This week’s message is in Luke 13:18-35. I will break this section down into three parts. In the first section Jesus uses two symbols to help us understand the Kingdom of God. Those symbols are a “mustard seed” and “yeast”. Both substances exceed all expectations and grow beyond their original size. That is like the kingdom of God. Jesus is the King of Kings. He came to earth and appointed twelve disciples to proclaim the Kingdom of God and it has been growing, multiplying and expanding on the earth ever since. In the second part of the message, v.22-30, Jesus is illustrated with the metaphor of a narrow door. Jesus is the “way, the truth and the life” as we find in John 14. Many in our culture today, especially in university settings, find the “narrow” claims of Jesus to be offensive. Our culture is rapidly growing more pagan and secular. On the one hand it seems that spreading the Gospel could be more challenging in the years to come. On the other hand as people grow more hopeless and desperate I believe we will find more people hungry for eternal answers in the Bible. This will be especially true if people see joy and hope in our lives. Are you ready to step up and fill that need? Can you share with a neighbor the hope you have found in Jesus Christ. The Bible says, “always be prepared to give an answer for the hope that is within you”.
I have been having conversations with many in our church about what evangelism looks like in Scott Valley. The word, “evangel” means announcement or proclamation. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is to be proclaimed, announced or spoken to others. There are many types or forms of evangelism. Billy Graham may be the most famous evangelist the world has ever known. He had a gift for proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The word, “evangelist”, has negative connotations in our culture due to scandals that have embroiled some television evangelists. The word is a good word though it has been sullied by the mistakes of some. We can all tell others what Jesus has done for us. We need not be experts or have Bible college training.
I was telling a friend recently that I believe evangelism happens best in the context of relationships. If you have an established friendship with someone they are more apt to hear what you say about Jesus. Like the old adage, “people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care”. I believe this is especially true of Scott Valley. Build a relationship with someone. Ask the Holy Spirit to open the door for you to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit will answer that prayer.God Bless You
Pastor Drew
