Let's talk about missions. Missions is God finding those whose hearts are right with Him and placing them where they can make a difference for His kingdom. Some of the greatest missionaries in history did not live long lives, but their lives dramatically affected eternity. I love the story of Philip in Acts chapter 8. What a great missionary example.
"Then the Spirit said to Philip, "Go near and overtake this chariot." Acts 8:29.
God had access to Philip and this exciting account shows how God used Philip's life to take the gospel to the ends of the earth. Philip was preaching powerfully in the city of Samaria. God used him so mightily that the entire city was rejoicing at the miracles God was doing. I think that this would be an evangelist's fondest desire, to see an entire city responding to the gospel through his preaching. But, we need to understand something about Philip then and us today: Philip was not activity-centered in his Christian life. He was God-centered! What I mean is that Philip was not preoccupied with expanding his reputation as a great preacher or miracle worker, he was concerned that his life remain in the center of God's activity! And, when he was instructed to leave his fruitful ministry, he did not hesitate.
Now comes the question: What about us? Are we more concerned about how fruitful our activities for God are or are we concerned about God and letting Him do the work? Many of us, no matter who we are or what we are doing can get so caught up in the activities that we forget the One who has caused it all to happen. Missions, preaching, teaching, pastoring, none of this is about how much we can do for God, it is about how much God wants to do to others through us! At times I think we forget this and need to be reminded. It is not our work, we are merely the vessels God has chosen to use at the particular time. Philip understood this. That is why he could leave when God told him to do so. (Acts 8:27).
God continues today to seek those as responsive as Philip to go on mission with Him. The reason God has not brought great revival to more places is not that He is unable or that He is unwilling. It is that He is looking first for those willing to have their lives radically adjusted away from their self-centered activities and placed into the center of God's activity around the world. And, sadly, He is not finding many takers. Have you seen the activity of God around you? What is God presently inviting you to do? How are you responding?
May God Richly Bless You Today!! H Trent!
"Then the Spirit said to Philip, "Go near and overtake this chariot." Acts 8:29.
God had access to Philip and this exciting account shows how God used Philip's life to take the gospel to the ends of the earth. Philip was preaching powerfully in the city of Samaria. God used him so mightily that the entire city was rejoicing at the miracles God was doing. I think that this would be an evangelist's fondest desire, to see an entire city responding to the gospel through his preaching. But, we need to understand something about Philip then and us today: Philip was not activity-centered in his Christian life. He was God-centered! What I mean is that Philip was not preoccupied with expanding his reputation as a great preacher or miracle worker, he was concerned that his life remain in the center of God's activity! And, when he was instructed to leave his fruitful ministry, he did not hesitate.
Now comes the question: What about us? Are we more concerned about how fruitful our activities for God are or are we concerned about God and letting Him do the work? Many of us, no matter who we are or what we are doing can get so caught up in the activities that we forget the One who has caused it all to happen. Missions, preaching, teaching, pastoring, none of this is about how much we can do for God, it is about how much God wants to do to others through us! At times I think we forget this and need to be reminded. It is not our work, we are merely the vessels God has chosen to use at the particular time. Philip understood this. That is why he could leave when God told him to do so. (Acts 8:27).
God continues today to seek those as responsive as Philip to go on mission with Him. The reason God has not brought great revival to more places is not that He is unable or that He is unwilling. It is that He is looking first for those willing to have their lives radically adjusted away from their self-centered activities and placed into the center of God's activity around the world. And, sadly, He is not finding many takers. Have you seen the activity of God around you? What is God presently inviting you to do? How are you responding?
May God Richly Bless You Today!! H Trent!
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