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?”
“Do I not see what is happening in the world?”
Yes brethren I see it – and I have hope and assurance because of what the Bible teaches...
That still the end has not yet come.
Turn with me now to Matthew chapter 24.
Brethren we have to keep our focus and stay on point with what God has called us to do.
Now here in Matthew 24, Jesus talks about the things that need to happen before the end.
The time and the season for “end time events” may well be at hand,
With the Scriptures themselves here even making reference...
Towards what the last days will look like upon the earth.
And as we know, Christ Himself even made reference several times...
With respect to His return happening quickly – and many people being caught out by it.
Personally, I think there are many indicators that the Coming of Christ could be imminent.
But that is not what this message is really all about...it is not about the end,
It is about the present and what we should be doing until Christ comes.
I don’t want any of the Lord’s Churches to sit back and just wait for the end...
Because the truth is no one knows exactly when Christ will come – look at verse 36:
But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. (Mat 24:36)
Jesus declares openly - No one knows exactly when the end will come,
But we do know - is what God has called us to do in the meantime.
And the first point of the Great Commission is to share the Gospel.
We are to “teach all nations”. We are to Evangelise,
By declaring salvation through Jesus Christ to all the world.
Let’s not let ourselves be distracted...
By all of the doom and gloom happening around the world,
Or distracted with respect to what our key purpose and calling is.
No one knows when the end will come or when Christ will come again...
But we do know what we ought to be faithfully doing until time gets here.
We are called to share the true Gospel of Jesus Christ.
In fact, our spiritual purpose and ultimate goal is something the Scriptures openly testify too.
Point and case, to further reinforce this point, look at verse 14.
Now again Jesus is speaking here – and He is speaking with respect to the coming of the end.
The context finds this message directed primarily at the Jews,
And at those living and remaining upon the earth during the Great Tribulation period.
And please note exactly what Jesus says, because He declares in verse 14:
And this Gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
You see, the end hasn’t come yet... some things need to happen first.
Namely the Gospel still needs to be Preached.
Alot of people get all caught up about “the end”,
Whereas in the Bible, God actually spends more time emphasizing…
What we need to be doing “before” the end.
And even within this context of Matthew 24, (after the Rapture of those that believe),
A key point of focus remains with the Lord…
In the sharing of the Gospel of Christ with those on earth that remain.
Isn’t that interesting – now if this is God’s focus right up until the end,
Ought not this to be our focus as well with the time we have now?
COMMITTED TO THE GOSPEL
A couple of things to note here about verse 14:
Firstly, preaching is not just something that Pastors do - ok.
And this Gospel of the kingdom shall be preached…
In fact, the term preached used here in our text simply means:
“To herald forth”, “to proclaim”, or “to share openly”.
Now it’s true – that today I am preaching to you,
I’m preaching in a somewhat formal setting – during this Church service,
But that doesn’t mean that you too don’t have an important message...
To herald forth, to proclaim and to share openly with others – because you do!
In fact, the ready message we are all to be preaching and declaring openly is the Gospel.
In the Greek the term Gospel is literally translated to mean “Good News”.
And you have to understand the irony in this...
Because the world news from mainstream media never has anything good to say,
But in a world full of Bad – the Lord has called us to Share His Good News with others!
And do you know what the Good News is to be all about – it’s about Jesus Christ.
If you want to get more specific – the Apostle Paul defines the Gospel as the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4.
1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
Now this is not talking about the risk of losing one’s salvation…(once saved – always saved)
But rather emphasizes to us the importance…
Of continuing to hold to the true Gospel in your life,
So that you do not become ineffective in its proclamation before others.
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received [so Paul also received the Gospel – and was saved in the same way we are], how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures;
4 And that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures:
Guys the Sharing of the Gospel remains just as much a part of our calling and purpose today
As it was for Paul and the saints of old back then.
Why – because it’s the good News of Jesus Christ that saves peoples souls.
This is what we are to be focused and committed to.
It doesn’t matter what’s happing in the world around us – because this is important.
It doesn’t matter what is happening in our lives or with our surrounding circumstances
Because sharing the Gospel is what God has called us all to do.
COVID 19 may be dominating the news right now...
But the message we have to share is so much greater.
Other people may be speculating and debating the end of time,
But all we should really be focused on - is what we do with our time before the end.
Now let me draw your attention again really quickly to verse number 14 in our text.
We already know what we are to be doing through the Great Commission...
We are to be “teaching all nations”...
We are to be preaching the Gospel – even until the end of the world!
And now notice again back here in verse 14...
That before the end can come – God says the Gospel has to be preached,
And this Gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness
unto all nations;
Now two things stand out to me here.
Firstly, the Gospel is to be “preached throughout all the world”
And as the Great Commission reaffirms - this is not an exclusive message...
It is a message for everyone - everywhere.
Have you ever thought to yourself – “Lord how much longer are you going to let...
All the injustices of the world continue?”
