Acts 8:4 (KJV)
Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.
The first three verses set up the following passage (verses 4-25) and the work of Philip in Samaria. The remainder of the chapter "resolves" the life of Philip. What we have here is a factual statement: "Therefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word." Followed by a “for instance.” I believe that what happened with Philip in Samaria happened pretty much everywhere these scattered Christians went—preaching the Word. The details and specifics would have varied, but in general terms, this is an example of what was typical. It’s also a good description of what happens even today everywhere Christians go—preaching the Word.
Don’t get too flummoxed over the miracles. The Bible teaches that such things would cease. That they have ceased doesn’t change what is generally true of all genuine church work over the two thousand or so years since this example was laid out.
- There was a preacher.
- There were people who heard and gave heed.
- There were huge, “miraculous” changes in their lives.
- There was great joy because of this working of God.
But,
- There were some—likely most—who didn’t give heed, and
- There was one who became a problem in the church.
- There were those who came from the sending church to inspect the soundness of this ministry.
They confirmed what was right and corrected that which was in error.
I’ve been a Christian now for 48 years. I’ve been in the Baptist ministry for more than 42 of those years. I’ve witnessed this same scene played out countless times all across the United States. Further, I’ve supported, prayed for, and heard the reports of missionaries from around the globe testifying of the same in their areas of labor. What happened in Samaria two thousand years ago is repeated almost daily in our world right now.
We call it “church planting.”
#Acts8 #PreachingEverywhere #ChurchPlanting #LivesTransformed #GodAtWork
Scattered Yet Strong: The Ongoing Work of Church Planting
Are you actively sharing the Gospel where you are? Take a step today by sharing a Bible verse or testimony with someone who needs to hear it. Comment below with one way you’ve shared the Word recently, and let’s inspire each other!
🌎 Visit marvinmckenzie.org for more biblical insights and resources.
👉 Join our community in studying God’s Word and strengthening your faith.
To my readers:
Thank you! It is a great joy to me to know you read the thoughts and lessons God has given me in His word. I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave comments.
For this and, more than 6700 earlier Daily Visits with God, visit https://mckenzie-visit-with-god.blogspot.com. There you will find daily visits going back to 2005.
If you have been blessed by this blog, please subscribe to my feed and share it with others.
My books, and other resources, are available at:
https://marvinmckenzie.org
Join me at Daily Visits with God Podcast
https://marvinmckenzie.substack.com/
Merch at my Teespring store https://macz.creator-spring.com/
Be a witness with hats, mugs, t-shirts, sweat shirts, and more
Let’s have coffee?
The link to Ko-fi is an opportunity to support this effort to reach a world of souls with the Word of God. I would appreciate any gift you can give.
No comments:
Post a Comment