May 14, 2026 | Bring Them Home | Pastor Jim Kilmartin | Thursday Evening Service | Rock City Church

Devotional

Day 1: The Stone in the Shoe

A 14-year-old boy approached a man with a simple question: “Do you know Jesus?” The man brushed him off, but the words stuck like a pebble in a shoe—irritating, persistent. Years later, that man surrendered to Christ, remembering the boy’s boldness. The Holy Spirit uses small seeds to break hard ground. [36:07]

Jesus told His disciples to preach the gospel to all creation. Not everyone will respond immediately, but every word matters. The boy didn’t see the harvest, but his obedience planted truth. God’s Word never returns void—even when results seem invisible.

Many of us avoid speaking up, fearing rejection. But what if your awkward question becomes someone’s turning point? Start the conversation. Trust the Spirit to water the seed. When was the last time you risked a “pebble” moment with someone?

“How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?”
(Romans 10:14, NKJV)

Prayer: Ask God for courage to plant one seed today—a text, a question, a prayer spoken aloud.
Challenge: Text 5 people this phrase: “God put you on my heart today. How can I pray for you?”

Day 2: Curious on Mars Hill

Paul stood in Athens, surrounded by idols. Instead of condemning, he asked questions: “What is this altar to the unknown god?” He used their curiosity to point to Christ. The philosophers listened, some sneered, but a few believed. Truth grows best in humble soil. [40:31]

Jesus met people where they were—the woman at the well, Zacchaeus, Nicodemus. He didn’t force answers but invited discovery. Our job isn’t to win arguments but to stir hunger. A gentle “What do you believe?” often opens more doors than a lecture.

Do you rush to correct or take time to understand? This week, practice listening before speaking. Ask one person: “What gives you hope?” Then share your story. What false “altar” might God use to reveal Himself through you?

“Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, ‘Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD.’”
(Acts 17:22-23, NKJV)

Prayer: Pray for discernment to spot “unknown gods” in others’ lives—fame, money, comfort—and point to Christ.
Challenge: Ask one person this week: “What’s something you’ve always wondered about God?”

Day 3: Confess With Your Mouth

A demonized man couldn’t utter “Jesus is Lord”—his heart resisted the truth. But when the Holy Spirit convicts, confession breaks chains. Paul said salvation requires two actions: believing in the heart and declaring with the mouth. Words matter. [49:30]

Jesus didn’t hide His identity. He told the Samaritan woman, “I am He.” Peter proclaimed, “You are the Christ.” Bold confession activates faith. The enemy fears when we name Jesus as Lord—it shatters lies and claims territory.

Are you silent about your faith at work or with family? Practice saying “Jesus” aloud today—in prayer, worship, or testimony. Whose ears need to hear His name from your lips?

“That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
(Romans 10:9-10, NKJV)

Prayer: Confess areas where you’ve muted your testimony. Ask for boldness to speak Jesus’ name without shame.
Challenge: Memorize Romans 10:9-10. Say it aloud 3 times today.

Day 4: Adversaries at the Door

Paul saw “a great door” open in Ephesus—revival broke out. But adversaries multiplied: riots, threats, lawsuits. Spiritual breakthroughs attract opposition. The disciples faced beatings; Jesus endured the cross. Victory comes through persistence, not perfection. [01:13:22]

God told Joshua, “Be strong and courageous.” Fear paralyzes; faith advances. Your greatest ministry might follow your fiercest battle. Don’t quit when critics rise—pray harder. The same power that raised Christ lives in you.

What adversary makes you want to retreat—slander, doubt, burnout? Stand firm. Put on the armor of God daily. Which “door” has God opened for you that requires courage to walk through?

“For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.”
(1 Corinthians 16:9, NKJV)

Prayer: Thank God for open doors, even with opposition. Ask for endurance to keep walking.
Challenge: Write down one area of spiritual resistance. Pray over it for 5 minutes today.

Day 5: Grandmother’s Faith

Timothy’s faith didn’t start with him—it flowed from his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice. Their legacy shaped his calling. Paul reminded him: “Stir up the gift within you.” Faith isn’t just personal; it’s generational. Your obedience impacts future harvests. [01:16:45]

Jesus honored lineage, tracing His ancestry back to Abraham. He told the healed demoniac, “Go home to your friends.” Your family isn’t an accident. Pray for them, model Christ, and trust God to build on your foundation.

Who in your family tree planted seeds you now reap? How are you watering faith for the next generation? Call a relative today and share a Scripture or memory of God’s faithfulness.

“When I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.”
(2 Timothy 1:5, NKJV)

Prayer: Thank God for spiritual mentors in your life. Ask Him to make you a legacy builder.
Challenge: Call a family member today. Share one way God has been faithful to you.

