ARE YOUR PLANS IN VAIN? David Wilkerson (1931-2011) March 25, 2020 “This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14). Many in the church today try to determine the nearness of Christ’s return by reading the signs of the times; for instance, the return of the Jews to Israel.  Jesus clearly states that the end will come only after the gospel has been preached to all nations as a testimony. “Proof of fact” is the definition of the Greek word that is used for “witness” in the verse above.   Christ isn’t speaking of just preaching the gospel but presenting it as a testimony.  He says that the gospel we preach is effective only if it’s backed up by a life that testifies to its reality. One would think that America, with its thousands of evangelical churches, would present a strong gospel witness.  In one large southern city alone, there are over 2,000 evangelical churches.  But many of these churches have so compromised the true gospel of Christ that very little of Christ’s lordship shines through in the lives of the people. Far too many ministers, both young and old, run all over the world attending seminars, conventions and “think tanks,” searching for the key to building larger ministries.  Young ministry professionals are armed with charts and polls while listening to lectures on how to “grow your church.”  Still others flock to “revivals” hoping to learn new methods of enabling the Holy Spirit to fall on their congregation. As missions societies send out more workers, too many missionaries are coming home within just a few years, discouraged and beaten down because they never developed a firsthand knowledge of Christ’s lordship or the fullness of the Holy Spirit.  There is a need for more qualified people to win the nations to Christ but only the presence and anointing of the Holy Spirit will bring lasting success.  The gospel of Jesus Christ will be preached as a testimony — and then the Lord will come! Beloved, your plans are in vain if Jesus is not enthroned in every area of your life.  As you acquire knowledge and employ new ideas and strategies, be sure the life of Christ dwells in you. Read this devotional online PDF version of this devotional Forward to a Friend Pulpit Series Newsletters It's Time to Believe, Part 2 Gary Wilkerson 03/16/20 It's Time to Believe Nicky Cruz 02/17/20 Share this Devotion   For more sermons by David Wilkerson visit our Pulpit Series Newsletters and Sermon Center Connect with David Wilkerson and World Challenge on Facebook Connect with World Challenge and David Wilkerson on Twitter Connect with World Challenge on Instagram Connect with us through the World Challenge YouTube channel

You are welcome to make copies for FREE distribution or retransmit the devotional via e-mail, but all devotionals must be copied or retransmitted in their entirety. However, devotionals may not be posted on any website, printed, or used in any media without written permission from World Challenge, Inc. Each request is considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact World Challenge, Inc. using our online contact form or by calling (719) 487-7888. © 2020 World Challenge, Inc. Transforming Lives Through the Message and Mission of Jesus Christ