Last week we shared some common reasons Christians steer away from sharing the gospel with others. This week, we are focusing on the Biblical reasons East-West relentlessly labors to multiply followers of Jesus in the spiritually darkest areas of the world and why it should be your priority, too.
1. For God’s Glory
“For from the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense will be offered to my name, and a pure offering. For my name will be great among the nations, says the Lord of hosts.” – Malachi 1:11
God’s name will be great among the nations. Each time we present the gospel and tell our stories of faith His name is further exalted.
2. Because of God’s Plan to Bless All Nations
“And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing … and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” – Genesis 12:2,3b
“After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne.” – Revelation 7:9a
It is God’s plan—not ours—to bless all nations through the message of His grace. We share the gospel out of a desire and call to join His plan.
3. Because of God’s Compassion for the Lost
“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” – 2 Peter 3:9
God has compassion for all people, so we take the gospel to everyone in that same compassion.
4. Because of God’s Promise
“And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” – Matthew 24:14
We share the gospel in hopeful expectation of Christ’s promised Kingdom being established on earth.
5. Because we are Commissioned
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” –Matthew 28:19-20
“For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!’” – Romans 10:13-15
Jesus’ final words were not a suggestion, but a command. Our feet are intended to be the wheels transporting good news to all corners of the globe.
As commissioned people, we obediently declare this message: “God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him” (John 3:17).