“TO BE CONTINUED”: The Unstoppable Gospel

Is your faith on "pause"? We often wait for the "next big thing" in our lives, much like waiting for the next season of a favorite show. But the Gospel isn't waiting on a schedule—it’s a living story that is "to be continued" through every believer. This post explores the "fire in the bones" that drove Jeremiah and the early church to keep the message moving, no matter the cost.

C. Atkinson

9/26/20233 min read

“Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” — Acts 2:41-42 (KJV)

Have you ever been deeply invested in a TV show or a movie, hanging on every word as the plot builds toward a climax, only to have the screen fade to black with the words “To Be Continued”? Because we are intrigued by the ending, we are willing to wait, making whatever sacrifices are necessary to see the conclusion.

I rejoice today because, as believers walking in Christ—baptized in His name and filled with His Spirit—we are the carriers of His Glory. Unlike a television broadcast, the Good News isn't waiting for a new season or a scheduled time slot. It is a story that continues through us, everywhere we go. It is not controlled by man; it is sustained by the Word of God, which stands forever (Psalm 138:2). We must be ready at all times! As 2 Timothy 4:2 says, we must be "instant in season and out of season."

The Wakeful Word

If we make ourselves available to the Lord, He is faithful to perform His Word. In Jeremiah 1:11-12, the Lord asked the prophet, “What do you see?” Jeremiah responded that he saw a branch of an almond tree. The Lord replied, “You have seen well, for I am ready to perform My word.”

The Hebrew word for almond comes from a root meaning “wakeful.” The almond tree is the first to "wake up" from the sleep of winter, blossoming as early as January. The Lord was showing Jeremiah that He is wide awake and alert over His Word, watching to ensure it is fulfilled.

A Fire in the Bones

Jeremiah was commissioned to speak hard truths to a people facing captivity. There were moments when he grew frustrated and tried to remain silent to avoid the struggle. But he discovered that he couldn't hold it in:

“But if I say I’ll never mention the Lord or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can’t do it!” (Jeremiah 20:9, NLT)

Not everyone will receive the Word of God, but the Gospel will continue regardless of the world's view. Christ has built His Church upon a Rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18).

Passed from Heart to Heart

The Word of God is designed to be shared. Think of the Samaritan woman at the well. She left her water pot and ran to tell her village, “Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?” (John 4:29). Because she spoke, the story continued. The Bible says many more believed, eventually telling her, "Now we believe, not because of what you said, but because we have heard Him ourselves."

The Word will always be available to us as long as we make ourselves available to meditate upon it. Whether you are in the grocery store, at your job, or traveling on a plane, be intentional. Carry your Bible, share a tract, or simply tell your testimony. Your story of what the Lord has done can change someone’s life.

Stay Alert

We are living in a world full of distractions that can pull us away from our purpose. Jesus promised He would return, but warned that no one knows the day or the hour (Mark 13:32-33). Therefore, we must be on guard.

Colossians 3:1-2 encourages us to set our sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor. When He returns, we want to be found with our minds stayed on Him.

On the Day of Pentecost, 3,000 souls were added to the church. They didn't just stop at baptism; they continued steadfastly. Let us not delay or restrain ourselves from following that same path of fellowship, doctrine, and prayer. This Gospel is “To Be Continued”—and the next chapter is being written through you.