“Gospel Explosion”
Matthew 24:14
“This Good News of the Kingdom will be preached in the whole world for a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come”. (WEB)
Introduction:
Last Sunday we were reminded of the very purpose why we are here on earth. I do hope that all of us are convinced of our main mission here on earth, i.e. “to witness to others or to share Christ”.
Today, our study is going to focus on the scope of our mission and how are we going to do it according to what He expects us to accomplish it.
You and I heard about the “population explosion” happening all around the globe. Filipinos are now numbering to more than 90 million according to the National Statistics Office. Every hour thousands of babies are being born and by the time I finish this sermon another thousand will add up to more than 9 billion people worldwide.
Do you see it as a problem or an opportunity? Well, it depends on you… On the one hand, it really is a problem when you think of poverty, unemployment, economic crisis, etc. On the other hand, it is a great opportunity when you think of your obedience/contribution to the fulfillment of the great commission.
People all around the globe are waiting for the impact of the so-called “Gospel Explosion”. This kind of explosion cannot kill or destroy anyone but would make them enjoy life to the fullest.
How will the Gospel explode?
Through consistent and diligent…
I. EVANGELISM
“This Good News of the Kingdom will be preached…”
Last month we’ve done two FREE seminar/workshops (XEE Crossover and the Outreach Bible Study) to train us how to share the Gospel and how to handle bible study. The objective of both seminars is for everyone to share the Gospel either via one-on-one or in a small group setting.
A. It is His last command
The scripture says, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8
This is His last command prior to His ascension to heaven. You and I are to be witnesses for Jesus Christ. We must take it seriously because He is expecting results from us (His church).
B. It is our first concern
We are to take it as our main priority as a follower of our Lord Jesus Christ. Becoming a witness is our role and sharing the Gospel is our mission here on earth.
The good news of the kingdom shall be proclaimed to the entire world. Who’s going to do that? Apparently, the church, so if you belong to the church evangelism must be your first concern always.
By bringing it…
II. EVERYWHERE
“…in the whole world…”
A. The whole world
“And he said to them, Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” Mark 16:15
This is an interracial task! This is a world-class responsibility! Wow! What a great privilege we have in Christ.
We shall see the world as our mission field and we should see all people from different tribes, race, religions, and tongues as our mission targets.
B. To the ends of the earth
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8
It might literally mean up “to the remotest place on earth…” It could also mean, “Until the world comes to an end”.
The bottom line is, we are task to be a witness and we are to share the Gospel to everyone everywhere. Where do you live? Where do you work/study? That is where God expect you to spread the Good News.
Do you plan to go abroad for leisure or work? Then bring the Gospel with you and share it to every person everywhere you go.
It becomes a great…
III. EVIDENCE
“…for a testimony to all the nations…”
A. A proof of who He is
The worldwide spread of the Gospel is a proof of who He really is and what He has done for our salvation.
All people will have an equal chance of hearing the Good News. All people will have an equal opportunity of hearing and responding to the Gospel message.
B. A proof of His love
Because God loves the world so much, that he will not allow anyone not to hear and respond to the Good News.
All nations might mean two things;
1. All political nations of the world
2. All people groups of the world
Note:
The word “nations” here refer to the Greek word “ethnos” which refers to no other than people groups.
We shall be excited to face the…
IV. END
“…and then the end will come”.
A. The responsibility as a witness will end
Dr. Rick Warren teaches us that a every believer has 5 main purposes in life. One of the five purposes can only be done while we are still here on earth… i.e. “evangelism”. So while you still have an opportunity to do it, while you still can do it… give it your best!
B. The world we live in will come to an end
Today, there are so many groups all around the world trying to restore back the beauty of the earth into its original condition. Unfortunately, the earth will one day vanish and only God can make a new earth and a new heaven.
This opens our mind to reality that everything on earth will come to an end.
CONCLUSION:
A. This is not a one-man mission; this is a mission of the whole body of Christ.
B. When individual believers of Jesus Christ who are scattered all over the world will commit to bring with them their mission of sharing the Gospel wherever they go, then all people will have an equal chance knowing Him personally.
C. The end will never come unless you and I accomplish what God expects us to do.
