The Effect of the Gospel

During World War Two, a young man named Dietrich Bonheoffer was an influential preacher and teacher in Germany while the power of the Nazi regime blazed its way across Europe.  He had been a believer for much of his life but when the Nazis came to power he was faced with a choice.  Join the Nazis or fight against the Nazis through words and actions.  The Gospel had such an effect upon him that he chose to speak and act against the tyranny of Hitler and the hatred for which the Nazis stood.  Eventually, this stand for the Gospel message led to his execution in 1945.

 

The Gospel not only had a major effect upon Bonheoffer it also affected the policies of the Nazis in Germany.  Hitler introduced laws that condemned Biblical truth that was contrary to his agenda and “Final Solution” and in the end many Christians like Bonheoffer were rounded up, imprisoned, and executed.  Such was the effect of the Gospel.

 

In Acts 19:21-41, a riot arises against the teachings of Paul and those who believe and follow “the Way.”  The silversmiths in Ephesus began to notice that their bank accounts were not nearly as full as they used to be and blame was immediately put upon Paul and the Christians.  These Christians had turned away from pagan worship which meant that idols made of silver were no longer needed or desired.  This effected the silversmiths’ bottom line and they decided to take action. 

 

The Gospel message effects not only the hearts of individuals but will also have an effect the world outside of the Church.  With changed hearts come changed actions and when hearts are changed an inevitable confrontation with society will arise.  And so, disciples of Christ should never be surprised if when a stand taken is against the values of society, persecution (emotional, spiritual, societal, or physical) begins to take place.

 

This week at First Baptist in Emery we will study this passage in Acts 19 and our desire is for the Gospel message to have an effect upon us and the world around us.  May we be prayerfully prepared and eager for the Holy Spirit to work upon our own hearts this week through His Word.