Salvation is like a horse\u2014it can move very fast or very slowly, depending on the rider.<\/p>\n
In the same way, if you are a witness (a preacher of the Gospel), it is important to understand this: the process of salvation in a person\u2014repentance, believing, confession, baptism, and being filled with the Holy Spirit\u2014often takes time. It may involve teaching, follow-up, and guiding someone through lessons on faith, baptism, and the Holy Spirit before they fully understand and are established.<\/p>\n
But you must also recognize this: it doesn\u2019t always happen that way.<\/p>\n
There are moments when God suddenly \u201cchanges gear\u201d and chooses to accomplish everything in a single day\u2014to save, baptize, and fill someone with the Holy Spirit immediately. When you see this happening, do not try to slow it down. It is God Himself who has increased the pace.<\/p>\n
Yes, it is.<\/p>\n
When Paul and Silas were imprisoned, they prayed and sang hymns to God during the night. Suddenly, the prison doors flew open. The jailer, terrified and trembling, asked, \u201cWhat must I do to be saved?\u201d They answered, \u201cBelieve in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.\u201d<\/p>\n
That very night, he and his entire household believed, were baptized, and were filled with joy.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cHe then brought them out and asked, \u2018Sirs, what must I do to be saved?\u2019
They replied, \u2018Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved\u2014you and your household.\u2019\u201d (vv. 30\u201331)<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nIn just one night, an entire family was saved, baptized, and transformed.<\/p>\n
Normally, this kind of process might take weeks or even months for a whole household to come to faith and be baptized. But here, it happened within a few hours\u2014during the night.<\/p>\n
We see the same pattern in the story of Cornelius. When Peter was speaking, even before he finished his message\u2014perhaps expecting a longer process\u2014the Holy Spirit came upon all who were listening. They received the fullness of salvation immediately and were then baptized.<\/p>\n
Acts 10:44\u201348 (NIV)<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n\u201cWhile Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message.\u201d (v. 44)<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
What might have taken long teaching sessions and extended prayers was completed instantly.<\/p>\n
The Ethiopian eunuch experienced something similar. When he encountered Philip on the road to Gaza, he did not wait until later\u2014he was baptized immediately.<\/p>\n
Acts 8:36\u201338 (NIV)<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n\u201cAs they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, \u2018Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?\u2019\u201d (v. 36)<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Right there on the road, he believed and was baptized.<\/p>\n
\nWhat should you learn from this?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Understand that there are times when God powerfully moves in people\u2019s hearts\u2014so strongly that they become open and ready to receive everything immediately.<\/p>\n
When you see this, act quickly. Help them without delay.<\/p>\n
Do not assume that someone needs a lot of knowledge before they can be saved. What matters most is a willing and open heart.<\/p>\n
If you are a leader and you see someone who has truly believed, do not wait for a scheduled baptism event at the end of the year. Respond to their readiness.<\/p>\n
Yes, there are also people who will need more teaching, depending on their level of understanding\u2014but do not ignore those moments when God is moving quickly.<\/p>\n
Learn to move with both rhythms of the Gospel\u2014slow and fast.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nMay the Lord bless you.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n