Seeing the World in Gospel

I spent a good portion of this evening reading in the book of Acts from chapters 11-20 and marveling at the expression of faith contained in the pages as seen in the cities of Asia Minor, in Israel, in homes, in streets, in synagogues, in prisons, in shackles, on an island, in dreams, in miraculous rescues and countless other places and various means.

Deep in my heart I want to live in those pages walking with other people whose passion and longing is Gospel Proclamation.

As I read, I wondered why I don't see more of the World in Gospel and the Jesus way?  It is a spiritual contemplation that I often ponder upon and wrestle with and find myself in its midst again tonight.

Sadly, Gospel living has been reduced too so much that is less than the Gospel that it should not surprise us that the church at large does not really know the Gospel anymore.  I think that is why in these days I find myself reading more in the Acts of the Holy Spirit in my spare time.

I don't want to leave this planet to my glorious existence in Christ's eternal presence without tasting the splendor of living in a Gospel movement somewhere on this planet in my lifetime.  This has become the dominant thought in my heart when I am alone with Christ.

I can't list all of them, but here are some texts in my reading that quickened my heart again in Gospel longing.  Do you long for this as well?  Maybe we should unite our hearts in prayer and relationship in this Acts of the Holy Spirit longing!

Acts 11:20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.
I want to proclaim and see a great number turn to the Lord.

Acts 11:26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians. 
I want to be in the midst of people who long to be taught the Word and are so distinct the world gives us a name of distinction.

Acts 12:5 So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.
I want to plead with others to Jesus for His saints imprisoned for the Gospel.

Acts 12:7 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his hands.
I want to be in places where God sends His angels to do the miraculous.

Acts 12:24 But the word of God increased and multiplied.
I want to see this consistently happen.

Acts 13:2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.
I want to be a part of a church that sends people to the nations.

Acts 13:12 Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had occurred, for he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord.
I desire to see people astonished at the teaching of scripture as the Gospel is proclaimed.

Acts 13:49 And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region.
I want to see the word spreading through a whole region.

Acts 13:52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
I want to walk with others in joy and the Holy Spirit.

Acts 14:19 But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. 20 But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe.
I want to live among those when they are persecuted and dragged out of the city, get back up and go back into the city.

Acts 14:27 And when they arrived and gathered the church together, they declared all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. 
I want to live among a people who have something to share when they come together!

Acts 16:23 And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely. 24 Having received this order, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. 25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them,

I want to sing songs of worship in the night.

These are the stirrings in my heart in these days.

Could it be that God is awakening in you to this same aim?

Isn't it time His people left comfort behind and embraced "wherever He leads I'll go"?