Furtherance of the Gospel. Philippians 1:12. “But I would that ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the Gospel;” The work of the Gospel began small, and then a rising tide of living souls rolled out from the safe shore to reach places and people worldwide. Moving on men's and women's feet, the voices sounded out the news of a new life in Christ that is free and available to everyone. When the voices unify, come together in clear harmony, and are heard publicly, cities around the world listen to the truth. The sword of the Gospel is initially proclaimed in the big cities and then spreads to towns, farms, individuals, and large crowds. Jesus came from heaven to earth and was found in human form. He lived here in perfect holiness, blessing the people. Then, He died on the cross for our sins. But the story does not end there; He died for all, for us, for me – He died and rose again, ascended into heaven, and will be returning soon.
The country heard the message of the Gospel, and the nation, too, was singled out and called. From there, it spread to neighboring nations. The Gospel crosses borders, oceans, and cultures, moving from nations to continents. It has been passed down to the next generations. It gains momentum— the wave continues through persecution, violent deaths, and martyrdom. The foundation is solid; the Cornerstone is firmly in place; stones are added, but those that appear to be stones are fake— false apostles, prophets, and teachers are cast aside. Righteousness is visible; truth is audible; what is unseen is plausible; confidence is tangible. In times of hunger, it offers hope; when dryness parches the soul, it quenches the thirst. In times of war, it provides comfort; in grief, it offers solace; in darkness—light.
In prison, a man named Paul writes, while a guard watches his pen move across the pages, then steps closer to look, read, wonder, and ask questions. The answers come—clear, personal, and revealing his need that he cannot fill. He ponders and returns another day, another conversation, and reaches another conclusion. “I am a lost sinner, but Jesus died for my sins, was buried, and rose again. He is alive, He is my Savior!”
He is reborn; he is changed—his facial expressions, words, ways, and walk have all transformed. He speaks to those who know him, while another asks why he is different now. The Gospel spreads throughout the prison and the palace, the barracks, the army, and military camps in distant places. In the Middle East, Gaul, Italy, Greece, Britannia, and the farthest reaches of the empire, the Spirit of God works through new believers in Christ, establishing outposts of truth. People gather to sing, pray, worship, and learn. The faith of the Gospel is dispersed all over the empire. It grows amid life and death, famine and feast, fear and confidence, hope and despair.
God's offer of salvation comes without hesitation, bringing comfort and hope. It is spread across many nations, generations, and difficult circumstances. Through the words of wandering pilgrims to distant islands, by insightful minds speaking to great leaders, to hungry souls, questioning scholars, and mothers with children, “The Way” unfolds.
Finally, after years of moving forward, it came to me in a way planned by God — yes, to me. At first, it was unrecognized, unappreciated as important, and remained ignored, neglected, and unwanted. But then, things happened – planned by God, yet seemingly just happening. A mother’s song, a father’s prayer, a table, and a black book to read, and the “furtherance” of the Gospel became clearer. One word at first: “God,” then “Jesus,” then “sinner” – the message … of the Gospel.
The words come together as faith in them becomes real; the truth is lived, seen, and heard, and a dead spirit awakens. Faith in Christ was framed by divine intent and lived out by divine nature; new life—divine life—it has happened. God saved me. The indwelling Holy Spirit shaped new desires; “What does God want? Why am I here—Lord, what do You want?” He wanted availability: willingness to do the small things, which contributes to “The furtherance of the Gospel.” He wants responsibility: someone who can be trusted to do what is needed for “The furtherance of the Gospel.” the Lord wants suitability from someone who has learned from others and will gladly show Himself to people. There is accountability: to God and truth, to self and honor, to those who trust him and those who need to hear—“The things which happened… have fallen out… unto the Furtherance of the Gospel.”