Friday, 11th November, 2022
By Pastor Chris Oyakhilome
"No one in military service gets entangled in matters of everyday life; otherwise he will not please the one who recruited him" (2 Timothy 2:4 NET)
When Jesus said, “…Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15), it was a charge given to every Christian. You’re to take the Gospel to your world and the regions beyond. He also made us know it certainly wouldn’t just be a walk in the park.
In 1 Corinthians 16:9, Paul said a great and effectual door for the spread of the Gospel was open unto him, but there were many adversaries. In 2 Timothy 3:12, he said, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” None of these, however, dampened his zeal or impeded his passion for preaching the Gospel.
It should be the same with you. Preaching the Gospel is a job we must do, come what may. That’s why Paul said in Acts 20:24, “But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.”
This was Paul’s resolve. The statement was his response to those who tried to stop him from going to Jerusalem to preach because of the persecution he was sure to face. He had said in the preceding verses 22-23, “And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.” Yet, he was undeterred.
In Chapter 21 verses 10-11, a certain prophet named Agabus prophesied how Paul would be imprisoned in Jerusalem and delivered to the Gentiles. As a result, the other disciples prevailed on Paul not to go to Jerusalem; in fact, they wept. But here was Paul’s inspiring response: “...What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 21:13).
How committed are you to the spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ? This is no game! It deserves and demands our putting in everything, including laying down our lives if we must. Christ deserves it all. Therefore, let others be stirred by the urgency, passion and conviction with which you preach the Gospel.
PRAYER/CONFESSION
"I’m an ardent soul winner; my passion for the Lord and the spread of the Gospel is unrivalled. I inspire others with the passion, urgency and conviction by which I live and preach the Gospel. Hallelujah!"
FURTHER STUDY:
1 Corinthians 9:16-17; Acts 20:22-27
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Hebrews 10:1-18 & Ezekiel 1-2
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
2 Peter 2:1-22 & Ezekiel 42
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