No one who hears the word of God is hearing something that’s not already in their hearts (cf. Romans 2:15). Whether or not someone accepts the word when they hear it is another story. I want you to be encouraged today. I want you to know that the people you’ve been talking to about Jesus are hearing what you’re saying. 

In Deuteronomy 29, the blessings and curses that would fall upon the people for obedience and disobedience were pronounced. In Deuteronomy 30:1-11, the Lord is encouraging the people by telling them that they will return to him after everything they have done and after they’ve suffered because of their disobedience. In Deuteronomy 30:16, the Lord returns to the present and gives the people a command.

For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.

Deuteronomy 30:16 (NIV)

The Lord tells the people before giving them this command that they have two paths they can follow, life and prosperity or death and destruction (cf. Deuteronomy 30:15). The Lord assures the people that they can do what he’s asking them because “the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it” (Deuteronomy 30:14 NIV). 

Paul echoes this in Romans 10:8 when he’s talking about the righteousness that comes by following the law of Moses. However, Paul also points out something about the faith we have in Jesus and this word that’s in the hearts of all people. 

But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim:

Romans 10:8 (NIV)

Therefore, like the Israelites who didn’t need to ascend to Heaven, or go into the depths, to follow the law of the Lord. Those who are not saved don’t have to go to a special place to receive the message about Christ. It’s already in their hearts (cf. Romans 2:15). Given that the word of God has been written into the hearts of all people, Paul reminds us that it still must be preached. 

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?

Romans 10:14 (NIV)

The Greek word Paul uses here for preaching is “kérussó,” and it means “To proclaim, herald, preach. Of uncertain affinity; to herald, especially divine truth” (Strong’s 2784). While this word does cover those who are preachers, pastors, ministers, and the like, it is not only referring to those people. Paul clarifies this in Romans 10:15.

And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

Romans 10:15 (NIV)

Anyone who has been saved can do what Jesus said to do in Matthew.

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)

Sometimes we make things complicated and might think that these verses in Matthew are telling us we have to travel around the world to proclaim the Gospel. However, we know this isn’t true. There are plenty of people around us who need to hear your testimony about Jesus. The same people you’ve been talking to already. 

Paul says something in 1 Corinthians that could encourage or discourage us. 

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

1 Corinthians 1:18 (NIV)

Those who are not yet saved cannot comprehend the message of the Gospel. It doesn’t make sense to them because they haven’t been saved yet. They are incapable of understanding the message. It’s not until we are saved that we can now hear the message and act upon the word of God in our hearts.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

I don’t know about you but there’s a lot that I didn’t understand when I first heard it, but now I do. This is part of the learning process. There’s also been a lot that I thought seemed like nonsense. Until I understood it. Then, it was no longer nonsense. I’m referring to learning worldly things here that I knew nothing about until I did.

Telling people about Jesus is like nurturing a plant. Seeds are planted and watered, but God makes the plant grow (cf. 1 Corinthians 3:6-7). Some plants take longer to grow than others. We have to persevere and trust God. What does Scripture say?

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

Do you know God? God knows you, and He loves you. He sees you as significant because you are. No one is insignificant to Him. He’s with you today, right now, and He wants you to know Him. Jesus died for your sins and mine so we could be free of guilt, be freed from death, and live eternally with Him. Eternal salvation is just a prayer away. 

Pray this prayer with me to accept the gift of salvation today:

Lord Jesus, forgive me for all my sins. I repent from my ways. Wash me in your blood and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I believe that you died on the cross, were buried, and on the third day, God the Father raised you from the dead. Right now, Lord Jesus, I open the door to my heart, and I receive you into my heart as my Lord and personal Savior. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, then congratulations! You are on the first step of a brand new life. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to my family, the family of God. There are abundant resources available online for new Christians. You can visit here for more information on what to do next. You can also leave me a comment, and I’ll do my best to help you on the next step of this incredible journey.

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