How can we apply Acts 28:27 to evangelism efforts in our community? Heart Conditions in Acts 28:27 “For this people’s heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.” • Hearts can grow insensitive. • Ears can become dull to truth. • Eyes can willingly shut to light. • When people turn, God promises healing. Facing the Same Barriers Today • Many in our neighborhoods echo the calloused heart: busy schedules, entertainment overload, skepticism. • Spiritual senses are dulled by sin (2 Corinthians 4:4). • Voluntary blindness keeps people from seeing Christ’s glory (John 3:19-20). Seeing Evangelism as Heart Work • Only God opens hearts (Acts 16:14), yet He uses our witness (Romans 10:14-17). • Expect resistance, but trust the promise in Acts 28:27: when people truly “turn,” God heals. Practical Steps to Reach Calloused Hearts 1. Saturate our message in Scripture – Share the literal, unchanging gospel (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). – Read passages aloud; God’s Word pierces (Hebrews 4:12). 2. Speak to both mind and heart – Explain truth clearly (Colossians 4:5-6). – Testify personally to Christ’s healing power (Mark 5:19). 3. Pray for spiritual surgery – Ask for new hearts of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26). – Pray by name for neighbors, coworkers, classmates. 4. Model open eyes and ears – Live visibly transformed lives (Matthew 5:16). – Listen to people’s stories; show Christ’s compassion (Jude 22-23). 5. Persist with patience – Paul quoted this verse after years of witness to Israel; he kept going (Acts 28:30-31). – Continue planting and watering; God gives growth (1 Corinthians 3:6-7). Creating Community Touchpoints • Host a Bible reading night where Scripture is simply read aloud. • Offer practical help—meals, tutoring, yard work—to soften resistant hearts. • Use testimony evenings: believers share how God “healed” them when they turned. • Hand-deliver invitations with a brief gospel tract; personal contact counters indifference. • Engage local social media with short, Scripture-centered posts. Encouragement from Other Passages • Isaiah 55:11—God’s Word “will not return to Me void.” • John 6:44—No one comes unless the Father draws him. • 2 Timothy 2:24-26—The Lord may grant repentance leading to knowledge of truth. Living with Confidence • The literal promise stands: when people see, hear, understand, and turn, God heals. • Our role is faithful sowing; His role is heart-opening. • Keep proclaiming, keep loving, keep praying—He still heals today. |
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