The Daily Word

The Chinese are supposed to have invented gunpowder. Its very name suggests hostile use and since then man has gone on to develop even stronger and flexible sources of explosives, mainly for use in warfare. Apart from gunpowder which probably everyone has heard of, another well-known explosive is dynamite, which comes prepared in stick form which lends itself to many applications.

Explosives do have industrial and commercial uses. In the recent past, the cooling towers at Ferrybridge and Eggborough were demolished by controlled explosions and quarrying for stone would be hard pressed to turn out quantities required if it were not for explosives.

We use the word ‘dynamite’ in speech to describe words and actions which have a dramatic effect, creating emotional and mental shockwaves on those affected. In the verse we looked at yesterday, Paul goes on to describe the effect of the Gospel as ‘dynamite’, because the verse continues, “….. for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes!” Though dynamite had not been invented when Paul wrote those words, the Greek word for ‘power’ has the same thought as dynamite. The Gospel and Jesus Christ have revolutionised the world, and everyone who is saved, as an individual, can testify to that power which has transformed their whole existence. There is no stronger social power than the Gospel because it comes from the source of all power, God Himself. It overcomes every man-made social system and the very worst of mankind’s sinful habits. And it brings joy also. We would describe this in our terms today as a win-win result.

“Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift”

Article written by Brian Preston, Elder @SFGH Church