As the gospel swept through Asia and Europe no man was more influential in the preaching and forwarding of the message than Paul. Now incarcerated, Paul has not stopped his activity for he has not ceased reliance upon God. To a friend Hudson Taylor wrote, “Remember, the devil can wall you round, but he cannot roof you in.”The Spirit’s blessing is evident still, despite bonds.
We find that his estimation of the gospel’s progress is summarized in a few statements of activity. Firstly, there was the gospel which was being preached in his bonds (vs.12-13). Secondly, his bonds were inciting courage in the Lord in personal witness amongst the Christians in Rome, to boldly speak for Christ outside of prison (vs.14-18). Lastly, there was the defense of the gospel which was being made to the highest court in the world (vs.18). How could a hardened envoy of the gospel not rejoice at such advances despite personal risk?
Guerrilla Evangelism
“But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;” (Philippians 1:12-13)
The gospel is a tremendously unstoppable message- and many have tried to stay its course but failed. The gospel is like a wall-flower that often takes root and prospers in the craggiest, most unlikely places- but bears a testimony to God’s grace in vivid clarity and contrast.
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Rejoicing for the Gospel
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American Politics, Christian Conservatism, and the Onus of the Almighty
I have a lot of American friends involved in this years presidential campaign. And honestly, I hate to think of the resources which Satan has cleverly diverted from the gospel in the name of the American elections and political agenda. While many Christians are campaigning for conservatism between now and November, it is projected that 2,000,000 Americans will die. Every Christian political campaigner who knocks on 30 doors, will encounter 1 individual who will enter eternity before the next election. This means that if an average of 150 homes are visited, 5 of these people will meet God in judgment this year. It’s just 5! But before 2012 that will be 20. And for every commitment obtained, its’ just that- one commitment, one vote.
No souls.
No eternal rejoicing.
No salvation from the leaping flames of hell.
Four years from now, you will have to convince the same people to be conservative again. They will vote conservative now, even though they may still be living liberally in sin. Every soul reached for Christ will still be saved in 2012! Consider your obligation on account of 5 or 20 souls. On pain of sounding sacrilegious- and believe me I say this in the utmost fear of God- if Jesus Christ were to be here today might he not amend his question of ultimate purpose to ‘what shall a man be profited, if he win the election, but lose souls?’ What if we win a few votes for conservatism, only to lose the voters in the liberal judgment of God for eternity? Will God hold us blameless? Christians in America, let’s get on with the real agenda!
This is a preview of
What Are We Doing Here?
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