For the next series of articles, let’s turn to Acts 2. This account of the inception of the church has much to teach about being part of the church today, but I would like to look at this chapter as a source of instruction for us to tell other people about how to follow Jesus Christ. As the Holy Spirit enabled the disciples to introduce many people to Jesus on that Pentecost day many years ago, the same Holy Spirit can work in followers of Jesus today – as He wills and as we allow Him to do so – to share that good news (i.e., the Gospel) with others today.
Rather than waiting to summarize what this chapter has to teach us until the end of this series, I’d like to give you a peek at some conclusions. So, please find below a summary of the next several articles, for us to evaluate in light of Acts 2 over the next couple of weeks.
When we tell the gospel to others, I don’t think that we should think about our own abilities, which are finite. Maybe you know the plan of salvation really well (or, on the other hand, maybe you’re nervous to talk about your faith), but remember that the disciples at Pentecost were enabled to win others through the power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is still with us today, and is still just as powerful as He was in the first century. So, when you are about to enter into a conversation that may take a spiritual direction, pause for a second and ask for God’s help (specifically, God the Holy Spirit). Then, listen for His instructions and follow His promptings.
And, while the Holy Spirit has enabled people to tell about Jesus on their own (see Acts 8:26-40, for instance), in the event described in Acts 2, He chose to do so while believers were together. Based on evidence from Acts, the early church was together a lot. Now, I realize that we can’t always be together physically (although in-person visits are a good thing), but when we can’t, having access to technology that bridges that gap is great.
We can start a gospel conversation where people are now. Maybe someone we’re talking with knows a little about Jesus or Christianity or God, but has some incomplete or incorrect understanding about these things. Or, maybe they don’t know anything about faith, but can at least understand that we do bad things and that there are consequences. Be willing to listen when the Holy Spirit prompts you to wait for a little while before dropping the Gospel on someone.
We should make the gospel about Jesus. Yes, God has worked in our lives and we have a testimony to share, but that story should be about Him and not merely calling attention to us. Similarly, we celebrate that we are part of a church, but the church is first and foremost the body of Christ. In the same way, there are Christian preachers, teachers, and authors that teach us more about salvation, but ultimately what we have as our most reliable sources of truth are God’s Word and God’s Spirit.
The gospel only seems like good news to those who realize that they have a problem. The problem that human beings have is their broken relationship with God, and it’s a big deal with serious consequences: not just the hopelessness of an eternity spent apart from Him (and His blessings), but also the joylessness of living without purpose (or with the wrong purpose) in this world.
If we have received Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we should be able to share the gospel personally. Just as Peter confirmed that he and others had personally seen Jesus, we should be able to describe what it means to have met Jesus, and what it is like to be in a healthy relationship with Him. Sometimes, I think that it’s tempting to talk about what God has done for us and stop there. It’s great to testify to God’s blessings in our lives, but let’s not forget to also talk about who God is to us.
In addition, I don’t think that we should shy away from any elements of following Jesus. Let’s be up-front with people who want to get rid of the sin problem in their lives. For instance,
- Jesus is Lord, whether or not someone admits it and accepts it (and everyone will confess it – see also Philippians 2:9-11).
- Someone who accepts Jesus’ salvation is obligated to turn away from their past sinful life.
- The Bible makes it clear that followers of Jesus should be baptized.
And, finally, as we are guided by the Holy Spirit when we follow Him, let us seek to share with others how they can experience the same blessing.
That’s the summary. Let’s revisit these topics in more detail, starting with the next article.
From Sunday School lesson prepared for September 3, 2023
References:
- Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
- Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation.
- The College Press NIV Commentary – Acts, by Dennis Gaertner. © 1993 College Press Publishing Co.
- New Testament History: A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Book of Acts, by Gareth L. Reese. © 1976, College Press Publishing Company.
Those Who Sin Differently 