I wrote the following for this week’s ministry update, but I thought it might encourage my blog readers as well.

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Do you ever wonder why it’s so hard to explain the gospel to someone who isn’t interested in hearing it? Or why the truths of scripture that are so clear and understandable to us are rejected and dismissed, even with hostility and disdain?

This week I received an email notifying me of a “pingback” on my personal blog. This happens when someone references another website and includes a link. It’s a pretty cool feature, so you know when your words are being repeated, and in what context. The topic in question was the rapture. The person who quoted me disagreed quite heartily with my belief in a coming rapture of the church; his blog was all about how foolish those who believe in such an event must be. He (or she) went so far as to call me a “religious nutter.”

The word “nutter” is British slang, referring to someone who is foolish or eccentric, or even mentally ill. I wasn’t offended at all; in fact, it was a compliment if we consider Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:16. In this passage, he explains that the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God (1:18).

One of this person’s criticisms as to why the rapture is foolishness was that for the past few hundred years, many believers in it have proclaimed certain dates, sure that it was going to happen based on their conclusions. And, as he rightly pointed out, they’ve all been wrong. His point was that it will never happen, but again, Peter addresses a similar argument:

2 Peter 3:3-4 – Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation.”

Those who do not put their faith in Jesus do not have the ability to understand scripture, because they do not have the Holy Spirit in them to explain it. No matter how we try to convince others that the words of scripture are true, they simply cannot accept it unless God’s Spirit opens their understanding.

1 Corinthians 2:9-14 – But just as it is written, “Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him.” For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God, which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words. But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.

These words are encouraging for us on many levels. First, if you’ve understood the gospel, repented of your sins, accepted by faith the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, and surrendered to Him as the Son of God and Lord of your life, you give evidence that the Holy Spirit spoke to you and enlightened your understanding. When He saved you, He came to dwell in you so that you can understand the things of God. Rejoice in that, and praise God for His mercy and grace that allowed you to see things from His perspective!

Second, if a person distorts or rejects the clear, scriptural teachings of Jesus, the Word of God, we can be assured they either do not have the Holy Spirit dwelling in them (they are unsaved and perhaps even a false prophet) or are denying His power and authority over their lives (they are disobedient children).

Thirdly, when our loved ones, neighbors, friends, and co-workers seem to be willfully hard-hearted (and hard-headed) towards the gospel, don’t be frustrated or give up! Pray for the Spirit of God to speak to them and give them understanding. Stop trying to convince others and ask the Holy Spirit to convict them.

Don’t be offended if someone calls you a “nutter” for your belief and trust in Jesus. It’s not about you at all; it’s about the condition of their heart. Take it as a compliment that your testimony was clear and pray that they will encounter the wonderful, mighty, life-changing power of the Holy Spirit, who will reveal the words of God.

1 Corinthians 1:30-31 – But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, “Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord.”