The sad part of the Gospel news is that some people will not get it.  The parable of the sower in Mark 4 has seeds falling on the rocky ground and being eaten quickly by birds; the good news never reaches those people’s hearts or minds. 2 Corinthians 4.3-4 speaks of those who don’t understand: “In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”

We have had especially excellent sermon presentations of the gospel message the last two weeks.  Easter’s passage was Acts 26.1-11, where Paul is giving his defense to King Agrippa.  The key verse (8): “Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead?”  The historic Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus launch the Christian church and are events of first importance cited by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15.

This past Sunday, in Acts 26.12-32, Paul proclaims his desire that all who hear him would become Christians.  Pastor Kevin used the opportunity to describe three things you do in becoming a Christian:  See, Turn, and Receive.

See – Paul’s personal testimony includes physical blinding by an intense light but then receiving spiritual sight as part of his recovery. Like the prognosis in 2 Corinthians 4, a Christian needs to see the light of the glory of Christ. Turn – Acknowledge sins before God, not just being sorry or ashamed, but repenting and turning away from the sins and turning toward God.  Receive – Forgiveness and eternal life are offered to those who believe.  Accept the free offer.

Both messages seemed so clear and obvious; how could someone not understand?  But, I know of at least two people whose response was, “That didn’t do anything for me” or “The Pastor overstates his case all the time.”

Fortunately, 2 Corinthians 4.6 goes on to say that it is God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness” is the One who has “shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”  We can pray that God would continue to shine His light where darkness now reigns.