Our Blog

Thursday, August 27
Read Isaiah 40:12–17.
Lord Over All
“All nations before him are as nothing; and they are counted to him less than nothing, and vanity”  (v. 17).

Across the millennia, powerful nations have appeared on the world scene. Their individual displays of
wealth, power, and control extended across the many peoples on the globe. The culture of the ruling classes was
supreme over the inferior races confined within the boundaries of these kings and monarchs. People served as
slaves, bowing to the authority of the overlords: i.e., Israel under Pharaoh’s hand.
We learn from history that kingdoms rise and fall. It is a known fact that, in days gone by, Babylon, Persia, Rome,
and even China had their time of glory among the nations of the world. And that is history.
These kingdoms reigned, and their leaders ruled, oblivious to the reality that the very wisdom by which they
held their positions was a gift from the Almighty Creator God. “By me kings reign, and princes decree justice”
(Prov. 8:15).
Today, we see unfolding before our eyes the prophetic words of Jesus: “Nation shall rise against nation, and
kingdom against kingdom” (Luke 21:10). Leaders are challenging leaders with words, works, and weapons.
These, too, shall come to pass. God’s people are part of the kingdom that shall last forever. He truly is Lord over all! (WLR)

God’s kingdom is forever, and ever! Hallelujah! Amen!!

Read Acts 2:41-47.

Growth in Fellowship
“And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and
fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (v. 42).

Some years ago, I was sitting on the platform of a church in LaPaz, Bolivia, where I was to preach. During the service, a woman stood to testify. As she did so, there were tears streaming down her face as she spoke with passion. I suddenly felt a wonderful kindred spirit with her. I asked my missionary friend what she was saying. He told me that she said she knew she was saved but was earnestly seeking the blessing of entire sanctification. Later, as I reflected on the “oneness” I had felt, I realized there was little I had in common with her. She was of a different nationality, culture, and language. We lived in different worlds. The only thing we had in common was the one thing that mattered more than all else: the bond of the Holy Spirit, which made me inwardly exclaim, “She is truly my precious sister in Christ!”
The Greek word for this “oneness in Christ” is “koinonia” which is translated “fellowship.” It is a beautiful word that implies communion and communication in the unique relationship that exists between true believers. However, such relationships need to be and should be carefully nurtured by transparency, kindness, and love. (Michael Williams)
“How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”
(Psalm 133:1)