SONS OF GOD BY THE SPIRIT IN 2013
“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on (into) his name...” – John 1:12
“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” – Romans 8:14
in recent years, i have been struck by how current the subject matter of World Missionary evangelism’s radio broadcast is -- even though it is usually cut well in advance of airing. back when i regularly preached in a pulpit, i often noticed that my message was on the same theme as other weekend sermons on tv, even though they were all prepared at different times by unassociated speakers in advance of airing.
this peculiar phenomenon is a work of the holy spirit. it is a work in which the human vessel must be open and alert to the mind of the spirit. not only must men and women of god be alert to what the spirit is saying, they must be alert to what god is doing or what god wants to do. it involves the practice of following the lord Jesus until you believe into the spiritual condition of “the lord, my shepherd.”
i believe that in missionary work it is particularly important to be alert to the mind and strategy of god. in doing so, it is always good to remember that god’s ways are not our ways, nor are god’s thoughts our thoughts. and god works in some very unexpected ways to achieve his goals and bring about his kingdom.
there has been a quiet and subtle change under way in india regarding the status of deletes (“untouchables”). the gospel of grace has made its input and paved the way, but further recent and positive change has been due to their improved economic status.
similarly, the Dallas Morning News noted in an article entitled “10 stories you may have missed in 2012,” that some irreconcilable issues between india and Pakistan are being ameliorated by a substantial increase in cross-border commerce occurring between 2004 and 2011. a key checkpoint at the attari-Wagah border crossing has been opened, and Pakistan granted india “most favored” status while india loosened visa requirements for Pakistani travelers. in 2005, the lord began powerfully opening up doors along the northern border of india to WMe, and more recently into Pakistan. in fact, WMe’s February 2013 newsletter appealed for financial help to strengthen and expand this work. and in this magazine, you can learn about needs of a Christian community in northern india.
one of WMe’s directors has a remarkably effective ministry to Moslem nations. one day during discussions with her, someone was terminally judgmental about Moslems. i have never forgotten our director’s reply: “Wouldn’t you rather see them saved?”
Well, wouldn’t you?
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