28/04/08

The advancing Word of God

Acts 12:24 - But the word of God continued to advance and gain adherents

The book of Acts (as recorded by Luke) is unique. No other book describing the earliest developments of the church is extant - our view of the first century would be impoverished if we did not have it. In the book Luke is recording God's actions on earth - not human struggles to reach out and grasp God. God's Spirit brought the Word of God into the hearts of those people in phenomenal ways - by a living dynamic we only dimly perceive but which conquered the souls and consciences of men. Powerful perceptions and personal testimonies were written down to preserve them for later times - and our gaze into these scriptures places once again some of those tools in the hands of God's Spirit who moves in our times as well.

A span of twenty centuries and a dark era in between has not stripped God of His power to advance His purposes, often in the most difficult of places and least likely (to us) societies. Our ignorance of God's activities is not evidence that God has retired. The message of Jesus penetrates every political corner of the world - millions are becoming Christians in such places as China where religious activities are illegal. If we could only know what God is doing in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Tibet, Nepal, Iraq and India (especially the remote areas) - we would say "the word of God continues to advance and gain adherents."


[ Prayer Starter ]

Father, we are thrilled that the power of your Word penetrates the darkest reaches of our world. Heal our blindness and bring vision to those churches who only housekeep for the Lord in their comfortable surroundings and meaningless rituals. I ask this pray in Jesus' Name, Amen.

The Word of God was given free to us, therefore we should also share it freely with others.
(All rights are with God)