Sermon Summary

We gather to act on three clear convictions. First, evangelism moves in stages like a baseball diamond. We start conversations to plant a seed, we ask curious questions to clarify truth, we explain the gospel with clarity, and we invite people all the way home to follow Christ. Second, faith grows by hearing the word and by the Holy Spirit bringing increase, so our role often looks like planting and watering rather than claiming the harvest as our work. Third, Kingdom work will open great doors and also raise adversaries, so we must put on spiritual readiness, speak the gospel of peace, and hold fast to a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind.

We commit to practical rhythms. We will keep the word in our hearts so it overflows from our mouths. We will ask questions that reveal why people think what they think, not shove answers at them. We will be willing to offend when necessary because Jesus offended first, yet we will aim for clarity and compassion. We will make room for generational faith by encouraging one another, by training emerging leaders, and by stirring up gifts through prayer and laying on of hands.

We will engage the public square and local needs with prayer, civic participation, and acts of compassion. We will support ministries such as Compassion Commission, renovate homes for veterans, and equip young leaders to build in their spheres. We will give with expectation, not guilt, trusting that financial sowing fuels harvest work.

We will not hide when revival opportunities arise. We will step into effectual doors while preparing for spiritual opposition. We will endure affliction as part of ministry, keep the gospel central, and invite those who respond into discipleship. Above all, we will point people to the risen Christ, because the resurrection changes everything and only the living Lord saves and sustains.

Key Takeaways

1. Start conversations to plant seeds We will view evangelism as beginning with simple dialogue. A short question or a friendly invitation can place a persistent seed in a life that God will water later. Our task often stops at first base and that is faithful work of the kingdom. [36:07]
2. Clarify truth with curious questions We will ask questions that draw out reasons and reshape thinking rather than lecture. Curiosity exposes assumptions and opens a path for gospel clarity without immediate defensiveness. Thoughtful questioning prepares hearts for deeper truth. [38:42]
3. Proclaim Christ with clear gospel We will state the core claim plainly that Jesus rose from the dead and calls for trust. The resurrection forms the dividing line between mere admiration and life changing faith. Clear gospel explanation forces a real decision and invites discipleship. [42:58]
4. Endure affliction, step into harvest We will expect opposition even when doors swing wide, and we will persist. Ministry calls us to suffer and to stand firm in power, love, and sound mind. Endurance prepares us to steward large harvests without being silenced by adversaries. [74:14]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[17:18] - Announcements and opening
[19:10] - Compassion Commission and events
[20:10] - National prayer and civic call
[23:33] - Kingdom Builders and business vision
[27:10] - Compassion House workday plans
[30:16] - Testimonies and evangelism intro
[34:00] - Baseball analogy for evangelism
[51:16] - Romans 10 study on hearing faith
[74:14] - Timothy: courage and calling
[90:12] - Offering, commission, and closing prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading
Romans 10:14-17 (NKJV)
How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!” But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Observation Questions

According to Romans 10:14-15, what four steps are necessary for someone to call on Jesus?
What does 2 Timothy 1:7 contrast with the “spirit of fear,” and how does this relate to evangelism?
The sermon compared evangelism to a baseball diamond. What specific action is described as “first base” in starting spiritual conversations? [36:07]
How does the sermon define the “stumbling block” that requires clarity when sharing the gospel? [42:58]

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul emphasize hearing as the foundation of faith in Romans 10:17? How might this shape our approach to evangelism?
The sermon states, “Faith grows by hearing the word and by the Holy Spirit bringing increase.” How does this truth relieve pressure when sharing the gospel with others?
In 1 Corinthians 16:9, Paul mentions “a great and effectual door” opening alongside “many adversaries.” Why might spiritual opposition accompany opportunities for harvest?
How does the “spirit of power, love, and a sound mind” (2 Tim. 1:7) equip believers to endure affliction in ministry?

Application Questions

What is one practical way to “start a conversation” (first base) this week with someone who doesn’t know Jesus? How can you intentionally listen and ask curious questions instead of lecturing? [38:42]
When have you hesitated to share the gospel out of fear of offending someone? How can 2 Timothy 1:7 reframe your courage to prioritize clarity over comfort? [45:44]
The sermon encourages “planting seeds” through simple acts like texting encouragement or inviting someone to church. Who in your life needs a persistent “stone in their shoe” reminder of God’s love, and how will you follow up? [55:24]
What area of your life (e.g., prayer, Scripture, community) needs strengthening to ensure God’s Word “overflows from your mouth” naturally?
The sermon warns that revival brings both “open doors” and “adversaries.” What spiritual opposition have you faced when stepping into ministry opportunities, and how will you prepare for it? [01:14:14]
How can you intentionally “stir up the gift of God” (2 Tim. 1:6) in your own life or in emerging leaders around you through prayer or mentorship?
Identify one local need (e.g., veterans’ homes, youth ministry) where you can practically “engage the public square” through service or generosity this month. How does this align with proclaiming Christ’s resurrection?

