A dream more than 10 years old is giving birth. From Money, the power of God's word and dreams, I was reminded that some dreams matter and know when they occur.
Meditating on 1 Cor 12-14, Ephesians 4, I'm seeing how beginning with the end in mind is better than just doing something. There is a thread I'm seeing throughout the scriptures:
But how can people call for help if they don’t know who to trust? And how can they know who to trust if they haven’t heard of the One who can be trusted? And how can they hear if nobody tells them? And how is anyone going to tell them, unless someone is sent to do it? That’s why Scripture exclaims, A sight to take your breath away! Grand processions of people telling all the good things of God! But not everybody is ready for this, ready to see and hear and act. Isaiah asked what we all ask at one time or another: “Does anyone care, God? Is anyone listening and believing a word of it?” The point is: Before you trust, you have to listen. But unless Christ’s Word is preached, there’s nothing to listen to. Romans 10:14-17 MSG (The Message)
Knowing if someone has not heard the Bible involves identifying a lack of familiarity with core biblical figures, stories, and teachings, often stemming from a lack of exposure to preaching or scripture. According to Romans 10:14, faith comes by hearing the gospel, meaning those who have not heard will not have believed or know the message of salvation, Romans 10:14-17
Dear brothers and sisters, if I should come to you speaking in an unknown language, how would that help you? But if I bring you a revelation or some special knowledge or prophecy or teaching, that will be helpful. Even lifeless instruments like the flute or the harp must play the notes clearly, or no one will recognize the melody. And if the bugler doesn’t sound a clear call, how will the soldiers know they are being called to battle?
It’s the same for you. If you speak to people in words they don’t understand, how will they know what you are saying? You might as well be talking into empty space.
There are many different languages in the world, and every language has meaning. But if I don’t understand a language, I will be a foreigner to someone who speaks it, and the one who speaks it will be a foreigner to me. And the same is true for you. Since you are so eager to have the special abilities the Spirit gives, seek those that will strengthen the whole church.
So anyone who speaks in tongues should pray also for the ability to interpret what has been said. - 1 Cor 14:6-13
Here are ways to identify if someone has not heard the Bible:
- Lack of Knowledge: They may be unfamiliar with key figures like Jesus Christ, Moses, or common bible stories.
- Absence of Faith/Preaching: The primary marker is that they have not had the message of the Gospel preached or explained to them
- Rhetorical Markers: As described in Romans 10:14-17, someone who has not heard is generally someone to whom no one has been sent to preach.
- Cultural Context: In some cases, people may have heard snippets of stories but do not understand their origin or significance.
While natural revelation (nature/conscience) exists, it is distinct from hearing the specific message of Christ.
https://www.bsfinternational.org/supporting-the-church/
No comments:
Post a Comment