"So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily." Acts 19:20
Smack dab in the middle of one of my favorite stories in Scripture, in almost the middle of the book of Acts, is one of my favorite verses. A reminder to me, that when believers do what God has called them to do, proclaim the truth he has called us to proclaim, His Word goes to work. By the power of His Spirit, His word goes forward and doesn't fail.
This past weekend, we, not me John White but we, The Village Church, proclaimed the truth of the Word of God - that Jesus Christ has come to save sinners. And as that truth was proclaimed God's Word went to work and started stirring the hearts and minds of those hearing it. Don't let yourself believe for a minute that because no one jumped to their feet or rushed to be baptized that the Word of the Lord isn't increasing and prevailing mightily.
At the end, while everyone was standing and singing Joy to the World, there came a moment where a strangely placed applause broke out. Many have said they had no idea what was going on. Well here is what happened. The Lord's Word increased and prevailed mightily, and a young man surrendered his heart to the King of kings. He came forward confessing the risen Christ before man as his Lord and Savior and He was baptized in the name of the Father the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Christmas Eve has come and gone, and with it the official launch of The Village Church. We are here. Doors officially open. I can't wait to see what 2018 holds! There is a community around us in great need. May we ever be known as a church, may our community become known as a community, like the one in Acts 19, where the word of the Lord is increasing and prevailing mightily.
Happy New Year!
Grace & Peace,
John
(You can reach Pastor John at jwhite@thevillagemi.com)