Church devotion: Gospel Fruit - Colossians 1:6b

Colossians 1:6b            In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace. (NIV)

            Yesterday, we concluded our annual Vacation Bible School for our church kids. It was a great success. The youngsters enjoyed a whole weekend of singing, crafting, playing, and listening. They learned Bible stories, sang new songs, made new friends, and enjoyed being there. It was good to see that all of the preparation, organization, and volunteering was very worthwhile. The whole church is very thankful for everyone who worked together to make the VBS program successful.

            We won’t see the fruits of our VBS work for many years. The seeds of faith that have been planted will take time to grow. However, if all goes according to plan, then some of those youngsters will become faith teachers in the future, passing on the Gospel to their next generation.

            Today, all over the world, people will hear the Gospel for the first time and it will impact their lives forever. Christ’s Church is always growing; in fact, in both the continents of Africa and Asia, it is multiplying at an exceptional rate. Church growth experts even predict that by 2030, China will be the largest Christian nation on Earth! That will be amazing and I hope I get to see it in my lifetime.

            Wherever you go today and whoever you encounter, please plant seeds of the Gospel with your words and deeds. Who knows, whatever you say or accomplish in Christ’s Name today may have a fruitful outcome in the future lives of others.

Questions for reflection

Who once shared the Gospel with me? Who can I share the Gospel with today?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, help us to serve You today by witnessing to Your love in positive, influential, and effective ways. Enable us to see each person that we encounter as a child of God’s grace. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. You can contact him by email at Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s Celtic Cross drawing called ‘Celtic resurrection.’ If you would like to view a larger version, please click on this link: Cross.