Authenticity in Faith: A Call to Share the Gospel

 

Summary

In this final message at APU Chapel, I reflect on the journey of faith and the call to authenticity in our walk with God. As my family and I prepare to move to Asia, I am reminded of the urgency and purity of sharing the gospel with those who have never heard it. This decision is akin to leaving a familiar fishing pond crowded with fishermen to venture to a new, untouched lake where the fish are eager to bite. It is a call to leave comfort and familiarity for the sake of the gospel.

Reflecting on 2 Corinthians 4:2, I am convicted by Paul's commitment to truth without cunning or manipulation. In today's culture, there is a temptation to soften the message of the gospel to avoid offending others. However, Jesus and Paul were clear and direct about the cost of discipleship. Jesus called people to deny themselves and take up their cross, and Paul refused to use cleverness to win converts. The truth of the gospel is powerful on its own, and if people do not accept it, it is often because spiritual blindness prevents them from seeing the glory of Christ.

There is a drift in our culture, even within the church, where personal feelings and opinions are elevated above the authority of Scripture. This drift leads to a lukewarm faith that is neither hot nor cold, which God finds distasteful. The Word of God must be central in our lives, guiding us even when it challenges our desires and beliefs. We must be willing to submit to God's authority, recognizing that His thoughts are higher than ours.

The message concludes with a call to repentance and a reminder of God's desire for intimacy with us. Despite His holiness and authority, God knocks on the door of our hearts, inviting us into a relationship with Him. This is the greatest joy and fulfillment we can find in life: knowing a holy, loving, and merciful God who desires to be both our judge and our Father.

Key Takeaways:

- The call to share the gospel is urgent and requires stepping out of comfort zones. Just as I am moving to Asia to reach those who have never heard of Jesus, we are all called to seek out new opportunities to share the gospel with those who are spiritually hungry. [00:43]

- Authenticity in sharing the gospel means refusing to manipulate or soften the message. Like Paul, we must present the truth openly, trusting that the power of the gospel will speak for itself. If people do not accept it, it is often due to spiritual blindness, not a lack of cleverness on our part. [03:13]

- There is a cultural drift away from the authority of Scripture, where personal feelings and opinions are prioritized. We must resist this drift and hold fast to the truth of God's Word, even when it challenges our desires and beliefs. [08:22]

- A lukewarm faith is distasteful to God. We are called to be either hot or cold, fully committed to following Christ. This requires a willingness to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and submit to God's authority in all areas of life. [22:07]

- God desires intimacy with us, despite His holiness and authority. He knocks on the door of our hearts, inviting us into a relationship with Him. This is the greatest joy and fulfillment we can find: knowing a holy, loving, and merciful God who desires to be both our judge and our Father. [25:40]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:18] - Reflecting on 20 Years at APU
- [00:43] - Moving to Asia: A New Call
- [01:15] - The Fishing Pond Analogy
- [02:10] - The End of a Journey
- [03:13] - 2 Corinthians 4:2: Truth Without Cunning
- [04:27] - The Cost of Discipleship
- [06:01] - Spiritual Blindness
- [08:22] - Cultural Drift and Scripture
- [10:00] - The Reality of Judgment
- [11:16] - The Fear of the Lord
- [14:48] - Misconceptions About God
- [19:38] - By Grace You Have Been Saved
- [22:07] - Lukewarm Faith
- [25:40] - God's Invitation to Intimacy

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- 2 Corinthians 4:2-4
- Revelation 3:15-20

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Paul mean when he says he refuses to practice cunning or tamper with God's Word in 2 Corinthians 4:2? How does this relate to the way we share the gospel today? [03:13]

2. In Revelation 3:15-20, what does it mean to be lukewarm, and why is this distasteful to God? How does this passage describe God's desire for intimacy with us? [22:07]

3. How does the analogy of the fishing pond illustrate the speaker's decision to move to Asia? What does this analogy suggest about the call to share the gospel? [01:15]

4. What are some examples given in the sermon of how cultural drift can lead us away from the authority of Scripture? [08:22]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How might Paul's commitment to truth without cunning in 2 Corinthians 4:2 challenge the way we present the gospel in a culture that values cleverness and persuasion? [03:13]

2. What are the implications of being spiritually blind, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 4:4, for those who do not accept the gospel? How can this understanding affect our approach to evangelism? [06:01]

3. In what ways does the concept of lukewarm faith in Revelation 3:15-20 challenge believers to evaluate their commitment to Christ? How can this passage inspire a deeper relationship with God? [22:07]

