There are people everywhere who are not saved, no matter where anyone lives. In addition to that, there may also be those who do not even have the knowledge of God. Unfortunately, many believers take for granted that all those who live in certain developed nations of the world have heard the gospel of Christ. This simply is not true. As fewer preach and teach the gospel of God’s grace, the number of those ignorant of these truths continues to increase exponentially. In addition to this, those propagating damnable doctrines continue to muddy the message of salvation. These realities increase the responsibility of true believers to be better ambassadors for Christ. Paul expressed these truths when writing to the believers in Corinth. He told them about the ignorance of some in their midst and put the blame squarely upon those who knew the truth and refused to witness.
The powers demonstrated by the apostles have consumed many Bible teachers who fail to grasp the place and purpose of those powers. These teachers instruct believers to seek the same power that was bestowed upon Peter and Paul and the other apostles. Careful Bible study demonstrates that the motive in this teaching is misplaced. The power given to the apostles was given for the purpose of assisting them in telling a lost and dying world about a risen Saviour. Much of the modern teaching centers upon pride and encourages a selfish Christianity. The biblical power given to the apostles was meant to strengthen their witness to others, not simply to be a self-serving instrument. Modern Christianity focuses on self, while biblical Christianity focuses on the Saviour and others.
In order to be saved, a person must place his faith solely upon Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection for the means of salvation. Paul defined this central body of truth as the gospel of the grace of God (1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Acts 20:24). Though believers may tell what the Lord has done in their lives since being saved, the most important truth when witnessing involves Christ’s crucifixion, death, and resurrection from the dead. This truth, the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, became the theme of the early church. A careful study of the evangelistic messages of the early church testifies to this fact. Just as this doctrine historically served as the central truth when dealing with the lost, it should continue to be so today.
The Bible admonishes believers to be stedfast and unmoveable (1 Corinthians 15:58). We are to be grounded and settled (Colossians 1:23) in the faith—much like a tree planted by the rivers of waters (Psalm 1:3). Yet, today's passage points to the dangers of a hardened heart set in rebellion. It is likened to a stone and a millstone. We should remain stedfast in our commitment to serve the Lord, yet our hearts should remain tender and pliable to Him and His will. A stony heart hinders the seed of God’s word from taking root (Matthew 13:5-6). This hardness hinders the possibility of spiritual fruit from taking root and maturing. A soft heart and a stedfast walk exhibit the godly balance that God desires for each of us.
