[Acts Inspiration For Transformation Series] The Unstoppable Force Of The Gospelনমুনা

Go Tell It

Pastor Jason Brooks

“Carpe diem” is a Latin saying that became known in 90’s pop culture thanks to the film The Dead Poets’ Society. Pop culture led the way to relativism and a “seize the day” worldview, which permeates today’s society. It is interesting to notice how an idea or concept can be introduced and affect the way we think and consequently the way we act. Words have power.

In the apostle Paul’s day, words and thoughts were spread and shared in a different way. People would gather in the Agora, a Greek word that means “marketplace,” or “gathering place.” If you wanted to discuss ideas and be in tune with the society of the day, that was the place to go. 

Paul was in Athens, the seat of philosophy, waiting for Timothy and Silas to arrive. While waiting, he decided to visit the city and do a little sight-seeing. The Bible tells us that he was greatly distressed (to feel pain and angst about a situation) because many people were ignorant of the truth, serving false gods and had no hope of true peace or eternal blessings. Can you believe this? In the seat of philosophy, the city known around the world for gathering the brightest minds of the time, people were ignorant of the truth!

Paul saw their hunger for knowledge and seized the moment—he shared the good news about the gospel of Jesus Christ. His listeners thought that he had “strange ideas,” but even so they showed eagerness to hear his teachings. Some people disagreed with his teachings, but others believed and became followers of Christ. 

We tend to reject and avoid distress. Most of the time we are surrounded by people who think and live differently from us. We see their pain and hunger, we would like to help, but we stay silent. We allow fear of rejection, anxiety, and the feeling of being unqualified, to stop us from speaking the truth. Paul’s commitment should challenge us to go into the agora, wherever people gather, and share the good news. 

Respond 

The Great Commission is clear and simple: Go and make disciples. We are not supposed to sit and wait for them to come to church, or wait until they ask about Jesus. Pray that the Lord will give you holy distress for your community and boldness to act. Ask and allow the Holy Spirit to lead and empower you. Spread the good news, go!