4. How does the sermon address the tension between personal feelings and the authority of Scripture? What are the potential consequences of prioritizing feelings over biblical truth? [08:22]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt called to step out of your comfort zone for the sake of the gospel. What was the outcome, and how did it impact your faith journey? [00:43]

2. Consider your approach to sharing the gospel. Are there ways in which you might be tempted to soften or manipulate the message? How can you ensure that you are presenting the truth openly and authentically? [03:13]

3. Identify an area in your life where personal feelings or opinions might be drifting away from the authority of Scripture. How can you realign your beliefs with God's Word? [08:22]

4. Evaluate your current spiritual temperature. Are you hot, cold, or lukewarm in your faith? What steps can you take to become more fully committed to following Christ? [22:07]

5. How can you cultivate a deeper intimacy with God, recognizing Him as both a holy judge and a loving Father? What practical steps can you take to open the door of your heart to His invitation? [25:40]

6. Think of someone in your life who may be spiritually blind to the gospel. How can you pray for them and engage in conversations that might help them see the light of Christ? [06:01]

7. Reflect on the cultural influences that may be affecting your faith. How can you resist these influences and hold fast to the truth of God's Word? [08:22]

Devotional

Day 1: Stepping Out of Comfort for the Gospel
The call to share the gospel is urgent and requires stepping out of comfort zones. Just as the speaker is moving to Asia to reach those who have never heard of Jesus, we are all called to seek out new opportunities to share the gospel with those who are spiritually hungry. This involves leaving behind what is familiar and comfortable, much like leaving a crowded fishing pond for a new, untouched lake. The urgency of this call is rooted in the reality that many have yet to hear the message of Christ, and it is our responsibility to bring it to them. [00:43]

Matthew 9:37-38 (ESV): "Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.'"

Reflection: What is one specific way you can step out of your comfort zone this week to share the gospel with someone who may not have heard it before?


Day 2: Authenticity in Sharing the Gospel
Authenticity in sharing the gospel means refusing to manipulate or soften the message. Like Paul, we must present the truth openly, trusting that the power of the gospel will speak for itself. If people do not accept it, it is often due to spiritual blindness, not a lack of cleverness on our part. In a world that often values cleverness and manipulation, the call is to remain true to the message of Christ, presenting it with honesty and integrity. This requires courage and faith in the inherent power of the gospel. [03:13]

1 Thessalonians 2:4-5 (ESV): "But just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness."

Reflection: How can you ensure that your sharing of the gospel remains authentic and unmanipulated, even when faced with the temptation to soften the message?


Day 3: Holding Fast to the Authority of Scripture
There is a cultural drift away from the authority of Scripture, where personal feelings and opinions are prioritized. We must resist this drift and hold fast to the truth of God's Word, even when it challenges our desires and beliefs. The authority of Scripture should guide our lives, providing a foundation that is unshakable amidst the shifting sands of cultural trends. This requires a commitment to studying and understanding the Bible, allowing it to shape our worldview and actions. [08:22]

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV): "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."

Reflection: In what ways can you prioritize the authority of Scripture in your daily decisions and interactions, especially when they conflict with cultural norms?


Day 4: The Call to a Committed Faith
A lukewarm faith is distasteful to God. We are called to be either hot or cold, fully committed to following Christ. This requires a willingness to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and submit to God's authority in all areas of life. A committed faith is one that is active and alive, not passive or indifferent. It involves a daily decision to follow Christ wholeheartedly, allowing His teachings to transform every aspect of our lives. [22:07]

Revelation 3:15-16 (ESV): "I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself being lukewarm in your faith? How can you take steps to become more committed in that area?


Day 5: God's Invitation to Intimacy
God desires intimacy with us, despite His holiness and authority. He knocks on the door of our hearts, inviting us into a relationship with Him. This is the greatest joy and fulfillment we can find: knowing a holy, loving, and merciful God who desires to be both our judge and our Father. This invitation is a reminder of God's love and grace, calling us to draw near to Him and experience the depth of His love and the richness of a life lived in His presence. [25:40]

James 4:8 (ESV): "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."

Reflection: How can you respond to God's invitation to intimacy today? What practical steps can you take to draw nearer to Him and deepen your relationship with Him?

