The evil schemes and plans of the enemy, the god of this world, has been constantly working to permanently thwart, oppose, destroy, counterfeit, distract, and to hinder the gospel. But with no success. The gospel continues to grow and bear fruit in different soil, all over the world. The gates of Hades has not succeeded to overcome the gospel. That is, the message of the life, the dead, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The gospel has been and is even today transforming lives across social, racial, economic, political and cultural backgrounds. Apostle Paul in his ministry noted that this gospel was finding home everywhere it was preached. Along the road it found a good soil in the heart of the Ethiopian eunuch; in Philippi, it found a home in the life of Lydia (a rich dealer of purple cloth), and in the jailer. In Berea it found a place in the hearts of many Jews and many prominent Greek men and women. In Athens a few men believed, while in Ephesus many believed. The gospel was establishing roots and fruits among both the Gentiles and the Jews. From Jerusalem to the ends of the earth, Paul could confidently attest that the gospel was bearing fruit and growing (Col. 1:6b).

God’s story of the power of the gospel is not yet done. It is still ongoing. Sometimes our physical eyes and our environment can deceive us; because they cannot give us the complete story. But the fact is, all over the world many people are finding hope and rest in Jesus. In Him, many are experiencing the divine love that has warmed their hearts and transformed their lives. All over the world- From Albania to Zimbabwe; from the Global South to the Global North, from the towns and villages of Africa to the biggest cities of America and Europe, the gospel is bearing fruit. All over the world, God is using his people to reach out to the lost.

The kingdom of this world and all those who preach a “different gospel- which is really no gospel at all” are being defeated. Darkness is disappearing and God’s light is taking over. The word of God is multiplying and many people are committing their lives to Christ (na bado!). Even in contexts where persecutions, afflictions, and tribulations are rampant, the word of God is growing each day. And all those who believe in this gospel in all ages, the church, are part of a big family- God’s oikos; moving and triumphing toward new Jerusalem.

Therefore, to all those laboring in God’s vineyard, keep on the good work of service and witnessing. It is not in vain. Scatter the seeds of the gospel in and out of season, it will sprout, He will make it grow and bear much fruit.