient to the faith (Acts 6:7). The gospel message must be heard before any will believe and obey it (Rom. 10:17). The opponents of the church in Jerusalem noted that the early church had filled Jerusalem with the doctrine of Christ (Acts 5:28).
As we come to our gospel meeting this week, let us have the same determination: to fill Flatwoods and the surrounding areas with the doctrine of Christ. Perhaps you can be like Cornelius who called together his relatives and close friends to hear the gospel (Acts 10:24). Perhaps you could be like Andrew who brought his brother to the Lord (Jn. 1:40-42). If someone is skeptical, maybe you could be like Philip who simply said to Nathanael “Come and see” (Jn. 1:46).
The sad reality is not everyone will obey the gospel (Mt. 7:13-14; Rom. 10:16), but we must work to give them an opportunity. The sower scatters the seed even though some lands on the wayside soil (Lk. 8:5). The seed is the word of God (Lk. 8:11). If no seed is sown, then no one will receive the word that is able to save their souls (James 1:21). Jesus came to seek and save the lost (Lk. 19:10). While Jesus accomplished essential tasks to bring salvation that are not required of us (such as dying on the cross), He also went about preaching the gospel of the kingdom (Mt. 4:23; 9:35). This is an essential part to the lost being saved in which He has called us to participate by spreading the soul-saving message (Mt. 28:18-20; Mk. 16:15-16; Lk. 24:47).
This week will be a great opportunity to do that as we explore lessons which powerfully demonstrate how Jesus is Lord. His fulfillment of scripture and His resurrection from the dead prove He is indeed the Son of God, the promised Messiah (Pss. 16:10; 110:1; Isa. 53:3-8). One can clearly see this if guided by a capable teacher (Acts 8:30-36). Only through Jesus can one enter heaven (Jn. 14:1-6). Without Him, people die in their sins (Jn. 8:24; Rom. 3:9-12, 23; 6:23). The gospel of Christ will be preached this week. Through this message, God will save those who believe (1 Cor. 1:21). However, flaming fire awaits those who do not obey the gospel (2 Thess. 1:8). Eternal souls hang in the balance. Let us spread the saving news far and wide.
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