Get Close To The Lord

SO SPEAK THE GOSPEL #1

Acts 14:1-3
“And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren. Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.”

Make sure what kind of church you are a member of. Make sure it is a church that preaches “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9. Remember that Paul and Barnabas had been preaching in Antioch in Pisidia. Many of the Jews believed and were saved. Then many of the Gentiles who heard believed and were saved also. Also may I recall to your memory that there were also Jews who refused to believe and stirred up opposition to their message of salvation by Grace.

Then we find in the closing verses of chapter 13 that they shook off the dust of their feet against them and came to Iconium. vs. 51 - “But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.” Iconium was the chief city of the district of Lycaonia. It was located in southern Galatia. This city was also addressed by Paul in the Epistle to the Galatians later on. They went together into the synagogue of the Jews. “...and so spake...” vs. 1. And so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed. I like that. They SO spake, that a great multitude ... believed. If it is possible to SO speak that a multitude will believe, it is possible to SO speak that nobody will believe. It is possible to preach so as to convert nobody. And I sincerely believe that many preachers have perfected that art. Year after year nobody ever gets saved. Why??? In the first place they do not preach the Gospel. Listen, the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation.

Romans 1:16 -
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”

The Gospel is the living water.

John 4:14
“But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.”

The Gospel is the Bread of life.

John 6:51
“I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”

The Gospel is quick and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword.

Hebrews 4:12
“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

When the Gospel is faithfully preached it stirs the hearts of the hearers.

Romans 10:17
“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

In the second place they do not preach in the power of the Holy Spirit.

I Thessalonians 1:5
“For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.”

We are told here that they SO spake that “a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed.” Now brother, that is the kind of preaching we need today. A church that preaches salvation by grace through faith. Remember it is not through church membership, good living, baptism, the Lord's Supper but “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9.

Russell Stolp
Chaplain, CFO

Psalm 37:4 "Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart."
Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy
ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.