By Billy Hoffman
Stewardship Development Specialist, TBC
What does it take to advance the gospel? Luke’s record of it in the book of Acts is full of stories where the gospel advanced and how it was received by Jews and non-Jews of the first century. There is a process at work which involves resources being brought to the table for the specific goal of making Christ known, received, and worshiped in new places. The opening verses of Acts 13 describe the strategic event of Saul and Barnabas leaving a very successful ministry in Antioch, Syria, to embark on a mission to places beyond the familiar, comfortable, and predictable. There was no lack of evangelism, disciple training, and genuine fellowship where they were but their days of ministry in Antioch were coming to a close. Perhaps they realized everyone in the world was not going to travel to Antioch to hear the gospel.
Here’s what we discover in Acts 13:1-4. “Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away. So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.”
Billy Hoffman
From this we see there are three things in play which led to moving the gospel into new territory — spiritual resources, human resources, and tangible resources. Until God changes the nature of the universe those three basic elements are always involved in gospel advance. The order of employing the three is also important. It’s somewhat like building a building — it’s important to pour the concrete after all of the underground plumbing and electrical has been installed. If you reverse the order, you’ll have problems.
This column deals with spiritual resources, the first priority in the formula. We’re told the Holy Spirit spoke to them when they “ministered to the Lord and fasted.” It’s a little counter intuitive but the foundational ingredient to advance the gospel is more about worshiping God, yielding ourselves to His transforming power, and positioning ourselves as living sacrifices to His glory so we can hear from Him. Notice the intensive spirituality of these five leaders — their attention was on God, not themselves. They even included ceremony to emphasize the event with more fasting, praying, and laying on of hands. There is no greater resource than knowing you have heard from God and your believing friends are praying for you as you attempt to take the gospel into hostile territory. What is hostile territory? The answer is simple — anywhere Christ is not worshiped. The enemy never wants to surrender ground to the gospel.
Is the vision of your church born out of intense yearning and “ministering to the Lord and fasting?” Are you confident of His presence in the direction you are going? Can you honestly say your church family has “heard” from the Spirit? Assurance of hearing His Word is the most valuable resource Christians can have in order to advance the gospel.
Future columns will discuss human resources and tangible resources.
If your church would like to pursue a mission vision and would like a consultant to assist in the process, contact Hoffman at bhoffman@tnbaptist.org.
