When we talk about communities being changed and transformed by the Good News, we have to believe it. There are three elements to our mission; three elements that make the Gospel unstoppable:
1. THE WORD OF GOD
The Word of God is powerful. The Bible tell us that we are born again of the incorruptible seed of God’s Word (1 Peter 1:23). It tells us that heaven and earth will pass away, but the Word of God will remain (Matthew 24:35). His Word and His Name is exalted above all things (Psalm 138:2). It tells us that faith comes by hearing, and hearing through the Word of God (Romans 10:17).
In the beginning, the world was formless and empty, but then God spoke creation into existence. When God speaks, things happen. When God speaks, things are accomplished. God’s word changes us and transforms us. As we declare God’s word, the ‘invisible’ world – God’s Kingdom – comes into the visible world. This is why Jesus taught us to pray – “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10).
God’s word is power. It is more than just ink on paper. It is more than just print on a book. It is the very voice of God being spoken into our lives. One word from God can change our lives forever.
2. GOOD WORKS
Doing good is part of a spiritual battle; every act of goodness is a declaration of spiritual warfare. We overcome evil by doing good.
Doing good can be hard work. But the Bible tells us not to grow weary of doing good, because in due season we will reap the harvest (Galatians 6:9). As Christians, we should be known for acts of goodness and acts of kindness. We live in a world where people are marginalised and overlooked; a world where people can be judgemental, harsh, and critical. As Christians, we need to be counter-cultural and be people who sow goodness and kindness into our communities.
3. SIGNS AND WONDERS
God works in people’s lives; He heals, He provides, and miracles happen. Through the Holy Spirit, God works miracles through us, ministering to and healing people. The signs and wonders that God does can change entire communities. For example, when Dorcas (Tabitha) was raised from the dead, the entire community believed in God and were saved.
When we are faithful in the small things, we can be faithful in the big things too. God can use us where we are, with what we have, to sow into communities and transform lives. We just have to believe, and be obedient to Him.