GOD CAUSES INCREASE "I have planted, Apollos watered; but God GAVE THE INCREASE. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that GIVETH THE INCREASE. " (1 Corinthians 3:6-7) -- Tomorrow:
Peter did not quote the so called "great commission" to the people at Pentecost! He did not urge them to "make disciples." There was no commandment for them to "preach the Gospel to every creature." The Apostles did not establish a missionary enterprise to ensure the Gospel would be preached, nor did they set in motion a discipleship program to guarantee the expansion of the church. Such thoughts are absurd when you are planting and watering the "seed of the Kingdom."
What we see here is God giving the increase to genuine "seed" and "water." This is simply the manner of the Kingdom. How sorely we need men that will, like Samuel of old, proclaim the "manner of the kingdom" (1 Sam 10:25). In Samuel's time, that "manner" involved ordinances and regulations. In this "day of salvation" it involves growth and increase--something unknown to those under the first covenant.
Let none imagine that proclaiming the words of our Lord as found in Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-16, and Luke 24:47 is wrong! These are never set forth, however, as the emphasis of preaching. Nor, indeed, are they ever mentioned in the Apostolic writings to the churches.
Jesus Himself and His atonement are to be at the heart of our proclamation! Those gladly receiving the Gospel will not be hesitant to respond to the Savior's commission to preach the Gospel! It will be in their hearts and minds, burning like a mighty fire.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Christ, grant me grace never to emphasize what men are to do above what Your only begotten Son has done.