Dr. Marc Drake, Sr. Pastor, First Baptist Church, Sun Lakes
“But the Word of God is not bound!” (2 Timothy 2:9). What powerful words from the first century that must never be forgotten here in the 21st century. The Apostle Paul wrote those words from a prison cell and it was part of a letter that was most likely his last one before facing a Roman executioner. Imagine! Bound by chains, facing imminent martyrdom, and yet declaring to Timothy (a young pastor), “These chains may stop me, but they can never stop the gospel.” Paul was absolutely convinced that the message of the risen Christ preached to the nations could not be stopped. In the words of missions’ leader Tim Keesee, “The gospel is not bound by lines on a map.” Paul knew the power of God’s Word to cross those geographical boundaries (no matter how formidable), and thus he said, “Brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored.” (2 Thessalonians 3:1).
Yet, over the centuries others have challenged and attacked God’s Word. For example, the French agnostic, Voltaire, declared in 1788 that in 100 there would not be a Bible. Interestingly, 100 years later in 1888, Voltaire’s house was owned and used by the Geneva Bible Society to spread the Word all across Europe. I love the divine sense of humor here! God always has the last word and, as Paul says, “The Word of God is not bound.”
Yes, we live in uncertain times. But we can face a changing culture in the strength of a changeless God. The words of the great British pastor, Charles Spurgeon, are as inspiring today as they were when he said them in the 19th century: “As for His failing of you, never dream of it – hate the thought of it. The God who has been sufficient until now should be trusted to the end.” Do you have this unwavering confidence in God and His Word?
Millions of Christians celebrated Easter last month. But we celebrate it this month as well and every month. This day and every day. For we have a real Savior who came to a real place at a real point in time. So what happens after Easter? We keep proclaiming with the angel in Matthew 28:6, “He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said.” It is a timeless message backed by the authority and power of God Himself. Governments around the globe may seek to suppress the Scriptures and the truth of Christ’s death and bodily resurrection, but because of His victory the Word of God is not bound!