But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost. For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
Good morning friends. This statement from Paul to friends in Corinth provides a microcosm of the war for the expansion of Gods kingdom. At every stage of the process we see the resistance against the preachers and potential converts.
With the converts: the opportunity to hear the gospel, the grace for it to find root in their the hearts, the pains of discipleship, the gains of multiplication, and finally our transition from mortality to immortality eternity.
With the preacher: the preaching of the gospel, the discipleship, mentoring and coaching through sound doctrine, prophetic and apostolic covering. These stages denotes the doors that Paul described in our opening verses.
For instance, after the church plant in Thessalonica, he was detained with Silas, and were both deported. Knowing the potential adversities that these vulnerable young converts were likely to face in the absence of discipleship and sound doctrine, he prayed earnestly for God’s keeping grace to protect them from falling away. See excerpts from his letter:
For what thanks can we render to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sake before our God, night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face and perfect what is lacking in your faith?
This principle applies to any venture aimed at lifting humanity from despair, any project aimed at lifting the human spirit from poverty, lack and bankruptcy. So, the battle for the kingdom rages on dear friends, and we are called to fight the resistance and take it by force. Therefore I commend you today and always into His holy hands with words from Jude:
Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
~ Sabali
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Much love,
Clem
Healingsprings fellowship 