This is the last installment of trying to identify what we need to communicate the gospel message. As I said weeks ago, I believe that in our attempt to sell the gospel or persuade the unregenerate, we will discount the potency of the content. The fact is the gospel doesn’t need our help, we need to be vigilant in how we dispense the goods! Here are the last two points of what I think needs to be communicated when we witness. These truths come from Acts 10…
9. The Gospel has the presence of the Holy Spirit at work. - 44
Look what happens in the story…in verse 44, “While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message…”
I said before – God does the saving. It is the Holy Spirit that regenerates.
Here we see it happen in Cornelius’ life – he is listening to the gospel and the Holy Spirit comes upon him. Just like in Acts 2 when Peter preached the gospel – the Holy Spirit fell on them and 3000 believed. Even though the gospel is communicated by mere men and women -- when it is the power of the Holy Spirit that fills those words and cut deep into the heart and soul of all who God desires to save.
We understand that the Word of God does not return VOID – meaning “without fruit” – because it is the WORD of God!! It is God’s Word so God empowers the potency of those words. It is the Holy Spirit that illuminates. It is the Holy Spirit power on those words that provides understanding of the gospel. As we listen to those Words, the Holy Spirit convicts of sin. We are enlightened to our need for salvation as the Spirit works through the gospel.
The Holy Spirit will glorify Christ through causing belief in the heart of the lost and they will come to faith. ABSOLUTELY we are the messengers and God uses us for His purposes, but we need not ever think that we need to “assist” the gospel or try to improve upon the gospel! That is why when the gospel is clearly proclaimed – it does not matter who is doing the preaching…..it is the Holy Spirit that uses the message!
How we view the Holy Spirit’s role in the gospel, will affect how we present it and the tone in which we present it! When we realize it is God’s power that does the work, we need not soften, leave out or down play. We need not worry – all we need to do is be faithful and be complete in our presentation.
10. The Gospel is proved through visible changed life in those who believe.
45 All the circumcised believers who came with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also.
46 For they were hearing them speaking with tongues and exalting God. Then Peter answered,
47 “Surely no one can refuse the water for these to be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we did, can he?”
48 And he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay on for a few days.
Cornelius comes to faith…..and then change starts to happen! The Jews who came with Peter witnessed an amazing thing…a Gentile coming to Christ. Jews were use to “conformity to religious expectations, but Gentiles normally did not conform for or to anyone! When the Gentiles begin to experience new life there were visible changes.
How do they know it happened? What changes came over them? Gift of the Holy Spirit are present and visible. In this case – hearing them speak in tongues….what is that?
Same that occurred in Acts 2 and in other places during these apostolic era - Know language but unknown to the speaker. These Romans began speaking a language or dialect unknown to them – these Gentiles were now doing what happened to all those Jews on Pentecost – the Holy Spirit indwelled them.
Peter immediately calls for them to be baptized….which is absolutely remarkable when you consider the pride of Gentiles. Baptism is one of many expectation that should be placed on those claiming to be believers. It is not “needed” to be saved, but is certainly is evidence that salvation has occurred. It is an outward evidence of an inward change that took place.
Christ’s forgiveness and the Holy Spirit’s regeneration work saved them…..BUT THIS WAS A SERIOUS ACT! Baptism was an external testimony of his salvation. The gospel work was complete…Cornelius was a believer in Christ.
Ten aspects which needs to be apart of our thinking when we consider being faithful in sharing the gospel. I would pray that we would be diligent in clearly, confidently and passionately proclaim the gospel to those who desperately need salvation.