Have you ever thought – “God what are you waiting for?”
“Why haven’t you come back yet – why hasn’t the promised end come?”
Well this is why the end hasn’t come – its because God is giving this world and everyone in it,
A chance to hear the Gospel and to receive Jesus Christ as their personal saviour.
Guys I don’t think its any stretch or coincidence that God has provided us
With an extraordinary opportunity to share the Good News with people...
From many nations and countries around the world.
Some of this is done from a distance online...
But much of it is being done by each and everyone of you in person also.
And Brethren - this is God’s plan and what He has called us to.
And we need to continue to preach the Gospel to the Nations in this year 2021.
And we must continue to share the Good News with anyone who has a heart to hear it.
This is not just something I am doing...this is something we can all be actively doing.
I want you to notice with me also in verse 14
That we are told that the sharing of the Gospel will stand
...for a witness unto all nations;
That term witness speaks of one who bears testimony...
Or confirms the truth of something by way of a declaration.
And this is what happens in a formal court before a judgement of ruling is made.
The court calls for witnesses...who provide a personal testimony
And by way of open declaration reveal the truth of things.
You know what – you and I are to stand as witnesses for Christ.
What did Jesus say? He said: Go ye therefore, and teach all nations
Don’t just come and sit at Church – but get up and go!
Jesus said I want you to reach out to others...
And I want you to share the Gospel with everyone everywhere.
Brethren the time has come – the end is near – and we have to start reaching out.
But enough from me – because I want to close out today by letting the Word of God
Speak for itself in terms of our collective need to be sharing the Gospel.
As always, its going to be Scripture after Scripture, line upon line...
Here a little and there a little as the prophet Isaiah records (Isaiah 28:9-10).
And we are now going to look at many, many verses...
Which reinforce our call – and Why exactly we should be sharing the Gospel.
1) JESUS DID IT
Why is it so important that we be sharing the Gospel?
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the
knowledge of the truth. (1 Tim 2:3-4)
Truth is – this is Gods will. He wants to see people saved
And what’s more this is the personal example Jesus gave us to follow.
Luke 4:18 - Here we find Jesus in the synagogue preaching to the people and this is what He says:
18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.
So – Jesus preached the Gospel.
Luke 20:1
1 And it came to pass, that on one of those days, as He taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came upon him with the elders,
What was Jesus doing in the Temple? – Preaching the Gospel
Matthew 4:23
23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.
So Jesus went about all of Galilee and taught in their synagogues,
The synagogues being the places where the people gathered together – and He taught the Gospel.
Mark 14:14-15
14 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,
15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
You know what the message we essentially have to share today...
Is really no different than the message Jesus gave:
The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand [its close – within arms reach, so people need to] repent, and believe the gospel.
2) PAUL DID IT
So Jesus clearly preached the Gospel...
You know who else preached the Gospel – Paul. Romans 1:1
1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,
Romans 1:15-16
15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Paul said: “You know what this is my purpose and calling – and I am not ashamed to do it – im just going to share the Gospel.
1 Corinthians 15:1
1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
What did Paul declare and preach? The Gospel.
3) THE DISCIPLES DID IT
So this is God’s will – Jesus did it...Paul did it...
And do you know what – the rest of the disciples did it too. Luke 9:6
6 And they departed [speaking of the original 12 – not including Paul], and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where.
Acts 8:25
25 And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.
The context here speaks of primarily of Peter – more than likely in the company of Luke,
And guess what – they are sharing the Gospel.
Acts 14:7
7 And there they preached the gospel.
Nice and simple and straight to the point – what did the disciples do? They preached the Gospel.
3) WE ARE TO DO IT
So honestly then – what is it that you think we should be readily doing...
Given the end of all things promised has not yet come?
I think Jesus sums things up rather well in Mark 16:15
15 And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Turn with me to Romans 10:12-15
This is why it is so important for us to reach out
13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
Guys people can get saved – it’s Gods will that they be saved...
Jesus came and died so that all men can be saved...
But there is a pivotal piece that needs to happen first – the Gospel needs to be preached.
In fact Paul says – people need to believe in Jesus first before they can be saved...
But how are they going to believe if they haven’t heard the Gospel.
And how are they going to hear the Gospel if someone doesn’t share it
And how is anyone going to share it – if they don’t understand the need and the calling to reach out!
And so here come full circle again back to where we started...
For us as a Church Congregation and Assembly – the year 2021 has to be a year of Outreach!
I know its nothing new...nothing you haven’t already heard before,
But guys this is what we are all called to do until the end comes.
Conclusion
Jesus shared the Gospel...
Paul shared the Gospel...
All the disciples Shared the Gospel...
And sharing the Gospel is what we are to be about too.
Let it be said by one and by all
That the year 2021 was the Year where the Lighthouse Baptist Church – Reached Out!
Let this be a year of soul winning...
A year where our nets break as we answered the call with Jesus to become fishers of men.
