31) Why Share The Gospel! Series

31) WHY SHARE THE GOSPEL!

Text: Matthew 24:14

INTRODUCTION

Brethren we are now nearing the end of another year.

It’s now November, next comes December - and then the year 2021 will be all over.

And some of us may well welcome that change – because it has been a tough year for many.

Globally It has been a year of significant fear and instability...

A year of constant change and uncertainty...

Because It has been the year of Covid 19 and endless Lockdowns.

And underneath it all – there is always a constant question as to what next?

What is tomorrow going to bring?

But even as we look towards another year that is fast approaching...

I can tell you all with absolute certainty that God’s presence in our lives

And His calling for us will remain unchanged.

And I don’t want any of us here to get distracted by all the surrounding noise

And by all of the physical circumstances around us...

Because the truth is, spiritually speaking...

No matter what lays around the corner for this world - nothing has changed.

We still serve the same God...

We still hold to the same Plan for Salvation through Jesus Christ,

And as far as things go for the Lord’s Churches - we still follow the same call and Great Commission.

CALL TO SHARE THE GOSPEL

Turn with me now to Matthew 28:19-20 and lets see this together.

Here we find Jesus declaring to us these words:

19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations [share the Gospel everywhere], baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit:

20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Now its important to realise that in the immediate context here

Jesus has already fulfilled His earthly ministry.

He had taught the multitudes, performed many miracle’s…

Died and been crucified on the cross…

Only to be resurrected and seen by the disciples once again.

And it is here – right on the very verge of His ascension into Heaven

That Jesus gives His disciples this final command.

You see, Jesus didn’t leave His disciples directionless or without purpose.

In fact, through this “Great Commission” He in affect leaves a 3 step action plan

For all the disciples to follow – until His promised retrun.

And brethren this remains our action as Christ’s disciples today.

1) Evangelise, 2) Baptize and then 3) Stabilize people in the faith!

That is the three step strategic plan Christ Himself left for us to follow.

And in case you didn’t notice - there is a progression here...

First, openly share the Gospel so that people can get saved – “teach all nations”.

Then for those that have accepted Christ as their Personal Saviour,

And who desire to continue serving the Lord – Baptise them into the Church.

Then, look to proactively ground every believer of the church - in the faith...

So that they can effectively serve the Lord and be used by Him in this life.

1) Evangelise, 2) Baptize and then 3) Stabilize people in the faith.

That’s the spiritual action plan Jesus left for every Local NT Assembly,

And for every faithful believer of Christ.

And brethren we still hold to this plan today.

You see – even though the world around us is constantly changing and seems to be falling apart...

The purpose and plan Christ has left for us to follow - hasn’t changed a bit.

It is still every bit as effective today in spite of everything going on, as it has been across time.

And please don’t lose sight of the fact either...

That Jesus promises to be with us through it all - regardless of our circumstances,

Even until the end of the world!

Now - some people might well feel as though the “end of the world” is upon us,

I mean with all the civil and political unrest associated with...

Religion, Wars, COVID 19, economic and financial instability etc etc,

I understand the grave uncertainty and upheaval that exists across the world today.

But friends - the end hasn’t come yet. Understand that!

And because we have not yet seen “the end of the world”,

We still have a purpose and calling in Christ to follow.

And I really want you to see this – especially as it relates to our study right now,

Because sharing the true Gospel of Jesus Christ is what we are called to do.

Its is a big part to God’s plan – and the first step of the Great Commission.

The Coming Of The End

Now some might say – “Well how can I be so relaxed about all of this?”