The natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him . . . —1 Corinthians 2:14
The gospel of God creates the sense of need for the gospel. Is the gospel hidden to those who are servants already? No, Paul said, “But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe . . .” (2 Corinthians 4:3-4). The majority of people think of themselves as being completely moral, and have no sense of need for the gospel. It is God who creates this sense of need in a human being, but that person remains totally unaware of his need until God makes Himself evident. Jesus said, “Ask, and it will be given to you . . .” (Matthew 7:7). But God cannot give until a man asks. It is not that He wants to withhold something from us, but that is the plan He has established for the way of redemption. Through our asking, God puts His process in motion, creating something in us that was nonexistent until we asked. The inner reality of redemption is that it creates all the time. And as redemption creates the life of God in us, it also creates the things which belong to that life. The only thing that can possibly satisfy the need is what created the need. This is the meaning of redemption— it creates and it satisfies.
Jesus said, “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself” (John 12:32). When we preach our own experiences, people may be interested, but it awakens no real sense of need. But once Jesus Christ is “lifted up,” the Spirit of God creates an awareness of the need for Him. The creative power of the redemption of God works in the souls of men only through the preaching of the gospel. It is never the sharing of personal experiences that saves people, but the truth of redemption. “The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63).
Journal DJR
Good Morning Lord,
It seems to me (us) that saying that you only work thru preaching is too restrictive … You are God, and can work however you want. And you can get a person’s attention however you want. The aborigine who’s never heard the “gospel” but looks up at the stars and says Wow – Thank you.
Psalm 19 19 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork.
You are correct, I am God and I can achieve my objectives many different ways, including some that dont fit in the lists of traditional ways. Like the aborigine you mentioned. But this does not mean that I dont also work thru those other methods … Sometimes. I love to work through yielded vessels who are listening to me and who want to team with me in my work. Those are doing what they do for the right reason. Remember though, I am bigger. I can even get my work done through those who do what they do for the wrong reason and those with less than pure motivation. It is not for you to analyze my motivation and predict when and where I will or won’t work. You will do best to just connect with me and follow me and share as I lead. And share that same message to those I bring across your path. That message contains enough “gospel” My Holy Spirit can take it from there inside the hearts of the hearers and observers.
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