Planting the Seed

Romans 1:18-23

18For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,

19because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them.

20For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.

21For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

22Professing to be wise, they became fools,

23and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures.

My study bible tells me that from here until Romans 3:20, Paul explains man’s need for God’s righteousness. I will try to keep that in mind until then.

I’m focusing on the first two verses today because I think Paul gives us a little insight about evangelism. The majority of this passage talks about man knowing God and His will, yet full of pride, man turns his back on God and thus condemns himself.

Knowing is the key. In today’s society, we think of evangelism as someone standing on a corner waving a Bible, or going door to door asking people if they’ve come to know the Lord. I think these things have their place and God bless the people who do it because I know I couldn’t. It’s quite a bold and brave action.

I’ve struggled over the past year with “evangelism,” not so much getting out there and telling people about Christ, but moreso how. My wife has gotten in the habit of reminding me, “you just have to plant the seed, God takes care of the rest.” You mean…all I have to do is say it and God does the rest? Imagine that. Here I thought I had to work hard. Well, we do.

I’ve spent hours of time preparing “arguments” and trying to figure out what to say when and how to convince someone. The yearning of the heart in someone’s chest is convincing enough. We just have to tell the truth. Sometimes a nonbeliever or even a fallen believer has been lead astray. All we have to do is tell them the truth.

It makes me think of those 3rd world countries that never heard of God or Christ. They think the sun is God because its deadly. Or even the outsiders who come in wielding guns who seem to hold the power of life or death in their hands. All you have to do is tell them. Plant the seed. God will take care of the rest.

How many seeds have you planted recently?

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