Theme: Keep it simple, stupid!
I read a short story recently that I feel has a lot of relevance to what Pastor Dan spoke about this past Sunday. The story talks about the Devil and one of his demons walking down a road. They saw a man walking before them bend down to pick up something shiny. "What did he find?" asked the demon.
"A piece of the truth," the Devil replied.
"Doesn't it bother you that he found a piece of the truth?" asked the demon.
"Not at all" replied the Devil. "I will help him organize it and see to it that he turns it into a religion."
Pastor Dan asked the question in his message, "How could this small Nazarene sect overcome possibly the greatest empire the world has ever known and be embraced?" The answer is Jesus, and that is all. In the story above, we see how, throughout history, man has twisted bits of truth to fit his desire, comfort, and will. Just as Satan twisted the truth of God's will for Adam and Eve, causing the fall, he continues to mix pieces of truth with the pride and self-will of humans to lead us astray and cause our activities to be in vain. When we muddy the waters of the Gospel with trivial things, sacrificing the genuine relationship with God through Jesus for religion, congregational importance, and manufactured duties, anything will thwart our goals. As Paul stated in 1 Corinthians 2:2, "For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified”, we, too, must resolve to allow the power of the Gospel to be all.
In the Book of Acts, we read about Peter and other Apostles as the Sanhedrin interrogates them. As they debate what to do with Peter and the others, Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, warns them, "Therefore, in the present case, I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you cannot stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God." Acts 5:38-39
How did a small Nazarene sect conquer Rome and the world? More so, how could this band of uneducated, selfish individuals inspire millions upon millions to affect every aspect of society today? One answer, the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. The truth is that God loves us so much that He gave His Son to become man and walk among us, not as a ruler yet, but as our servant. He willingly took our sin, our guilt, and our shame to the cross and died, literally. He rose three days later, and, with that, He gathered us unto Him. Bits and pieces of truth conveniently fitting our desired lifestyle will not persuade a soul. The simple, ultimate truth, with love, will conquer all, attract all seekers, and fulfill His purpose. There is no greater power than the power of God's Word, undiluted, unchanged, and boldly proclaimed in the simplest of ways. To God be the Glory!
Scripture: Mark 4:30-32 (NIV)
“Again, he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.”
Prayer:
Lord, send me, and send me without persuasive speech, gimmicks or tricks. Send me lacking my own strength, self-confidence, or the perfect presentation. Send me into the world with no weapons of my own but armed only with your Word and the Holy Spirit. Make me simple, so that no one can confuse your power as being of me. Your Will Be Done Lord. Through Jesus and in His Name. Amen!
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