Netherwood Park church of Christ -- Carman's Corner |
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| VOL. 32 | October 1, 2000 | NO. 40 |
| Speading The Word ! |
In the book of Acts, we read that something spectacular happened in Ephesus! In Paul's day, the city had a population of some 600,000 people. After re-baptizing 12 men who were improperly taught, he entered the Jewish Synagogue where he persuasively taught about the kingdom of God. Many believed!
When some of the Jews became obstinate and began to speak against the teaching of the word, Paul began to teach in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. As a result, everyone who lived in the province of Asia heard the Word. Many more believed. The word was getting out!
Paul also performed extaordinary miracles as confirmation of the message he taught. The entire city was being impacted by the ministry of the Apostle. Ephesus KNEW Paul was in town!
In the course of time, a silversmith named Demetrius raised up an angry mob to challenge the message being taught by Paul. The powerful message of the Christ was causing the idolatrous worshippers of Artemis to become fearful that the doors to their pagan temple might soon be closed. They believed that far too many people were turning to the Lord.
Demetrius caused the entire city to be in an uproar! City officials met in order to quiet down the noisy mob. Demetrius and his cohorts were told to take their case before a legal court of law or else to be quiet!
This is an amazing story! Paul was only in Ephesus for about three years, yet the word of the Lord permeated throughout the entire city. People were being polarized into two camps (believers and unbelievers). It seemed as though the entire city was being affected by the message Paul preached.
I wonder what Paul would do if he came to Albuquerque? Where would he begin his ministry? How would the city receive his message? How would WE WHO ARE CHRISTIANS receive his message? What would the message be?
Do you think Paul would insist that we get out among the unbelievers and spread the word? Would he be grieved because we have not impacted our entire city of 600,000+ people?
I suspect Paul would say that after all these years, the church should have made a much greater impact. What do YOU think?
-- George Carman
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