Prodigal: I just finished reading.
Me: Was it something good.
Prodigal: It was not only truth but encouraging.
Me: We will share then.
This comes from the book Growing Deep in the Christian Life by Charles Swindoll
God has always had a people, a people who believe by faith,
who trust and obey His Word, a people whose God is the Lord.
Many a foolish conqueror has made the mistake of thinking that because he had forced the Church of Jesus Christ out of sight, He had stilled its voice and snuffed out its life.
But God has always had a people; He has always had a people who believe; that believe His Word, a people whose God is the Lord.
The powerful current of a rushing river is not diminished because it is forced to flow underground. The purest water is the stream that bursts crystal clear into the sunlight after it has forced its way through solid rock.
There have been charlatans, like Simon the magician, who sought to barter on the open market that power which cannot be bought or sold. But, God has always had a people…men who could not be bought, and women who were beyond purchase. God has always had a people–people who believe by faith!
There have been times of affluence and prosperity when the Church’s message has been diluted into oblivion by those who sought to make it socially attractive, neatly organized, and financially profitable.
It has been gold-plated, draped in purple, and encrusted with jewels. It has been misrepresented, ridiculed, lauded, and scorned.
These followers of Jesus Christ has been, according to the whim of the times, elevated as sacred leaders, and martyred as heretics. Yet, through it all there marches on that powerful army of the meek–God’s chosen people who cannot be bought, flattered, murdered, or stilled! On through the ages they march!
God has always had a people–the Church, God’s Church triumphant! God has always had a people, followers of Jesus–chosen people. A people who believe by faith, who trust and believe His Word, a people whose God is the Lord. God has always–always–had a people!
For thou has been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in thy tabernacle forever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings.
Psalm 61:3-4
Jennifer Van Allen
www.theprodigalpig.com
www.faithincounseling.org
