“So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed” (Acts 19:20 NKJ).
The book of Acts makes three progressive statements about the Word of the Lord:
PHASE ONE is found in Acts 6:7 in which we read that in the infancy of the Church, the Word of God increased. This is what happened to us at our conversion. Before we came to know the Lord, our knowledge of scripture was quite limited. Upon our conversion, however, an awakening to the beauty of the Word of God stimulated an appetite for more. In our Christian walk, His word increases in us as we become more and more enamored with His marvelous promises.
PHASE TWO is found in Acts 12:24 which tells us that the Word of God grew and multiplied (NKJ). Applying this verse to ourselves, we experience an expanding consciousness of scriptures through an on-going, on-growing practice of daily studying of the Word of God. The multiplying of that Word comes as we share it with others.
PHASE THREE is found here in Acts 19:20 where we read that the Word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed (NKJ). In the original Greek, these words denote dominion and force. They are indicative of a heavily armed military unit triumphing in combat, driving out the enemy, and occupying territory as a conqueror with a great show of force.
As we grow in the Lord, we can experience:
1) An increase in knowledge of scriptures
2) A normal growth in ability to multiply that knowledge by sharing it with others
3) A relationship with the Lord in which His Word becomes the one motivating factor of life.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.