The Mixed Reviews of the Gospel

Example:  Question - "How was the morning sermon?"  Answer = "mixed reviews!"
No matter how well the gospel is presented ... will always get "Mixed Reviews!"

Paul and Barnabas ... sent out by the church in Antioch in Syria  (Acts 13:1-4)
1st. Missionary Journey - in Modern day Turkey
Covered approximately 1200 miles - round trip
Travel time = approx. 53 days
Journey lasted ?  1 - 2 years

How will were Paul and Barnabas received? 
Answer = Mixed Reviews!!!

Acts 13:42-52 - in Pisidian Antioch - Gentile city
On one hand, "word spread throughout the whole region"
However, Paul and Barnabas were "expelled"  (driven out!)
The disciples were still at Antioch - vs. 52

So... went to Iconium  (90 miles) - Acts 14:1-7
On one hand, "great numbers believed" 
However, "unbelievers stirred up/ poisoned minds"

Result??  (1)  city divided  (2) plot to stone them!!!

So.... the fled to Lystra and Derbe  (20 miles)  continued to preach!!
Acts 14:8-13  (Note confusion over Zeus and Hermes - messenger) 
Were perverting the gospel to their own ideas
Acts 14:14-18
On one hand, people probably not pleased when they stopped the Sacrifice!
However, No TALK of STONING THEM!!!

Until... Acts 14:19-20
(Paul stoned and left for dead and ONLY 1/2 of one verse regarding this!!)

So.... next city = Derbe  (75 miles)  Acts 14:21a
no mention of opposition there! 

But Note next Move!!

Acts 14:21b - retraced steps/ revisited churches in...
(1)  Lystra - wehre Paul was stoned!
(2)  Iconium - where people planned to stone them (they fled)
(3)  Antioch (Pisidian) where were 'expelled' (run off)

 Why?  Acts 14:22-23  "to strengthen,  to Encourage, to appoint elders
Point:  Paul and Barnabas were evangelists!! = church planters, disciples!
On one hand, evangelism = necessary step in propagation of the gospel.
However, it is only a step.
Then, they continued to retrace their steps ... back to Antioch (Syria)
Acts 14:24-28
Where they (1)  gathered the church
                  (2)  gave a report of their travels
                 (3)  stayed for a long time

Mixed reviews of the gospel message = expected
BUT ... why such Extreme opposition?  (violent opposition)

Some Reasons:
#1.  Religious Reasons - ie Christianity can be seen as a False religion/ a danger to society
Examples:  the Jews in Paul's day, the Muslims today

#2.  Cultural Conflict  (CHANGE!!)  with acceptance of the Gospel comes new worldview, new lifestyle which may conflict with long established customs - considered essential to truth and community well-being!!

#3.  Financial Reasons  (ex = Ephesus  in Acts 19)
Christian morals often clash with accepted business practices!!

#4. Political Reasons  ex. = eventual conflict with Rome.
Today?  abortion?  homosexual marriage = Political Points or Moral Issues??

#5.  Relational Upsets - Matt. 10:34-36
Example:  1 spouse accepts Christ and the other doesn't ?!?

#6.  Spiritual Opposition  (spiritual warfare!)
The Gospel Message = a threat to Satan's plans!
AND Spiritual attacks often manifest themselves in physical ways!
Example:  Job - lost his kids, cattle, health
Example:   killing prophets, stoning Saul

#7.  (above all/or combo of the above...)
The Gospel challenges a person's sense of Self Righteousness! 
Challenges the way of thinking, acting, living, etc.

SOME OBSERVATIONS SURROUNDING THIS SUBJECT:

(1)  The Gospel is Offensive  (to many)
Example:  Ugly Pill
This is NO excuse to BE offensive!)

(2)  The Gospel is Divisive  (as per Matt. 10)
Gospel invokes STRONG feelings!
Therefore some = readily accept/ some gradually accept/ some refuse to accept/ some ACTIVELY Oppose!!
So.... 1 Pet. 4:12-16 = don't be surprised when you encounter opposition

BUT...
(3)  The Gospel is NON-Negotiable!!   IF you customize it to fot your notion, preference, etc.... it won't be the Gospel!!!  It was established by God and stands as written!!!

Therefore:
(4)  IF you share the gospel (as instructed...)
     Expect Opposition!!  (in varying degrees)  Mostly here in the US, opposition won't be violent.

But 
(5)  should also Expect a Positive Reception  "mixed reviews!"  You never know who or when someone will accept the Gospel.

"Positive Reception" - on one hand, are many opposed!  However, "great numbers believed!!"

(6)  Determine (in advance) to Persevere  -- results belong to God
ie:  (1) in the Faith  (example = Book of Hebrews)
     (2)  in evangelism  (a Christian lifestyle includes evangelism)
    (3)  in discipling!

(7)  Be Realistic ... many will reject/oppose.  BUT many will accept, continue, spread....
The "church" grew then!  It's still growing (worldwide) today!
(And... you NEVER know who will accept, reject)

S0.... concerning the gospel message.... what are you doing??  and what should you be doing?

If you have never accepted Christ, give Him a fair review - NOT a knee jerk reaction  (as in these chapters of Acts.
The Question is NOT does the Gospel conflict with YOUR religious view?  With your cultural preference, with your political stance.

The Question = IS IT TRUE??
And, IF IT IS .... How should you respond?

If have accepted Christ, examine yourself - are you an active part of His plan to change the world?  Usher in His Kingdom?
(through sharing, spreading the Gospel Message)

Closing Scripture:  Matt. 28:18-20