Witnessing is risky and necessary!

The Great Commission: "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." Mark 16:15 NKJV  There is no mistaking the charge. We are to preach the gospel to all the world and to every created person. There is a verse that helps us understand how pivotal this verse is. Listen: "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come." Matthew 24:14 NKJV

Do you see that Jesus will not return until the gospel is preached to all nations? It has only been in recent times that the technology exists to make this very possible. For more on this subject visit "A Global Vision" on this site and discuss the possibilities for reaching the whole world, rather quickly.

Who, among the persons you know, is not ready for Jesus to return? Let's read how serious this problem is: "For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?" 1 Peter 4:17 NKJV.

None of us know, with certainty, the details of what it will be like when disobedient believers and unbelievers are judged by Jesus. We know for sure that it will not be a happy moment. Since Jesus has not yet returned, we still have time to witness of His love to others. But, time is running out.

We feel the sense of urgency that Paul felt: "For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!" 1 Corinthians 9:16 NKJV  Paul goes on to say: "…I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes…" Romans 1:16 NKJV

Let's clarify a key point. Hearing the Gospel does not necessarily convert anyone. The writer of Hebrews explains: "For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it." Hebrews 4:2 NKJV  One must have faith in the fact that Jesus was sent by God to redeem all of us and to present us to the Holy Father wrapped in the righteousness of Christ. By God's grace, Jesus was sent, by faith we believe and as a result of God's grace, we seek to serve Him. Hearing those words is not enough. Action is required.

Do you feel that preaching (sharing) the gospel will put you at risk with some of your friends? Listen to what Jesus said: "whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels." Mark 8:38, NKJV

Is "witnessing" always a matter of speaking? Can you think of ways to witness without speaking? If you are weak in your faith how do think the witnessing effort will go? Suppose you have some bad habits that you wish you did not have. Yes, God wants you to be perfect in Him, but does your need for growth permit you to identify with those who also need to grow? Since, as a believer, Jesus has forgiven you and cleansed you, how easy will it be to forgive others for their trespasses, irritable habits, etc. that bother you?

Core Christian Value: Jesus charged us with the responsibility to preach the Gospel. That will bring persecution at times. He will not return until the task is accomplished. Just do it!