They spoke in such a way (Acts 14:1 NRSV). 

What does this mean? In the first place, Luke says that the same thing happened here in Iconium as in Antioch of Pisidia. There we see how Paul spoke in a way that was both radical and relevant; both Christ-centred and culturally sensitive.

And from Paul’s letters we also learn that he rejected rhetorical frills and thrills. He spoke the naked Word of God with full conviction in the power of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:1-5; 1 Thessalonians 1:5).

Do we speak in such a way? Or do we bend over backwards to pander to certain groups in the name of relevance?

We should pause and examine our current notions of relevance. For a selfie generation, whatever is comfortable and convenient is relevant. Whatever meets my needs and suits my style is relevant. If it serves my career goals and prospers my business, it’s relevant. If it boosts my self-esteem and strokes my super-ego, it’s relevant.

Ridiculous! Jesus and Paul were the most relevant communicators of Truth in history. But they never watered down the Gospel in the name of relevance. 

Nothing is more relevant to the human race than the saving Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. It meets the deepest needs and longings of every person in every culture and in every generation. And it also calls for radical repentance and a deep change of heart.

On the one hand, Paul tailored his message for different people groups.

He spoke as a Jew to the Jews and as a Gentile to the Gentiles (1 Corinthians 9:19–23). On the other hand, the substance of Paul’s message was universally convicting. It cut clean across cultures and races, genders and generations. It called people to repentance and conversion. He spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks became believers (Acts 14:1).

Billy Graham spoke in such a way. His message was simple. It was clear. It centred on Jesus Christ and the Good News of the Kingdom. Repentance. Forgiveness of sins. Peace and joy. Both here and hereafter.

Pastor Rick Seaward spoke in such a way that a great many people all over the world and from all walks of life became believers.

Do we speak in such a way?

Fast and pray

Charles Spurgeon spoke in such a way. He was one of the greatest preachers of the 19^th century. He began his career as a teenager preaching to a hundred people in a 1,200-seater sanctuary in London. Within two years they shifted to the 6,000-seater Metropolitan Tabernacle, which remained full for the next 30 years. When asked to describe his preaching method, Spurgeon said: I take my text and make a beeline to the Cross. Today, Spurgeon is fondly remembered as the Prince of Preachers. 

• In a world where consumer is king, we have lost the art of expository preaching. Often Scripture verses are plucked out of context and strung together to address a feel good topic. May we return to the ancient path of the Antioch Church. Pray for a renaissance of expository preaching that brings out both the literal meanings and the practical imperatives of the biblical text. Pray: Lord, forgive us our sloppy treatment of Your Word. We have fallen for a fast food ideology of quick fixes. We often reduce Your Word to tidbits of pop psychology to keep listeners happy and coming back for more. Fill us with divine discontent. We want to delve deeper. For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).

• In a world gone graphic and visual, we have lost confidence in the power of the spoken Word of God. We have forgotten the biblical fact that God prefers to be heard and not seen (Albert Mohler). We rely more on PowerPoint than the power of the Holy Spirit. Pray: Lord Jesus, Your Word is like fire. Like a hammer that breaks a rock (Jeremiah 23:29). Forgive us for pouring cold technology on Your fiery Word. Renew our confidence in Your spoken Word, naked and unvarnished. 

• In a world of cynics and critics, we desperately need help from heaven. Pray for every preacher to be freshly anointed by the Spirit each time they step up to the pulpit. Repent of any bias you have against the younger ones. Their little experience or limited exposure is not a handicap. They might be a Spurgeon-in-the-making. Ask God to loosen their tongues to speak with authority in Jesus’ name. Ask God to favour them with a double portion of fire and faith, wisdom and courage. Pray also for every believer to experience the Spirit’s anointing each time they share the Gospel with disinterested family and friends who never come to church or who are biased against Christians. 

• Pray the Word: You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses (Acts 1:8). Then the Lord put out His hand and touched my mouth. And the Lord said to me, “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth” (Jeremiah 1:9). Our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction (1 Thessalonians 1:5).