Jesus was born in Bethlehem at a time when Judea was under Roman occupation.
The Roman government built a vast highway and sea route system to move
goods and troops throughout the Roman Empire. It was these same routes
of travel that the early Christians used to transport the gospel to the
known world of that day, obeying what is commonly referred to as the
Great Commission of Jesus (Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-18).
At the time when Martin Luther was instrumental in starting what became
known as the Protestant Reformation (1500's), two significant things
occurred. Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press. Until this
time the leadership of the Catholic Church had been successful in
keeping the Bible out of the hands of the common people, enabling them
to interpret the scriptures for the people. With the invention of the
printing press, the Bible and other writings became available to the
masses.
Up until this time, copies of Bible had been written only in Hebrew,
Greek and Latin, none of which could be understood by the common
people. Martin Luther began translating the Bible into his native
language, German. Now the people could read and interpret the
scriptures for themselves.
Around the mid-twentieth century the charismatic movement was marked by
the invention of the cassette tape. Now messages by anointed
preachers/teachers could be listened to anytime, anywhere. The message
of the baptism with the Holy Spirit, the faith message, messages about
healing, prosperity and other Biblical subjects were circulated
worldwide on cassette tapes.
Personally, I have listened to many hours of anointed messages while
working, driving or just quietly listening and taking notes. I also
have the Bible being read on cassette tape.
Today, with the Internet and many other new inventions, information is
instantly available anywhere in the civilized world. I can write
teachings, prophecies or meeting announcements and with the click of
the mouse send them instantly to everyone in my address books. With
the click of the recipient's mouse they can then be forwarded to
others, with the potential of an audience greater than radio or
television.
With the Internet I can continually stay in touch with those I am
connected to for fellowship, encouragement and ministry. I believe the
Internet and other inventions of today signify that we are entering the
time when the apostolic church is coming into fullness, or coming to
completion. This is the most exciting time in all of history so far.
As I often say, surely we were born for such a time as this. Surely we
were born for this time! Glory to God! – reproduced with permission.