This morning’s sermon text from Acts presents the conclusion of the Jerusalem council and the beginning of Paul’s second missionary journey. Having settled a major theological dispute for the time being, we once again find the church at work spreading the gospel to the ends of the earth. This theme runs throughout today’s service. The Gospel Invitation from Revelation declares that “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdom of our Lord.” This sentiment is echoed in the Call to Worship from Psalm 47 (which we later sing): “all peoples” should clap their hands, since “God reigns over the nations.” We read from Matthew 28 Jesus’ great commission to “make disciples of all nations.” We respond with hymns like Great And Marvelous, O Church, Arise, Ye Servants Of God, and Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus, which encourage us to “publish abroad His wonderful name,” to “go to a world that is dying, His perfect salvation to tell,” and to “[reach] out to those in darkness” with the good news of the gospel. Though at times, the church seems mired in disagreement, we have confidence that like her Savior she is ever “gaining ground.” Because we believe the promises of our glorious Redeemer, we can look forward to the day when all the nations come to worship before His throne and His love tunes every heart and tongue.
—Henry C. Haffner
