25/03/2015 - FROM DEMON-POSSESSED TO SERVANTS OF GOD

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But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. Acts 8:12

The servants of God must do the work in such a way that even the most incredulous believe in what they say. The power doesn’t come from man, but from God who grants this capacity so that our work in the Gospel may be complete and perfect as the work done by the Lord Jesus was. It’s no excuse to say that people are wicked, that they’d rather serve the devil and that, therefore, they won’t listen to us. People followed Jesus because they saw the signs He was showing.

Before leaving for the mission field, those who are called must prove whether they truly love the Lord – have and keep the commandments – because otherwise they won’t be loved by the heavenly Father (John 14:21). Now, if God does not honor the work that you set out to do, the result will be insignificant. The Almighty only honors those who honor Him (I Samuel 2:30). Our ministration cannot be inferior to anyone else’s, since it is God who does the work.

Christians have to talk about the Kingdom of Heaven and the name of Jesus. The message built on these two pillars leads the lost to make the decision to convert. People won’t feel that there really is truth in the preacher if he talks only about the Kingdom, or only about the name of the Lord. In order for the testimony to be complete to those who hear it, the preacher must always bring these two themes in several services.

When we talk about these two topics, people are happy and in awe because it is impossible not to marvel and follow the Path of the Most High when they see His power operating on them. That was the secret used by Christ, the apostles and by everyone who’s used by the Almighty. The Master set the example that we should follow His steps.

The outcome: the Samaritans converted and were baptized. Where the message is not complete, repentance toward God and the consequent baptism are steps not everybody takes. We make a difference by the way we minister, therefore don’t come up with any other way of doing the work and don’t be swayed by the enemy’s lies; stand firm in the place where the Lord has placed you. Temptations will abound, but Jesus is always the same (Hebrews 13:8).

Never fail to announce the Kingdom of Heavens and the Name above all names to those you are evangelizing, as there will be no miracles without such knowledge (Philippians 2:9). Healing is a miracle, but the decision to be saved is the greatest miracle that anyone can experience. Do not talk only about the salvation of the soul, for the example set by Jesus comprises the complete message.

The text provides us with valuable information: the correct preaching leads both men and women into making the right decision. In places where people are just members, the error might be in the preacher. Whoever does the work as Philip did in Samaria will obtain similar results. Allow yourself to be truly used by the Lord.

In Christ with Love,

R. R. Soares