“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, And he who wins souls is wise” (Pro. 11.30). Going into all the world and preaching the gospel is the task of the New Testament church. May we ever keep this in the forefront of our hearts and minds. Helping people where they are and taking them to Jesus is the goal of every soul winner. Just as Philip heard the Ethiopian eunuch reading Isaiah the prophet, we should be paying attention to those about us as they seek after the Lord (Acts 8.31-35; Acts 17.27). It should be our desire and aim to increase the awareness of those having questions concerning the scriptures and   dissolve their doubts about life.

During the days of Belshazzar, the king of Babylon, Daniel had been known as a man of light, understanding and wisdom. It was during king Nebuchadnezzar’s rule he had interpreted a dream (to the glory of God) for the king and had been exalted because of the interpretation. Daniel was known as a man of God and the Spirit of the Holy God was upon him (Dan. 5.11). He had an, “excellent spirit, knowledge, understanding, interpreting dreams, solving riddles [dissolving doubts–KJV] and explaining enigmas [riddles—MB]” (Dan. 5.12). This was said three times about Daniel in verses twelve (12), fourteen (14) and sixteen (16). Consider the example of Daniel as one who increased awareness while dissolving doubt.

Daniel interpreted the writing on the wall and thus increased the awareness of the king of the situation before him (Dan. 5.5; 23-29). Just as his father Nebuchadnezzar knew, “the Most High God rules in the kingdom of men”, Belshazzar would know The Living God does not joke around with the articles of the Temple (Dan. 5.20-23).   We also have a responsibility to use the information we have learned from the word of God to increase the awareness of those around us. For this reason we have to study to show ourselves approved unto God, so we can help our friends and neighbors with their doubts in life and godliness (2 Tim. 2.15). Many people in our circle of influence have questions and issues that are in need of some resolution.

The king was afraid and needed some assistance with the problem before him. Christians find themselves in these circumstances in life as well. With this being said, we can increase the awareness of our fellow man by informing them of their need to conform to the image of Christ (Rom. 8.29). Many are doubting their existence, their worth and their salvation. We can aid this lack of confidence by simply taking them to the standard of God, which is His word. God’s word has given us everything we need for life and godliness (2 Pet. 1.2-3). This is another reason for the church to strive for precision in their studies. We should embrace rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Tim. 2.15). This simply means we are doing our best to be accurate with the Bible.

As we are taking the gospel to the world around us, let us not forget what message we are taking. Paul stated these words: “For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Cor. 2.2). When our fellow man doubts the deity of Christ, we need to take them to John’s writings and have them read chapter one and verses one and fourteen. The Word was there in the beginning with God and the Word became flesh (John 1.1; 14). When people question New Testament worship, we need to show them Jesus’ words in John 4.24: “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth”. When people question the oneness of the church, we need to be ready to give answers and show them the words of Paul in Ephesians 4.4. Paul would emphatically say there is one body and that body is the church of Christ (Col. 1.18; Rom. 16.16).

Finally, many may have a wounded conscience due to their immoral behaviors and lifestyles. We can help remove the doubt of being forgiven by bringing them to repentance. How? Through the goodness of God (benevolence and biblical teaching) men and women can see the graciousness of God and seek to be declared right before God (Rom. 2.4). Increasing their awareness of the standards of God is our responsibility and we should take those opportunities to help individuals seek a better life. Jesus said these words: “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy, I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10.10). Brethren, let’s seek to increase awareness of the word of God while dissolving doubt to help evangelize San Angelo. We can do this brethren. God is true.