exceptionnoted

The next time you read through the books of Acts, underline every time you find the word “believe.” At the same time, circle every time you find a mention of the Scriptures, the word, or preaching. What you will soon discover is how radically committed the New Testament church was to proclaiming the Word of God and calling for belief in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Everywhere the apostles went they proclaimed the Word. Empowered by the Spirit, they were called to be witnesses (Acts 1:8). Indeed, filled with the Spirit they fulfilled their calling of proclaiming the Word (Acts 4:31). As a result, in just a few short decades churches were planted all over the Mediterranean. And within three centuries, the early church would become the dominant world religion.

Soon, my family and I will be alone in the tribe, and, I anticipate, our marriage, our parenthood, and our relationship with our Savior will face some difficult tests. 7-8 months from now, when the Williams’ return, we’ll be different people – we’ll have gone through a gauntlet of trials handed down by our Shepherd to draw us nearer to Him, conform us to His likeness, and to shape our affections: negatively, away from the transient; positively, towards the only Person who can satisfy the longings of our hearts.

God has graciously used this text and John Newton’s insight to catch our attention and prepare our hearts for what’s ahead:

And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
Therefore I…