Gospel Goes Viral

Opening illustration: The Viral Texts project at Northeastern University in Boston is studying how printed content in the 1800s spread through newspapers—the social media network of that day. If an article was reprinted 50 times or more, they considered that “viral” for the Industrial Age. Writing in Smithsonian magazine, Britt Peterson noted that a nineteenth-century news article describing which followers of Jesus were executed for their faith appeared in at least 110 different publications.

When the apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in Thessalonica, he commended them for their bold and joyful witness to Jesus. “The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere” (1 Thessalonians 1:8). The message of the gospel went viral through these people whose lives had been transformed by Jesus Christ. In spite of difficulties and persecution, they could not remain silent.

We convey the story of forgiveness and eternal life in Christ through kind hearts, helping hands, and honest words from all of us who know the Lord. The gospel transforms us and the lives of those we meet. (David McCasland, ODB 02/21)

Introduction: The story of the Thessalonians’ changed lives—according to Paul—went “viral.” Paul recalls the story of how Jewish and Gentile people turned from ancestral beliefs to personal faith in Christ. Such conversions were bound to be controversial. Decisions to leave the faith of our fathers (and mothers) seldom sound like good news to families, friends, and co-workers. But these Thessalonians gave their world something to talk about. Their lives gave substance to the faith, hope, and love of Jesus. It is easier to tell someone about our own experience rather than jumping into a controversial “answer” for them. Why not share your story?

How can the Gospel go Viral?

1. Ceaseless work of FAITH (v. 2)

First, he mentions their “ceaseless work of faith.” Salvation is God’s gift. Faith rests upon the work of God, not our work. Yet, when we rest on God’s work, God produces His work in us. Paul blesses these believers because of the works that followed their faith. Encouragement is found in the lives that we live.

The cool thing is that God gets personally involved in helping us come to faith in Christ. You make the decision, but he provides you with the personalized evidence you need to make an informed decision. By consulting this passage and the account of Paul's initial visit in Acts 17, we learn of three ways God does this.

• He pointed to objective evidence, including Jesus' fulfillment of Old Testament messianic prophecy (Acts 17:2-3)—an absolutely unique phenomenon. I challenge you to investigate this (and other) line of evidence by reading Christianity: The Faith That Makes Sense.

• They saw the evidence of Jesus' power to change lives because of the loving lifestyle of Paul and his friends (1:5b; 2:1-12). Maybe God has brought his people into your life so you can see a living demonstration of his reality.

• As they took in these two lines of evidence, God's Spirit brought them to “full conviction.” This is “the ring of truth”—his personal, existential persuasion that Jesus is the truth, that you are lost without him, and that you need to receive him (1:5a – Me till 1979). Maybe you are experiencing this right now. If you are, it's time to make a commitment . . .

This is the “work of faith.” Have you taken this step? I guarantee you that you will never regret it. As the years go by, it will only loom larger and larger as the best decision you have ever made.

Illustration: On God’s command when Abraham left Ur for the promised land, the Word of God says that He went without knowing where he was going. For this faith God ascribed and rewarded him by making him a ‘father of many nations,’ ‘friend of God’ and a stalwart of faith.

Maureena and I came to the US in faith and continue to work for His Kingdom in faith even though the going is at time desperately difficult. It is through these times that God is going to bring His fruition. How are you ceaselessly working your faith?

2. Gospel presented with POWER (v. 5)

Some believe that the day of miracles is over, that signs and wonders were for the apostolic age before the New Testament canon was complete. That after the New Testament was written, there was no more need for miracles. Frankly, dear friends, this is a rationalization that has no scriptural basis. Paul indicated that some would have spiritual gifts of healings, faith, and miracles (1 Corinthians 12:9-10, 29-30). So did Jesus (Mark 16:18). The Book of Acts gives many indications of the power of miracles to win people to Christ. And a careful reading of church history shows many, many incidents of healing and miracles after apostolic times. To refuse to believe God for miracles in our day is rationalized unbelief! God has always gifted people in many ways in every congregation. We need to seek out these gifted people and nurture them.