God's Kingdom Invades Macedonia, Ideal for Bible Study, Church and Personal Devotion

Here is a Biblical example of ‘Kingdom Invasion’.
Paul and Silas travelled to Macedonia with Dr Luke. In Acts 16 Luke says ‘we’, signifying he was party to the trip to Macedonia.
Paul dreamed a Macedonian man called him to help them. That led Paul and his team to Philippi.
Paul began preaching but was soon harassed by a demonised slave woman.
The demon inside her recognised Paul and Silas and knew their mission so she followed them shouting they were there to tell people how to be saved. Paul became annoyed and commanded the demon to leave her.
“She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so annoyed he turned and said to the spirit, In the name of Jesus Christ come out of her! At that moment the spirit left her.” Acts 16:18
Paul and Silas took the Kingdom of God to Macedonia and demonic powers were alerted. The demon in the slave woman sought to disrupt their work. Paul cast the spirit out of the woman.
This displayed the Kingdom of God invading Macedonia.
The existing order, under satanic power, was overcome by the authority of Christ. The Kingdom of God arrived and things began happening.
Jesus had already said that taking the Kingdom of God to places would result in miraculous impact.
“As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons.” Mat 10:7,8
James told Christians they have authority over the Devil.
“Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” Jms 4:7
Despite this display of power things did not go smoothly. The slave owners were outraged that their income source was taken from them, so they raised false accusations against Paul and Silas. Paul and Silas found themselves in court.
“They brought them before the magistrates and accused, These men are Jews, throwing our city into uproar by advocating customs unlawful for us Romans to accept or practice. The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten.” Acts 16:20-22
The Kingdom was not immediately welcomed, despite its power to save and transform. Vested interests brought a violent reaction.
Jesus warned of such reaction.
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Jn 16:33
Paul told Timothy to expect opposition.
“Everyone who will live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” 2Tim 3:12
Paul and Silas felt the sting of that opposition, flogged and imprisoned, with feet in stocks in the depths of the prison.
“After being severely flogged, they were thrown in prison. The jailer put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in stocks.” Acts 16:23,24
The opposition had no effect on these men. They were not bitter or discouraged. They trusted their lives to God and rejoiced even in adversity.
“At midnight Paul and Silas prayed and sang to God, the other prisoners listening.” Acts 16:25
That expresses the Kingdom. They submitted to God, so did not care about their lives. They rejoiced in suffering and trusted their fate to God.
God is in control despite government, legal system, business world and public outrage.
“A violent earthquake shook the prison foundations. All prison doors flew open, and all chains came loose.” Acts 16:26
The Kingdom of God was invading Macedonia and miraculous things now took place. The doors opened and the chains became free. That’s too amazing to put down to chance. It demonstrates the Kingdom of God!
The jailer panicked and was ready to kill himself, but Paul stopped him. The jailer was amazed and gave his life to God, his whole family accepting the message of Christ and being baptised.
“The jailer brought them to his house and set food before them; filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole house.” Acts 16:34
What took place in Macedonia is typical of what happened in many places. The Kingdom of God arrived, in the Gospel message causing faith, along with miracles to confirm the word.
Let’s catalogue the impact of the Kingdom of God arriving in Macedonia.
Power over Satan and Demons.
Power to endure opposition and persecution, without complaint and praising God.
Power to deliver from the full force of the local government, law and people.
Power to preach the Gospel and power in the Gospel to bring people to faith.
Power in witness of God’s people living out their faith even under persecution and opposition.
Power in the Gospel to save whole households.
Power of transformation in those who believe, bringing joy in their new standing as believers and God’s children.
Let me say, there is great power and joy when God’s Kingdom arrives.
Note for you, God’s Kingdom has arrived in your home, your heart and your home town, your workplace, your school, your church, and your nation.
I exhort you, in Jesus’ name, to tap into the power of the Kingdom of God right at hand for you. And let’s see what God will do as the Kingdom of God invades your world.

Ps Chris Field,