Becky and I were in Nashville last week at Connect Conference. This is a three-day gathering for the purpose of inspiring Christians in the work of evangelism and spiritual growth. Classes go for 8 hours each day, with tracks for women, preachers & elders, classes presented in Spanish for our Latin American brethren, and evangelism. Around 1200 people attended the event, and each night featured a keynote speaker, with 30 minutes of singing and praise beforehand. Thursday evening, TJ Kirk delivered an excellent address on the power we have been given in spreading the gospel. In "Everyday, Everywhere, and Everyone" Brother Kirk recounted the conversion of his grandfather sixty years ago. His grandfather was an amateur radio operator who would get on every evening after work and talk with friends.
After some time, one of those friends invited him to go fishing. He accepted the invitation. They hopped in a boat and went to one of the more remote parts of the lake. After a few hours of talking about everything under the sun, the conversation turned to Jesus. His grandfather was resistant and wanted to change the topic. His friends said they were going to keep talking. Finally, it was time to head back home, and TJ's grandfather stepped off the boat mad. He went home and decided to open his Bible and prove his friends wrong. After a day or two, he walked into the kitchen and told his wife, "I'm going to the church of Christ and be baptized. Everything they told me is what the Bible says." So, on Sunday morning, he, his wife and his children arrived late for the worship service -- walked in during the middle of the sermon -- and as they came down the aisle, he said, "Preacher, I’m here to be baptized." They stopped the service, talked to him, and wound up baptizing his whole family that very day. From that memorable occasion, TJ's mom and all his aunts eventually became Christians. And as they all grew up, TJ and many of his cousins became Christians. Recently, his family made a trip back to the little church and met some of the grandchildren of members who were at church that day his grandpa walked in. And then he posted a picture of all his family who had been saved because of a conversation in a boat in the middle of the lake.
We have similar stories here at Cornerstone. Where reaching one person with the gospel changes the trajectory of the entire family for generations to come. The power we each possess is the gospel, which has been given to us through the word of God. And it doesn't have to be a memorized speech -- sharing it can be as simple as talking about what Jesus has done for you. How He has changed your life. How He has given you hope. How He has helped you through the valleys of life. You have your own unique story that comes straight out of your heart that can touch someone else. And by sharing it, you are creating an opportunity for the Word to go to work and penetrate the heart. It was the Hebrew writer who said, "the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart," (Hebrews 4:12). Your job is to help get the Word and its message delivered to those you know and love, Matthew 28:19.
This is the mission. This is what Christianity is all about. We engage in the mission everyday, everywhere we go, with everyone we meet. This is the only commission we have been given. Imagine what the church would be if more of us focused on that instead of our personal agendas. Not only can you impact and help change one life -- but you can also potentially change the trajectory of an entire family for generations to come. You have the power -- no matter who you are and how long you have been in Christ. Do you have the faith and an obedient heart to use it? What can you do this week to put God to the test?
Thank you Matthew. The Gospel spreads that way because it is very good news, good news that is especially good because it is true.