The Beginning of Change —

For so many years man was fallen in sin without God’s promised Messiah to help him. Since Genesis 3:15-17, God had promised a way to redeem man from his sinful curse, but He seemed to be very late in fulfilling it. It is interesting how humankind has always felt and claimed that God was indifferent to man’s destruction, not interfering, not helping, but luckily this wasn’t and isn’t true at all.

We begin to see the provision of God’s perfect timing in the Gospel records of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These records are presented to us, by the Holy Spirit, in four forms: Matthew is assembled for the Hebrews, and so not surprisingly, the Old Testament prophets are often quoted and highlighted. Mark is believed to have been written by John Mark, who took notes from Peter. It is a fast-paced work that is quick to the point. Luke’s Gospel is put together from a Gentile doctor’s point of view. Through Dr. Luke, we have more details presented and explained to us. Finally, John is written for the Church, or the Ecclesia (the separated ones), who have devoted their lives to following Jesus Christ.

Following the gospels, we have the tremendously important book of Acts. It documents the arrival of the Promise from the Father, the Holy Spirit. It is fascinating that the first thing we read about the Church is that it has no building, it is comprised of people. The same is true today; God’s presence on earth in the lives of faithful, forgiven men and women is what unites the Church, not buildings or artificial structures.

These five New Testament documents show the beginning of a great change. We are the inheritors of this change, and today we actively wait for His return. We watch for Christ’s return while we pray for revival, allowing God to change our hearts, and working for the advancement of His kingdom. God is holy and eventually, He will make everything around Him holy as well.