Acts 13:49 English Standard Version (ESV) And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region.

How did the word reach the whole region? That is easy to answer in that believers witnessed to the lost. It was the one on one approach. That is still the most effective way to reach the lost.

Revelation 14:6 English Standard Version (ESV) Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people.

Many believe this Word is related to the translation of the gospel into bibles printed and distributed. There has been a concerted effort by earnest scholars to see that happen. The problems that have arisen in the effort have not changed since the very first translations so long ago.

Influence and financing are key in getting this job done. Even back when Gutenberg invented his marvelous printing press and released so many Latin translations, influence and financing were still top issues. Gutenberg and his financial backer had a falling out. Most financiers expect a return on their investment. What about influence?

The Wycliffe Bible was an English translation from the late 14^th Century. It however was a hand written manuscript of just the New Testament. Handwritten manuscripts were expensive and only the rich could afford them. The rich represent both the influential aspect and financial considerations.

The spreading of the gospel during the reformation had everything to do with bibles being made available to the general public. Influence and financial considerations had to be ripe for that reformation.

How does all that influence us today? Bibles are readily available, that is not the problem. Influence is still a problem. Certain church administrations see that as a political problem and seek to tear down the barriers of negative influence.

We will better fulfill the will of God if we got back to the Acts 13:49 formula and spread the gospel face to face.

Love the lost. That is what Jesus did.

John 14:10 English Standard Version (ESV) Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works.

The most important part of this verse is that the Father does the work. Jesus does not take credit for the power of God working in Him and thru Him. So why is it we feel like we have done something?

We are being conformed into the image of Christ and as such those things which He demonstrated will be seen in us as long as we walk humbly with God. Praise God for all He does in us and thru us. The first work in us is to create a child of God in a deep personal relationship. Then as we mature we are fortunate to see God at work. Being in His presence as He works does not mean that we should take any credit for what God does.

2 Samuel 6:6-7 English Standard Version (ESV)

⁶ And when they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen stumbled. ⁷ And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah, and God struck him down there because of his error, and he died there beside the ark of God.

God doesn’t need our help to protect what is His. When we touch a Holy thing, we pollute it. Just like Uzzah we want to reach out and touch His work in order to say “I helped.”

I am reminded of take your child to work day. The boss never intended for the child to operate dangerous equipment. The child was there is observe and appreciate the father’s work.

The Lord’s loving kindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. Lam. 3:22

God is always at work.