Quotes


This will be my last Chapel message my family and I are going to move to Asia in February and is this thing where a few months ago we were in in Myanmar and my wife and I and kids we were just with a translator going from Hut to Hut and these slums and trying to explain to people who Jesus is and these people had never even heard of him and the eagerness the way they listened and seeing people get baptized and it was just like wow what do we do on a normal day that even compares to this. [00:28:39]

I describe it like because I feel like I've been fishing in the same pond my whole life and now there's like thousands of other fishermen at the same pond and our lines are getting tangled and everyone's you know fighting over stupid things and one guy you know try some new lure and we go oh he caught a fish let's all try his method and it just feels like what are we all doing here, like what if I heard of a lake that's like a five mile hike away and no-one's fishing it and they're saying man the fish are biting just throw a hook in there and they'll go for it. [00:73:20]

2nd Corinthians 4 verse 2 where Paul says we have renounced disgraceful and underhanded ways we refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's Word but by the open statement of the truth we commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God and even if our gospel is veiled it is veiled to those who are perishing in their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of unbelievers to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ who is the image of God. [00:193:59]

I refuse to be clever, I refuse to practice cunning he goes but instead I don't I'm not gonna tamper with God's Word but instead I'm gonna I'm gonna give an open statement of truth and I was reading that I got convicted cuz I thought man I tried to be too clever sometimes rather than just openly saying it especially in this day and age you think man I've got a dress this carefully I've got to say this show right because if I say it the wrong way it's gonna offend someone. [00:236:04]

Jesus would get in front of a crowd like this and he goes hey I'm about to leave here and be nailed to a cross so unless you are willing to just ditch your life and pick up the cross next to me and go get nailed to this cross don't bother following me because unless you deny yourself all those desires you have all those dreams you have unless you're Whitney great just leave all of that and pick up your cross and follow me you can't be my disciple. [00:297:63]

I've seen something happening I'm not saying it's just a PU I'm saying it's our culture but as I'm sitting there reflecting - twenty years ago and how I used to speak and what it was like I'm realizing it was different sometimes we drift and we don't realize it you know how like when you were growing up your aunt comes once a year Thanksgiving goes wow you got so big but no one your house says that because they just everyday you grew of a millimeter and it's like you they don't know it's that same type of thing where there's just drift sometimes you don't see. [00:440:85]

There have been changes here with the student body with the culture where this book man it used to be revered more than it is now and people used to just go okay whatever that book says and now there's been this rise of our own feelings and opinions and our thoughts and this book is slowly drifting and we've been so scared well don't dare hurt their feelings don't dare offend and now suddenly we start speaking to not offend people. [00:487:17]

The truth is is as this word is becoming less and less and people are just right in their opinions and they're just believing what they want to believe Paul said this would happen in second Timothy four he goes in the last days people aren't gonna put up with sound doctrine he goes instead they're gonna want their ears tickled they won't they're gonna find teachers to tell them what they want to hear but they're not gonna put up with sound doctrine. [00:531:75]

The Word of God says the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom like if you have never feared him if you ever never just stop even this morning me and my Bible reading I mean John chapter 1 and and as we're in worship I'm thinking gosh in the beginning was the word and the Word was with God and the Word was like in the beginning like like when was that way you know God Jesus you were there and Who am I I've been alive fifty-two years and I'm just this little nothing you guys been alive eighteen twenty years like this is nothing. [00:676:99]

God says if you're not hot or cold I must spit you out of my mouth you don't realize yeah you prayed a prayer you got baptized but you is this lukewarm it's just gross to me I'm gonna spit you out you're like well whatever spit that's up to interpretation what does it mean to spit out I mean sometimes I spit it's a good you guys I spit you out he goes you're you you don't realize you're blind poor pitiable wretched naked these are unsaved people they're lukewarm he's spitting them out. [00:1392:51]

He says but I'm knocking on the door you want to get real with me you ready to surrender to me you ready to start submitting to this word even if no one else does I mean this is what I was praying for I go God going back to that first passage I'm not going to talk these people into going against all of culture and saying my feelings really don't matter and neither do yours God says let God be true though every man a liar my thoughts are not the same as yours so if your thoughts contradict this book you need to come under his thinking. [00:1428:98]

There is a holy God in heaven that is so far beyond you he says I'm like the Potter and you're a piece of clay how brilliant is a piece of clay compared to the Potter that's the word scripture uses there is a holy God he is coming with his holy angels to judge the world he alone is the judge of the earth you don't come the end of your life and get to judge him and question him he questions you he's your Creator but the crazy thing is he wants you and he's knocking on the door if you want I'll come in his I'll come in and I'll eat with you he wants intimacy with you. [00:1508:39]

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Transcript
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