As Christ-Followers, we are well aware of the fact that Jesus has said, “You are the salt of the earth and you are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:13-16) The Master has commanded us to love God, and people and make disciples. In fact, over the last several months, we have been learning in the book of Acts that we have been empowered by the Holy Spirit to be God’s witnesses.

Desiring to obey our Commander in Chief, coupled with our love for people, each of us shares the good news of the gospel by the way that we live and the words that we say. Yet, each of us has family members and close friends that haven’t accepted the gospel message. Day after day, maybe even year after year goes by, and still no positive response. The Apostle Paul gives us insight into the cause of this.

And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing,
in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving
so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ,
who is the image of God.
2 Corinthians 4:3-4

Satan, the god of this world, has put a blindfold on those that don’t believe.

Their attention is focused on this world and what it has to offer. They have bought into the lie that riches, fame, beauty, and status will meet, fulfill their deepest desires, and bring them joy. They can’t even begin to comprehend that Jesus gives us the best picture of God any of us will ever receive. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News.

In contrast, as Christ-Followers, the light of the gospel filled our lives when we accepted God’s gift of salvation. We came to the understanding that God is a living, personal being, and because of the cross, there is nothing between God and us anymore.

It is God’s desire that everyone is saved and understands the truth (1 Timothy 2:3-4). The gospel is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes! (Romans 1:16) So, never give up on sharing the Good News with those that need God. Don’t throw up your hands and walk off the job just because people don’t seem to respond to the gospel. Continue to let your light shine. Continue to preach the Word. Continue to live lives of righteousness. Ask God to remove the blindfold that Satan has put around people’s minds. Ask God to shine His light in the darkness of people’s minds so that they can know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus, our Master!

REMEMBER: The Holy Spirit is always working even when we can’t see it. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory.

Let’s Make Jesus Famous,
Pastor Tom