Common Language

What an annointing Paul was under to so graciously and lovingly share the truth as an alternative to the lost and confused citizens of Athens who had erected an altar "to an unknown god." Though ignorant and confused, the Athenians were striving to grasp and worship something beyond themselves and Paul graciously offered them the truth of the God he knew. He didn't raise their fear and animosity of everyone by telling them they were wrong. Instead, testifying in truth and love, he won some converts right away and planted seeds that would yield a later harvest.

Some of you may remember Tom and Joan Beak who attended Cathedral for several years until they moved to Ecuador last fall. Many years ago, the Beaks began serving as missionaries in Africa. Tom shared that in the early days of their ministry they made a number of mistakes, not the least of which was an overriding insistence on preaching the gospel above all else. After nearly a year had gone by there was little to show for their efforts. They had very few converts and were little regarded or accepted by the people there. As Tom cried out in anguished prayer the Lord told him to start digging wells. Tom didn't understand why the Lord told him this, but tired of banging his head against a wall, he was obedient. He and Joan started digging wells. Several months later, after they had dug a number of wells, some leaders among the locals approached the Beaks and said they had never seen anyone like them. The locals had seen many missionaries come and go, but Tom and Joan were different, rolling up their sleeves and working tirelessly and selflessly to bring an improved quality of life to the villagers. The village leaders knew the Beaks were Christians and wanted to know more about what motivated them to travel to a distant land and work so hard for the benefit of others. Now the people were ready to hear about Jesus...because they had seen Him. The Beaks' ministry yielded dozens of churches and thousands of conversions to Christ. Often, people to need see a sermon before they are ready to hear one.

Blessings...greg