Transformative Power of the Gospel in Every Language

The world is being transformed as the gospel reaches people in their own languages, and we are witnessing the profound impact of God’s Word in communities across the globe. When the Bible is translated into a local language, it does more than provide spiritual truth—it brings literacy, education, and practical knowledge that uplifts entire villages. People learn to read and write, discover better health and farming practices, and gain a sense of dignity and hope. Villages that once suffered from violence and despair are now experiencing peace, development, and a renewed sense of community, all because the gospel has taken root in their heart language.

Romans 1:16 declares, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.” This truth is at the core of everything we do. The power of God is not just a theological concept; it is a dynamic force that changes lives, families, and even nations. The stories from South Asia, Africa, and Indonesia show that when people encounter God’s Word in their own language, transformation follows. The gospel is not a magic formula, but it introduces people to the living God, and His power is unleashed in their lives.

Language is more than a tool for communication—it is the key to the heart. When the gospel is shared in someone’s mother tongue, it resonates deeply, breaking down barriers and allowing the Holy Spirit to work in ways that are simply not possible otherwise. The day of Pentecost was not just about the miracle of speaking in tongues, but about people from every nation hearing the wonders of God in their own language for the first time.

But this is not just a call for Bible translators or missionaries. Each of us speaks a language through our actions, our attitudes, and our presence in the world. Too often, Christians are known for what we are against, rather than what we are for. Imagine if our “language” was one of love, service, and compassion—if we were known for sitting with the lonely, helping the struggling, and bringing peace wherever we go. This is how we introduce people to the gospel and the power of God, not just with our words, but with our lives.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The power of God is not always neat or predictable; it often brings transformation in the midst of life’s messiness. When God moves, situations and people can become complicated, but His power is sufficient to bring order, healing, and hope even in the most challenging circumstances. We must not shy away from the mess, but trust that God’s dynamite power is at work in the chaos. [07:41]
• 2. The Word of God, when engaged with sincerely, is a catalyst for deep and lasting change. It is not a magic book, but it introduces us to the living Christ and His power. As people encounter Scripture in their own language, entire communities are transformed, churches are planted, and cycles of poverty and violence are broken. [13:45]
• 3. Language is a sacred bridge to the heart, and the gospel must be communicated in a way that resonates with people’s deepest identity. When the good news is heard in one’s mother tongue, it becomes personal and powerful, opening the door for the Holy Spirit to bring conviction, faith, and new life. This is why Bible translation is so vital for the global church. [18:59]
• 4. Our “language” is not limited to words, but includes our actions, attitudes, and the way we relate to others. The testimony of our lives—how we serve, love, and bring peace—can speak the gospel more powerfully than any argument. We are called to be known for what we are for: compassion, justice, and the hope of Christ, rather than simply what we oppose. [24:01]
• 5. Courage is required to step beyond the fear of what others think and to enter into the messy, needy places where the gospel is most needed. Like Jesus, we are called to be present with those who are hurting, marginalized, or misunderstood, even if it means being misunderstood ourselves. The power of God is revealed as we bring the good news into the real, complicated lives of those around us. [27:48]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [01:00] - Introduction to One Book and Bible Translation
• [03:30] - The Global Shift in Bible Translation
• [04:45] - Romans 1:16: The Power of the Gospel
• [06:25] - Belief in the Power of God
• [07:41] - Testimonies of God’s Power in South Asia
• [11:03] - Community Transformation through Scripture
• [13:45] - The Power of God’s Word: The Madaba Story
• [16:30] - The Gospel as Good News for All
• [18:59] - The Power of Language: Personal Testimonies
• [20:36] - Heart Language and the Day of Pentecost
• [22:33] - The Real Miracle of Pentecost
• [24:01] - Living the Gospel through Our Actions
• [27:48] - Overcoming Fear and Engaging the World
• [30:53] - Invitation to Partner and Final Encouragement

Bible Reading

Romans 1:16 (ESV) — > For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Acts 2:5-11 (ESV) — > Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.”

Observation Questions

1. According to Romans 1:16, what is the gospel described as, and who is it for?
2. In Acts 2, what was the crowd’s reaction when they heard the disciples speaking in their own languages? What were the disciples talking about? ([22:33])
3. The sermon shared stories of entire villages changing after receiving the Bible in their own language. What were some of the practical changes that happened in these communities? ([11:03])
4. What does the speaker mean when he says “language is a sacred bridge to the heart”? ([18:59])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Paul emphasize that he is “not ashamed of the gospel”? What might cause someone to be ashamed, and what does it look like to live unashamed? ([04:45])
2. The sermon says the power of God is “not always neat or predictable” and can be “messy.” What does this mean for how we approach people and situations that are complicated or difficult? ([07:41])
3. Why is it so important for people to hear the gospel in their “heart language” rather than just a language they understand? How does this relate to the story of Pentecost? ([22:33])
4. The speaker talks about Christians being known more for what they are against than what they are for. What are the dangers of this, and how might it affect our witness? ([24:01])

Application Questions

1. The sermon describes how Bible translation brings not just spiritual change, but also literacy, education, and hope to communities. Are there ways you can help bring practical help and hope to people around you, not just spiritual words? What might that look like in your context? ([11:03])
2. Think about your own “language”—not just your words, but your actions and attitudes. What message do you think people receive from the way you live? Is there something you want to change so your “language” better reflects the gospel? ([24:01])
3. The speaker shared about the courage it takes to step into messy or difficult places, just like Jesus did. Is there a “messy” situation or person in your life where you feel God might be calling you to bring His love? What’s holding you back? ([27:48])
4. When was a time you saw God’s power at work in a way that was unexpected or “messy”? How did it change your view of what God can do? ([07:41])
5. The sermon highlights the importance of meeting people in their “heart language.” Who in your life might need you to communicate the gospel in a way that really connects with them—maybe through listening, serving, or just being present? ([18:59])
6. The speaker regrets being known for what he was against in high school, rather than being known for love and service. Are there places in your life where you are more known for what you oppose than what you support? How could you shift that? ([24:01])
7. The gospel is described as “the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” Is there someone in your life who needs to experience this power? What is one step you can take this week to introduce them to the hope of Christ? ([30:53])