1) Some respond by making a personal commitment to God to improve their lives — The sermon they hear motivates these individuals to see their weaknesses, and as a result, they are determined to repent and do better (2 Samuel 24:10).
2) Others respond by getting angry — Remember the mob when Stephen proclaimed the truth in Acts 7:54-60? Do you react in anger when the truth “hits home” with you?
3) Some try to ignore the message — They simply do their best to put truth out of their mind (Acts 24:24-25). Such people do much harm to their soul each time they fail to respond to God in an obedient way.
4) A few respond by acting in an immature manner — I do not have reference to little children or teenagers only. Adults too may write notes, talk, or watch the clock while the sermon is being presented.
5) Others make fun of the message — When they do this, they do not actually mock the messenger, but the inspired message (1 Samuel 8:6-7). How foolish to act in such a way!
6) Many respond by saying “NO” — I will not be come a Christian. As an erring member, I refuse to come back to God and repent. I will not do what God would have have me do (2 Timothy 4:9-10; 1 John 2:18-19).
7) A few respond with doubt — They are not sure of what they have heard. They need further study so their faith will be realized (Acts 8:25-39). But when the truth of God’s Word is heard for some, they become offended, and as a result they go away and never return (Matthew 19:16-22).
8) Some respond in an obedient way — Non-Christians repent and are baptized for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:37-38) and erring brethren repent and ask for the prayers of faithful brethren (James 5:13-16).
Jesus said, “If any man have ears to hear, let him hear” (Mark 7:16). Dear reader, how do you respond to Bible preaching?
—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets
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