“And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.” — Mark 16:20 NKJV
Welcome to the 34th weekly devotional recap of the year. This week, we learnt about the role of the Church in engaging with culture and the world through technology, the arts, other religions, and spiritual gifts.
We began by looking at the Church and technology. Many people feel they must choose between science and faith, as if believing in one cancels out the other, but scripture shows us that all creation ultimately points back to God (Psalm 19:1, Romans 1:20). As a believer, don’t just observe these innovations; see and use them as instruments to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. Ensure that you use every tool available to you to ultimately point people to the God who grants wisdom to invent and innovate.
On Tuesday, we learnt about the impact of art in the Church. Throughout history, hymns, paintings, poetry, and drama have served as tools to communicate the truths of scripture to people who could not read the Bible for themselves. As part of the church, you have a role to play in using the arts to glorify God. However, talent alone is not enough; your engagement with the arts must always be anchored in sound doctrine and faithfully reflect God’s truth. In a world saturated with media, stand out by creating art that reflects His beauty and character (Exodus 35:31-32, Matthew 5:16).
Wednesday’s devotional addressed other religions. Different religions may have overlapping moral teachings, but similarity does not necessarily equate to truth. We live in a world that celebrates unity, but Christianity is not one of many paths; it is God’s revealed way of reconciling the world to Himself (John 14:6).
As you engage people of other religions, do so with love and humility, praying and longing for their salvation (Romans 10:1). God has placed you where you are so that you can point everyone around you to the only way to God, which is Christ (1 Timothy 2:5).
On Thursday, we learnt about the place of spiritual gifts in evangelism. From the beginning, God went the extra mile to stamp the message of salvation with accompanying demonstrations of His power through signs, wonders, and the gifts of the Spirit (Hebrews 2:3-4). That is why, as we evangelise, we should desire the manifestation of spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:31) and trust God to confirm His Word through you (Mark 16:20). As you share the gospel, always remember that the miracles are not the message; instead, they validate both the message and the messenger as witnesses to the glorified Christ (Acts 2:33).
We ended the week with a charge to take the world for Jesus (Mark 16:15). The Great Commission is not a suggestion but a command. Just as the apostles carried the gospel until people said they had turned the world upside down (Acts 17:6), you too are called to take Christ into every sphere of your life. The same Spirit that empowered the apostles lives in you.
Stop waiting for perfect conditions, a bigger platform, or the right moment. Start instead with what you have and speak where you are. You must play your part in ensuring that the good news of Christ reaches the ends of the earth.
Dear believer, the Great Commission is as urgent today as when Jesus first gave it, and God has given you every tool you need to carry it out. From today, determine your part every day in spreading the gospel.
Have a beautiful weekend.
Bible Reading Plan: Psalm 142-147, Revelation 22:6-21, Romans 1:1-17