Devotionals by Pastor Chuck Swindoll
A solemn fear descended on the city, and the name of the Lord Jesus was greatly honored. (Acts 19:17)
Never doubt this fact: wherever we experience the bold and uncompromising declaration of God’s truth, we will encounter the test of spiritual warfare. Satan hates it when God’s Word is declared, believed, and obeyed. It is always when believers are in close harmony with one another . . . when the body of Christ is being taught . . . when Jesus is building His church that the attacks kick in.
The gates of Hades will pull out all the stops in hopes of hindering the ministry. But look at the power the Lord provided in the midst of the battle:
God was performing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, so that handkerchiefs or aprons were even carried from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out. (Acts 19:11–12 NASB)
God was at work in Ephesus. Not only were healings occurring, but also spiritual victories took place as evil spirits departed. When the teaching of the Scriptures occurs, when the name of the Lord Jesus Christ is lifted up, when God’s people remain faithful to His truth, the impact is absolutely remarkable.
Read the following account and imagine the original scene:
Fear fell upon them all and the name of the Lord Jesus was being magnified. Many also of those who had believed kept coming, confessing and disclosing their practices. And many of those who practiced magic brought their books together and began burning them in the sight of everyone; and they counted up the price of them and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. So the word of the Lord was growing mightily and prevailing. (Acts 19:17–20 NASB)
How marvelous! Lives are changing and Christ is honored. Diseases are healed and evil spirits are sent packing. God’s Word is making an impact and the church is growing and staying healthy. Finally, the tests are over! Wrong.
The church is never free of attacks, even in times of peace. When we believe we are safe, and when we relax, become indifferent, and let down our guard, the church begins to erode. Attacks come at the church from every direction.
Copyright © 2010 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc.
Used with permission. All rights reserved.
Listen to today's broadcast of Insight for Living with Chuck Swindoll at OnePlace.com.
Visit the Bible-teaching ministry of Chuck Swindoll at www.insight.org.
About Insight for Living
Join the millions who listen to the lively messages of Pastor Chuck Swindoll, a down-to-earth pastor who communicates God’s truth in understandable and practical terms, with a good dose of humor thrown in. Chuck’s messages help you apply the Bible to your own life.
About Pastor Chuck Swindoll
Charles R. Swindoll has devoted his life to the accurate, practical teaching and application of God's Word. Since 1998, he has served as the founder and senior pastor-teacher of Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas, but Chuck's listening audience extends far beyond a local church body. As a leading program in Christian broadcasting since 1979, Insight for Living airs in major Christian radio markets around the world, reaching people groups in languages they can understand. Chuck's extensive writing ministry has also served the body of Christ worldwide and his leadership as president and now chancellor of Dallas Theological Seminary has helped prepare and equip a new generation for ministry. Chuck and Cynthia, his partner in life and ministry, have four grown children, ten grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
Contact Insight for Living with Pastor Chuck Swindoll
customerservice@insight.org
http://www.insight.org/
Insight for Living
Post Office Box 5000
Frisco, Texas 75034
USA
1-800-772-8888