How does the Gospel spread?

Jenn Blackston

jennifer.mcgarvey@mailbox.ciu.edu

1-20-11

This article actually brought to mind the message Dr. Harvey taught in chapel the other day. The Scripture passage he used was Acts 8:26-40 and he talked about the characteristics of a prepared heart. He talked about ways in which we can tell if someone might be interested in the Gospel. A prepared heart is a heart that seeks God. The eunuch in Acts 8 was in Jerusalem worshiping. A prepared heart studies Scripture or at least reads things about spirituality. This gives us an open door to share the Gospel. A prepared heart receives instruction. The eunuch, not understanding what he was reading asked Philip to explain the Scriptures to him. And finally, a prepared heart responds to truth. As soon as the eunuch saw water, he wanted to be baptized. He was ready to follow Jesus and then publicly declare him to be a follower. One way to spread the Gospel is to be aware of those around us and what they are seeking after. Dr. Harvey didn't limit his message simply as a litmus test to discover if someone has a prepared heart; he also asked the believers in the room if we had prepared hearts. I think the first part of spreading the Gospel is for the believer to seek God, study the Scriptures, receive instruction (from God, friends, mentors, classes, etc.), and respond to truth. This mindset puts our focus on the Gospel and we are better able to share the Gospel when we ourselves are seeking a deeper relationship with God. I was really challenged by the message Dr. Harvey brought to chapel; I am still mulling it over today. Acts 8 is a good example of someone being prepared to know Jesus and an example of someone prepared to share the good news of Jesus with another person.