Sermon Clips

I'm a walk him through deliverance and cast some demons out of this, but but the truth is, he doesn't even know Jesus. So what am I doing here? So I paused, and I begin to walk him through this process, and I get to base three, and I begin to share Christ with him, and we said, now you gotta confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord. And he got to the point, and he would say, and Jesus and he couldn't speak it. Wow. The reason he couldn't speak that Jesus is Lord because it wasn't inside of him. There wasn't a conviction inside of him. You can't make somebody pray a prayer. It's gotta be inside of them. And it isn't you that does it, it is the Holy Ghost that does it. Glory to God. [01:05:03] (48 seconds) #HolySpiritConviction

God. Now, they didn't all get saved right then. You know what they said the next time? They said, will you come back and let's reason together? Let's talk about it further. So we got first base conversation. Second base, we're working. We're challenging thinking. Third base. If I look at third base, what is that? Third base is when you share the gospel, and I'm gonna explain gospel, and you share it clearly. You share it clearly. And third base, you have to you get to the point where they have to make a decision. [00:40:42] (39 seconds) #ShareClearGospel

That g that God raised him, Jesus, from the dead, you will be saved. I love this verse. I have used this verse so many times when I would lead somebody home. When I would bring them home, I would use this verse. But the truth is, they gotta confess it with their mouth. But before they can ever confess it with their mouth, they gotta believe it in their heart. Early on in ministry, before pastor Jess and I were married, we were ministering to a young man, and we were trying to walk him through some deliverance. And while I'm trying to walk him through deliverance, like demons would come into his room, demons would try to overtake his life. It was a horrendous thing. He was in a deep dark place. And I'm trying to walk him through deliverance, and then I realized this guy ain't saved. [01:04:19] (43 seconds) #BelieveInHeart

A harvest is happening. But I'm gonna tell you, in the middle of harvest, there are also great adversaries. If you want to arise and shine for their light has come and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you, understand you will see great and effectual doors, but there will also I'm just gonna tell you, I'm preaching to myself right now. K. As I'm preaching, I'm preaching to you, but I'm preaching to myself. See, what will happen is when you arise and shine and the glory of the Lord is risen upon you and it says they will all see it, then there will be a great and effectual door opening, but there also are a lot of adversaries. Because the adversaries will rise up. Yeah. Yeah. There are there are preachers and prophets and all of those people that are getting slammed on the Internet right now, on Facebook and on YouTube and all of those things. [01:12:03] (53 seconds) #AriseAndExpectAdversaries

Nevertheless, I like when the bible says nevertheless. Nevertheless, I am not ashamed. For I know When you you can get that place and you say, I'm not ashamed. I will not shrink back. When you get to that point where you say, for I know. I know whom I have believed and I am persuaded that he is able to keep what I have committed to him until this very day. One of the first verses I ever learned was Romans one sixteen. I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ for it is a power of God of salvation for those who believe. First for the Jew and then to the Gentile. At some point, something See, you can't say, for I know until it's inside of you. [01:23:39] (51 seconds) #NotAshamedOfGospel

Timothy one verse five. When I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you. Paul does a great job. This is as a father. He is calling the gold out inside of him. He's looking at what's inside of Timothy. He says, I'm a speak to you, Timothy. You are my beloved son. And when I call to remembrance in prayer, the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, I am persuaded that it's in you also. This is a generational. When we talk about evangelism, when we talk about the kingdom of God and movement of God of first base, second base, third base, Man, the greatest way of evangelism is generational faith. That your mother believed and your grandmother believed, well, it generationally is imparted, but Timothy, you can't walk away from it. I'm calling it out of you. I am pulling it out of you. [01:16:02] (60 seconds) #GenerationalFaith

So the word, let's just say, the word of belief, the word of faith, it's something that you believe. See, when you believe something, it's not just up here, it's in here. When you truly believe something, it is deep inside of you. You can tell me you value something, you can tell me you believe in this doctrine and this teaching, but the way you live your life is actually what you believe. Well That missionary was covering up the deep darkness that was inside of him by putting on his robe and whatever else he used that day. I don't know if he had a robe on. I I wasn't there. [01:03:26] (40 seconds) #LiveWhatYouBelieve

in Christ Jesus before time ever began. Let me mess with your let let me mess with you right there. That means God put inside of you before time ever began. I knew you before you were formed in your mother's womb. He said, you're fearfully and wonderfully made. But the thing is, God knew you before time began. So you're not a mistake, you're not a screw up. You're Just because you're you don't know who your daddy is or you don't know how this happened, you were not a mistake. So, what you're doing is you're beginning to clarify truth. You're beginning to challenge somebody's thinking when you can say, God knew you from the beginning of time. And he actually put purpose inside of you, and he said, oh, it's it's around the '2 the year 2000, it's time to pluck so and so out. How old are you? Today's your birthday. Oh. [01:21:03] (49 seconds) #YouArePurposeMade

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