Nothing can stop the advance of the Gospel. “You will be my witnesses… to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Jesus will build His church and not even the gates of hell can prevail against it. God’s power is irresistible. God’s promises are irrevocable. God’s plan is unstoppable.
And we are a part of that plan. You are a part of that plan. God has determined the exact number of the days of your life and the exact boundaries of your land so the people around you would seek after Him.
“And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us.”
Acts 17:26-27, ESV
Times and places. God has predetermined the details of our lives to ensure that people have opportunities to hear from us about His love and mercy.
One of the best tools you have to point people to Jesus is your story. How has God worked in your life? How did God get your attention? How did you come to sense your need to be forgiven? How did you learn the significance of the cross of Christ? What steps led you to turn from your sin and trust in Jesus to save you? How did Jesus change your life?
A simple way to craft your story is by listing 1-2 problems you had that led you to Jesus. Then describe how you came to understand the saving work of Christ. Finally, explain how Jesus addressed those two problems to illustrate the power of the Gospel to change lives.
Your journey to Jesus is one of your best resources! Use it often! But it is just one tool among many. Starting this Sunday (Jan. 17) you will see videos and hear reports from people we are calling Unstoppable Stories. These are short testimonies of God’s work in and through our lives. Many of them will be focused specifically on sharing the Gospel – how God is leading us and opening doors to connect with people and point them to Jesus.
But other stories illustrate the unstoppable faithfulness of God in times of hardship, the unstoppable mercy of God in times of rebellion, the unstoppable wisdom of God in times of confusion, the unstoppable comfort of God in times of sadness and pain.
How has the Lord been working in your life? What is your unstoppable story?
This Sunday is a testimony Sunday. Instead of a sermon, your stories will provide the content and inspiration for the morning. We are encouraging everyone to write down 100-200 words (1-2 minutes) recounting how you have recently experienced the unstoppable power, love, grace, purpose of God in your life. Even if you don’t stand up to share your story, it will encourage you and the people around you to take some time to prayerfully reflect on the last few months and how God has come through for you.
The book of Acts documents the advance of the Gospel from Jerusalem to Rome and beyond. In spite of fierce opposition from the Jews, demons, crowds and political leaders, the Gospel kept moving forward.
“But when some became stubborn and continued in unbelief, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation, he withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus. This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.”
Acts 19:9-10, ESV
What they called Asia is what we call Turkey – a massive region with great significance for regional trade and communication. What had been a stronghold for idolatry and worldliness (Ephesus, Corinth, Athens) became a platform for the rapid spread of the Gospel!
Yes, resistance to spiritual things is considerable in the U.S. right now. But truly “the harvest is plentiful,” if we will pray in faith and connect with people in sincere love and clear witness. Having a few stories ready to briefly explain “all God has done for you” is an important way we can “always be ready to give a reason for the hope that you have” (1 Pet. 3:15). Think of these short testimonies as “spiritual appetizers,” for hungry people.
Evangelism is seed sowing like a farmer; it is line-casting like a fisherman. Sometimes it is like tossing breadcrumbs for hungry birds. Our stories can attract attention and point people to Jesus!
What’s your unstoppable story?