February 20, 2023: They Tore Up The Place!

"These people are out to destroy the world, and now they've shown up on our doorstep, attacking everything we hold dear!" (Acts 17:6, The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language)

This is how sinners speak of Christians, especially those active in their faith, bringing people's lives in alignment with the Kingdom of God. When the Kingdom of God advances, the world or the kingdoms of darkness are threatened! They lash out. They attack because they know they cannot overcome the light. They accuse us because they are jealous of our freedom.

I love the reputation that the church, the ecclesia, has all over Rome's empire. This reputation is the power of the Gospel in the hands of Spirit-filled believers. The Gospel changes hearts; therefore, it changes people, families, friends, and cities. Because the Gospel brings such change, the old order of darkness must go, and a new order of light comes through Jesus Christ.

In the Old West, many towns were dark. They were filled with ruthless cowboys, shady gamblers, and selfish tycoons. Wicked men shot out windows, drank heavily, and threatened ordinary folks. The law was powerless to help. Then a new sheriff would come into town, bringing law and order. What was once a hell hole now became a place of peace, a free town. All the 'riffraff' had to go or come into alignment.

It is no wonder the darkness is afraid and resists. The Holy Spirit empowers the church to bring change! Life-giving change