When All Heaven Breaks Loose

All Heaven broke loose about 30 A.D. Jesus had been crucified, rose from the dead, and the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the 120 disciples that gathered in the upper room. 3000 were saved that day and baptized.

By 33 A.D. the church was under heavy persecution and had been scattered throughout Judea, Samaria, and Galilee. They preached (i.e., proclaimed) the gospel of Jesus whereever they went and many thousands more were converted to Christ. Saul the great persecutor of the church was converted to Christ and became the apostle Paul.

By 47 A.D. Paul and Barnabas were ready to embark upon a missionary journey that was going to go down in history as a world changer. By 57 A.D. many new churches had been planted throughout the Mediterranean world, and by 60 A.D. the gospel of Jesus Christ had been spread throughout much of the known Roman world.

30 years of great persecution and great advancement of the kingdom of God, only to be followed by the martyrdom of most of the original apostles and the apostle Paul.

In the latter days of the apostolic era only the apostle John remained, and in his exile on the island of Patmos he recorded the book of Revelation.

While the nations rage against the gospel of Jesus Christ and the advancement of God's kingdom, God's promise to provide for His own remains. And despite financial hard times and persectution the resounding cry and prayer of God's people was for the boldness to continue their mission of proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ.

So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: "Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them, who by the mouth of Your servant David have said: 'WHY DID THE NATIONS RAGE, AND THE PEOPLE PLOT VAIN THINGS? THE KINGS OF THE EARTH TOOK THEIR STAND, AND THE RULERS WERE GATHERED TOGETHER AGAINST THE LORD AND AGAINST HIS CHRIST.' "For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus." And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles' feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need. And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet. (Act 4:24-37)

When God's people humble themselves and pray for the power to accomplish God's mission all heaven breaks loose!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.

Yours in Him,
Pastor B.