As Pastor Pauley finished preaching the 15th chapter Acts, and began chapter 16, he pointed out how the Apostle Paul and his disciples became all things for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 9:21-22). In chapter 16, as Paul arrives in Lystra and Derbe, he meets a young disciple of Christ named Timothy (16:1). Timothy was “well spoken of” by the brethren at Lystra and Iconium (16:2), and Paul desired to bring him along on his missionary journey. But, in order for Timothy to earn acceptance among the Jews, who ritualistically abided by their understanding of the Mosaic Law, Paul had Timothy circumcised. It is interesting to read how the Apostle did what was needed to cultivate acceptance of the Gospel message—even among hostile hearers! But, what is more fantastic to consider is how God orchestrated the missionary endeavors of the early Church. Scripture doesn’t say this of every trip, yet it is easy to see all true missionary journeys as ordained by the Holy Spirit. In fact, it is safe to say that “Trinitarian ordainment” choreographed the missionary outreaches of the early Church.
For example, in Acts 16: 6-10, we see how all three persons of the Godhead (Trinity) supernaturally prompted the missionaries to either refrain from entering certain regions to evangelize, or directed them to enter specific regions. Paul and Timothy were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia (16:6); the Spirit of Jesus prohibited them from entering Bithynia (16:7). In Acts 16:10, Paul concluded that God had called them to preach the gospel in Macedonia, after the events of verse 9. Paul’s evangelistic logistics were not a result of his own ingenuity, but rather, divinely led. It was solely by God’s instigation that Paul chose that missionary route. Of all the cities he could have ventured to—and there were many—God directed him to Macedonia. Amazingly, by this “Trinitarian ordainment”, God inspired the mission team to act according to His will, thus causing the swift growth of the Church!
That was over 2,000 years ago. It’s fascinating to ponder, that by God’s providence, the church grew very rapidly. Incidentally, today’s church growth is still dependent upon this same sovereign intervention. Many times, we fail to perceive the reality that ALL church growth is by God’s hand. We are so blessed to have an unchanging God (Hebrews 13:8)! Human ingenuity and methodology has absolutely no bearing on evangelism and church growth. Yes, Christians plant the seed (the Gospel), and may even provide water, but ONLY God brings growth (1 Corinthians 3:5-6)! People contribute absolutely nothing toward the effectual process of an individual’s salvation; it is solely the work of the Holy Spirit. Salvation only occurs when God’s chosen are “drawn” to believe in Jesus Christ (John 6:44) by His Father. How God orchestrates the phenomenon of salvation is beyond human comprehension, and remains hidden from full knowledge (Deuteronomy 29:29; John 3:8; Romans 11:33). But it ought to comfort us to know that we have a God whose ways are beyond the limits of our understanding. We may rejoice in being limited in our humanity in comprehending God’s omniscience and omnipotence!
How gratifying it is that Elim embraces the doctrine of the Trinity. To be honest, I find it incredibly troubling that others who call themselves Christians deny this truth. Scripture is clear regarding the existence of the Trinity. For instance, Then God said, “Let US make man in OUR image… (Genesis 1:26-emphasis added). Note that God made this declaration in the plural; “US” and “OUR” clearly indicate more than one. Or, “I [John the Baptist] myself did not know Him [Jesus Christ], but He [God, the Father] who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit [Holy Spirit] descend and remain, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit‘” (John 1:33-parenthesis added). In this verse, all three persons of the Godhead are referenced; it’s one of the strongest Trinitarian verses in the entire Bible! I close by quoting the final verse of Elim’s customarily sung doxology at most every Sunday’s worship service, Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen!
Posted on June 2nd, 2011 by Robert
Filed under: From the Pew