Sometimes we see the world with its wickedness and the Church with its weakness, we see people refusing the Gospel, and we think, “Well, maybe the Gospel isn’t true.” Or, “Maybe our expectations will not be fulfilled.”
But then we read the parable of the sower in Matthew 13, and we say, “Ah! Everything is exactly, precisely on track.” You see, every seed that is scattered does not take root.
When things look bad, just say, “That is wonderful. That is exactly what Jesus said it would be like.” And when things get dark, you can say it’s getting gloriously dark. It is exactly, precisely as the Bible has prophesied. Don’t get the idea that if Jesus Christ is presented with all of His winsomeness, holiness, beauty, wisdom, and love that people will fall all over themselves coming to know Him! If you believe that, you’re going to have false expectations, and you’re going to be disappointed.
Maybe you begin evangelizing your neighbors and others, and you think, “Well, all I need to do is clearly teach how to be saved, and people will come to Christ.” Don’t expect everybody to accept the Gospel. They are not going to. That does not mean the Gospel has failed.
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