In Hyman Alterman’s book, “Counting People,” he estimates that there were more than one-fourth billion people on the earth at the beginning of the Christian era — more than 250 million people.
It is believed that the book of Acts was written in about AD 60. In AD 48, the Roman emperor Claudius ordered a general census of the Roman Empire. In the census, the males between 17 and 60 years of age were counted. There were 5,984,200 of them.
The point is this: The task, the mission, which had been set before those 120 Christians was enormous — impossible in human terms. “Evangelize Jerusalem,” Jesus said, “and all Judea and Samaria, and even the uttermost part of the earth.”
And do you know what happened? By Acts 19:10, you read that they essentially fulfilled this mission. They basically evangelized the world in which they lived. Do you know how they did it? They did it in the power of the Holy Spirit.
This edition of the Proclaimer shares stories and opportunities for the church to go beyond our walls and to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. You are not alone as you go and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. You are not alone because Jesus has given you, a follower of Christ, the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit fills us as Christians with power. Acts 1:8 tells us, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.”
The Holy Spirit gives us our purpose. Acts 1:8 continues, “and you will be my witnesses…”
The Holy Spirit directs our plans. Acts 1:8 concludes with, “in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (ESV)
SBC of Virginia is a convention, a fellowship, a family (if I may be so bold as to use that metaphor) of churches. We strengthen, mobilize, plant, and revitalize churches, together, as we seek to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus. We are not alone as we do this task. But, most of all, remember that because of the Holy Spirit, as you go, You Are Not Alone.
