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THE EXPONENTIAL INCREASE OF THE GOSPEL
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11
1 Thessalonians 1:6-8

Acts 17:1-9

 

“For from you sounded out

the word of the Lord…”

 

THE EXPONENTIAL INCREASE OF THE GOSPEL
 
While we do not know the exact number of converts that resulted from Paul’s ministry in Thessalonica, Acts 17:4 records that out of the Jews, “some of them believed”, and “of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few.” Paul described them as becoming “followers of us, and of the Lord” (1 Thess 1:6). It was a large enough group to draw the ire of the unbelieving Jews who persecuted them (Acts 17:5-6). Having received the Gospel, these new believers patterned themselves after Paul and his fellow missionaries. They learned from their evangelistic zeal and perseverance amid persecution, and in turn, they became “ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia” (1 Thess 1:7). What a wonderful transformation!
 
Not only were they an encouragement to other believers, they also became keen evangelists. From them, the Word of God “sounded out” (1 Thess 1:8, literally to emit a loud sound) in the regions round about. Despite the persecution that they faced, this fledgling church became well known in the area for their godly testimony and evangelistic zeal. It is certain that through their efforts, even more people were coming to repent of their sins and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.
 
Throughout the history of Christendom, there have been many churches like the Thessalonians. As the parable of the mustard seed promised, the small seed of the Gospel has grown and multiplied into a large tree with many branches. Each successive generation has done their part to witness for the Lord and contributed to the extension of God’s kingdom.
 
Just think about it: if every believer were to lead just a few people to salvation in their lifetime, and each of those believers in turn would also lead a few more people to salvation, we would have an exponential increase of believers from one generation to another! The generations before us have done their part, now it is up to us in the present to do ours. Will the Word of the Lord sound out from you?
 
THOUGHT: What would happen if one generation stops witnessing?
PRAYER: Father, may Thou grant me the courage and conviction to witness for Thee!

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