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:
THE BEGINNING OF A NEW ERA
Jesus declared that John stood as a line of demarcation between the administration of the Law and that of the Gospel. "For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John" (Matt 11:13). Luke reads, "The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John; since then the gospel of the kingdom of God is preached, and everyone is forcing his way into it" (Luke 16:16).
John stood at the threshold of a new era, preparing the way for the "Christ of God." "From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it. For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John" (Matt 11:12-13, NIV).
How is it that, beginning with John, men pressed into the Kingdom, refusing to allow sin to dominate them? God gave the increase through the announcement of a Deliverer! The Scribes and Pharisees had not realized this type of following. Nor, indeed, had the prophets, who delivered the Word of the Lord. John's person did not attract the people nor did he employ a humanly developed technique to draw the people. This was the Lord's doing! They certainly were not attracted by his appearance. He did not flash impressive religious credentials before them. He did not work mighty miracles before them, for it is written , "John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true" (John 10:41). The line of demarcation between stilted and living religion was drawn by a message -- a life giving message.
It is true that the way to life is "strait," and "few there be that find it" (Matt 7:14). It is equally true that Jesus will, because of His vicarious atonement, "draw all men" unto Himself (John 12:32). We must never underrate the Gospel while giving inordinate emphasis to the methods and techniques of men! Though often quoted, reliance upon its truth is rarely seen in our day: "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile" (Rom 1:16, NIV). If the Gospel has lost its power (which it emphatically has not), you may be sure the power has not been transferred to the wisdom of men!
There are at least two reasons why the Gospel is so compelling--the message that boldly announces the Person and accomplishments of the Lord Jesus.
First, the Gospel comes to grips with the real need of humanity--a need that is made more clear by the Gospel itself. Second, Divine influence accompanies the Gospel. The Spirit convicts men of the sin of unbelief, the uniqueness of Christ's righteousness, and the judgment of Satan (John 16:8-11).
Far too much contemporary Christianity is lived on an old Testament level, driven by law and lived out by works instead of by faith. However, all of this is totally unacceptable. "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." (2 Cor 6:2). This is the time of Divine acceptance, abundant life, and spiritual increase!
PRAYER POINT: Father, through Jesus Christ, help me to live in harmony with this great day of salvation.