August 10

Written by Bill Grandi on August 10th, 2020

I read an interesting passage of Scripture today from Acts 11:19-30. I’ve read it oh-so-many-times before but I had a different reaction today. I suspect its because of the past 5 months of world events. Covid. George Floyd’s death. Protests. Riots. Lies of the media. The church having to adjust. It is the latter that hit me.

Acts 11:19-20 says, “Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only. But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they came to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus.”

Noticed what spurred them on? Persecution. Did you notice who they took the message to? The Jews-their own people. UNTIL some came from Cyprus and Cyrene and took the gospel to the Greeks at Antioch. Bingo!

There has been a lot of chatter and a lot of blogging about the church’s response to Covid and being told to shut down. My point here is not to argue that. My point is how, because of Covid, and because of “persecution,” the church had to go beyond its walls. No longer was I preaching to the church attender, to those who came on Sunday. I was preaching to unknown faces, unknown people, from who-knows-where. The church has expanded beyond the walls. And it looks as though it will continue. And that is all for the better. The message of the gospel was never intended to stay within its walls on a Sunday. The church must not waste this opportunity.

And FYI.  Want to see how Acts 11 culminated? Read verse 26.

“Father, thank you for the opportunity to take the message beyond the walls. I pray it will continue to expand until those who need to hear the message, hear it.”

 

4 Comments so far ↓

  1. Hallelujah! Great point, Bill!

  2. If it weren’t for “going beyond the walls,” Bill, I never would have been able to watch the Owen Valley service and hear your sermons. I’m counting this as one of my many blessings! By the way, your message on Sunday was terrific!
    Blessings!

    • Bill Grandi says:

      I’m humbled by your words Martha. Thank you so much for your kindness and for watching!