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Oct 14, 2024 06:00am

Breaking Through Closed Gates

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When I was younger, the local TV station had a promo highlighting the signs in different towns. I remember vividly the signs of Pocahontas, Cherokee Village, Paragould, and Wynne. But these signs were more than just a location on a map. They were designed to tell you something about that place, the people who lived there, and the community that thrived inside that city gate. What was on those signs said a lot about that place.

Acts 16:13
“On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there.”

Interestingly, these missionaries were looking for a place to worship while in Philippi. They went outside the city gate to pray. Don’t you find that odd? Reading further into it, I found a commentary that said that etched on the arches outside the city was a warning prohibiting anyone from bringing an unrecognized religion into the city.

So, this is why they were outside the city praying and preaching.

Many places today are still closed to “unrecognized” religion. What they mean is that we have our own thing; we do not need God. They don’t want to hear the truth. Because if they did, they would see their sin for what it is, change their whole way of life, and expose them for who they really are.

But it doesn’t stop missionaries from going. They find creative ways to minister to people and share the gospel. Teams work in some areas to disciple groups that will go into a closed area for work. Through them, the gospel will spread as they live their lives and share the truth with those they meet.

It’s in many of those areas where even though a missionary can’t go, the airwaves can. Digital media can. Lifeword can. Through Lifeword, many are coming to know the truth about Christ and His love for the people worldwide, even though they live in an area where even owning a Bible could mean prison or death. Lifeword partners with missionaries to broadcast gospel-centered programming in their language throughout their region. And people are coming to faith in Jesus because of it.

The sign outside the city of Philippi was clear – the gospel was not welcome there. America seems to have a similar sign hanging on its city gates. But it didn’t stop Paul and won’t stop us today. Go and make disciples. That was Jesus’ command. Not just in the places where you’re welcomed, not just in the places where they hold a parade in your honor or hang up a sign saying “Jesus is welcome here!”. But to all the nations.

Lifeword will go. Will you join us?

Go to WeTelltheStory.com to learn more.