The Mystery Now Revealed
“Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.” (Romans 16:25-27)
Dear Friends and Prayer Partners,
There exists in the human heart a peculiar longing for that which has been concealed to be at last revealed. We delight in the moment when the curtain is drawn back and what was once hidden stands before us in full clarity. This sentiment lies at the very heart of Romans 16s conclusion, a passage that speaks of the mystery once veiled but now gloriously manifest through Christ.
The mystery of which Paul speaks is not some arcane riddle meant to perplex the intellect, but rather the everlasting gospel itself, that mystery kept hidden since the world began but now made known through prophetic writings. What a remarkable thought: that the eternal God, in His perfect wisdom and timing, has chosen to reveal His redemptive plan to all nations for the obedience of faith. The very scriptures that seemed to conceal now illuminate; what was once shadow has become substance.
Church Update: Building Upon Revelation
Our work at George County Baptist Church bears striking resemblance to this pattern of change. Just as the mystery of the gospel was kept secret for ages but is now manifest, so too our church has undergone a transformation that reveals God’s continuing work. The changes we have implemented (our name change, restructuring, and removal of certain hindrances) have positioned us to rebuild with renewed purpose and vision.
I confess that I sometimes forget how recently these changes were made, yet already we see evidence of God’s establishing hand. Though summer attendance remains predictably modest (as families scatter for vacations and camps, etc.), we are encouraged by those who faithfully attend to study God’s Word. The empty seats, while sobering reminders of work yet to be done, serve not to discourage but to spur us onward in prayer and faithfulness.
Our studies through Scripture have been particularly rich. We made our way through Matthew, Mark, and Luke, Ruth, and halfway through the book of Romans. In between we have had numerous topical studies, including wrapping up our current studies on The Lamb of God. Each book comes with increased excitement as we see how one builds upon the other.
July Focus: The Family
Beginning in July, we will pivot our teaching emphasis (apart from Sunday School) to focus exclusively on the family. This decision stems from a deep conviction regarding the foundational nature of the family. If the mystery of the gospel is to be made known to all nations, it must first be established in the home, that primary institution ordained by God for the nurture and admonition of the next generation.
The family stands today as perhaps the most contested territory in our cultural landscape. Forces both subtle and overt seek to redefine, undermine, or altogether abolish this God ordained institution. Yet we know that God’s design remains unchanged, the family is to be a place where the mystery of Christ is lived out in the daily rhythms of love, discipline, forgiveness, and faithful instruction.
Our upcoming Family Camp in Middle Tennessee will provide further opportunity to strengthen this vital foundation. I urge you to consider joining us, for the work of building godly families is not peripheral but central to the advancement of the gospel and the strength of our churches. The same God who is “of power to stablish you” desires to establish homes that reflect His character and proclaim His truth.
Uganda & Rwanda: The Mystery Spreading
The apostle Paul rejoiced that the mystery once hidden was now “made known to all nations“. This universal scope of the gospel continues to unfold in our own day, particularly through our connections in Uganda and Rwanda. My recent journey to Africa has left me profoundly encouraged by the faithful labors of our brethren there.
In Uganda, translators work diligently to render God’s Word in the language of the people (Buganda). This painstaking task, converting eternal truths of Scripture into words that can be understood by the Buganda people, mirrors the very revelation the Apostle celebrates. What was once inaccessible becomes clear; what was foreign becomes familiar, Lord willing.
Meanwhile, in Rwanda, opportunities abound for the proclamation of the gospel. The fields truly are white unto harvest, yet the laborers remain few. I ask you to join me in praying that the Lord of the harvest would send forth laborers into this fertile field.
Brothers Keith Stensaas and Marlin Petersen deserve our particular prayers as they balance Bible translation work with their existing ministry responsibilities. Their task exemplifies the tension between the already and the not-yet, the mystery revealed but still being made known to those who have not heard.
Family Update
Many have inquired about our family’s adjustment to life in Lucedale. I am pleased to report that we are settling well into this community. Despite the challenges inherent to any location in our fallen world, we find this a wholesome environment for raising our children.
May the God who is “of power to stablish you” continue to establish our church, our families, and our service both near and far. To Him alone, the only wise God, be glory through Jesus Christ forever.
For the sake of the gospel,
Pastor Thomas Irvin
George County Baptist Church
Lucedale, Mississippi
