Perhaps the church in too many places has forgotten a fundamental truth of Scripture–God’s power in this world is unleashed through the faithful actions and efforts of his people. I wonder if the church has too often come to expect God to act when we are not fully committing ourselves to his plan and purpose. I wonder if a lot of our activities have little impact on the long-term health of the church and the advancement of God’s saving purpose in the world.
Late yesterday afternoon, I received a phone call. Put late afternoon and early evening plans on hold–delay dinner. A young man involved with the college ministry wants to be baptized. A little after 7 p.m. on a Friday evening, eight of us assembled to witness the baptism of yet another soul into Christ.
This story in itself would perhaps not be amazing. What makes it noteworthy is that this is the third baptism in this congregation of about 200 members in the last 10 days. What happens when the gospel is being shared, salvation is being preached, Christians are reminded of their responsibility to talk and invite and study and encourage? What happens when sermons focus on God’s eternal plan and purpose, when the expectation is that God’s people will assemble for one reason–to find power and encouragement for going forth as God’s representatives into a dark world? What happens when the church quits assembling for itself and focuses on Christ? What happens is that God’s power is unleashed and that souls are saved, the kingdom spreads.
Many of us have seen it happen again and again in foreign mission fields. Many others have concluded it cannot happen in the U.S. and have almost ceased God-glorifying, people-saving teaching, preaching, conversations and interactions.
Here is what I want you to know. God blesses our efforts when they are devoted to accomplishing his eternal plan and purpose.