By: Obed Pineda
Ring the Bell!
If you have ever watched a video on the streaming service YouTube, you have very likely heard the streamer either begin or end their video with the catchy prompt, “Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to the channel and remember to ring the bell to receive notifications for more future content!” Undoubtedly, our current society has become very proficient in the art of marketing a product through the world wide web. Proof of this reality manifests when one marvels at how quickly and simple it was to remember this expression because of its smooth, rhythmic flow that makes it so catchy. Furthermore, it stirs people’s curiosity enticing them to comply, captivated by the melodic and subtle charm that inevitably makes the person wonder, “What more does this channel have to offer me?” It is at this point where the clever indication of “ring the bell” takes effect. It assures the viewer that fear of missing out on possible content that may benefit them or enjoy, is handily resolved with the simple click of the bell icon on their screens. This is so because after “ringing the bell” the subscriber will be notified every time new content is put out by the channel they have subscribed to. Ergo, the purpose of a “rung bell” is to announce to the invested audience that information relevant to them is now ready to be shared with them. The inspired apostle to the Gentiles penned, “For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For ‘whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.’ How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher” (Romans 10:12-14)? Upon reading this pericope from Scripture, one can draw parallels between YouTube’s prompt and the Church’s great commission. It behooves the faithful saints of Jesus not to readily dismiss ideas taken from the world that may potentially improve the efficiency of sharing the Gospel to all mankind, just because it came from the world. Consider the fact that the inspired amanuenses of Holy Writ, too, used earthly concepts to explain heavenly truths (cf. Luke 10:25-37, John 2:13-22, Titus 1:12-13). Let us be sagacious instead and use these moments as means of obtaining a better understanding of our audience that will aid us in reaching them for the honor and glory of the Father (cf. Matthew 5:16). Therefore, keeping this in mind, it is fabulous to be able to make a spiritual application from this simple (yet effective) concept. However, in order for the obedient children of God to use a similar strategy of sowing the seed of the Kingdom skillfully, one must begin with noticing a few fundamental details that must already be in place. Observe that before the viewer is given any indication, their attention must first be attained. In real life, this is achieved by living a life that stands out as a “burning and shining lamp” (John 5:35, cf. Ephesians 5:8). The Master spoke these words in regards to the testimony that John the Immerser was able to provide because there were many who flocked to him because of how he conducted himself among them (cf. Matthew 3:1-6). For this reason, our path to persuading men to ring the bell in actuality begins by attracting their attention with our own obedience to God’s commandments; it is how our light pierces through the obsidian darkness that has engulfed humanity (cf. Exodus 10:21-23, Isaiah 60:1-3, 2nd Corinthians 6:11-18, Philippians 2:14-15). Once engaged, it is our duty to share with them the information that their inquisitive minds are seeking. On a certain occasion in Antioch after the apostle Paul delivered his spiritual message in the synagogue, “the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath” (Acts 13:42). Hearing from them about their deep desire of wanting to know more about what he had just shared with the Jews, Paul did not miss the opportunity to share with them the glad tidings of salvation in Christ Jesus, despite the fierce opposition this aroused in his countrymen (cf. Acts 13:44-52). It is judicious to remember that although the are those who at the beginning are interested in wanting to know more, it is not a guarantee that it will remain that way after the report has been delivered. Paul cautioned, “they have not all obeyed the Gospel. For Isaiah says, ‘LORD, who has believed our report’” (Romans 10:16)? The Holy Spirit’s purpose here is to remind us that, regardless of their obedience or disobedience to the Gospel, we as true Christians must continue to deliver the heavenly message. Still, this should not dissuade us from prompting those who have chosen to “watch” until the end to “subscribe” to Jesus Christ by “baptizing them in[to] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” for the remission of their sins (Matthew 28:19, addition OP, cf. Acts 2:37, 22:16). When Paul presented Christ’s Gospel to King Agrippa he gently pressed, “King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do believe” to which, sadly, the king replied, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian” (Acts 26:27-28). It is valuable for us to walk through the doors of opportunity that are opened for us, even if what is on the other side may not necessarily turn out as we would have hoped it would (cf. Acts 26:29). Rather, our focus should be on two unassailable truths; “We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do” and not all is lost since there are “some men [who] joined him and believed” (Luke 17:10b, Acts 17:34, addition OP). Those who make the choice to subscribe to the Gospel of salvation, they are the ones whom we must prompt to “ring the bell” and declare to them “the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27, cf. Matthew 28:20). Keep in mind that the goal of convincing the viewer to ring that bell is to keep them invested and updated in the content being dispensed by the channel. Spiritually speaking, this is no different that the apostolic exhortation, “as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious” (1st Peter 2:2-3). It is worth mentioning that ringing the bell is a benefit from subscribing to a person’s channel. The same is so when a man or woman gives their life over to Christ; spiritual growth can only come from those whose faith is obedient (cf. 2nd Peter 1:5-11, 3:17-18). To ring the bell is to “exhort one another daily, while it is called ‘Today,’ lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end” (Hebrews 3:13-14). Therefore, let us ring the bell of God’s pure Word daily in our lives, so that through our obedience and transformation we may acquire more interested, invested subscribers for Christ.