The Heart of the Father: A Universal Sacrifice
THE foundation of our faith rests on a singular, world-altering truth: Jesus died for all mankind. His sacrifice was not a boutique gift reserved only for those who already believed; it was a bridge built for the skeptic, the seeker, and the unbeliever alike.
When we look at the world through the lens of the Gospel, we see a harvest field that God deeply loves. His heart breaks for those who have not yet heard the Good News, and His primary method for reaching them is through you.
To understand the weight of this responsibility, we must look at the magnitude of the sacrifice. Christ did not wait for us to be "good enough" or "ready enough" to receive Him. He died while we were still sinners. This radical, inclusive love is what we are called to herald. When we remain silent, we essentially keep a life-saving medicine hidden from those who are terminally ill.
The Mandate: Matthew 28:19-20
Before His ascension, Jesus left His followers with what we now call The Great Commission:
"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."
These weren't suggestions or "good ideas" for the extroverted; they were final instructions for every person who claims the name of Christ. We are believers today because someone, somewhere, was obedient to this command. They spoke when it was uncomfortable. They shared when it was inconvenient. Now, the baton has been passed to us.
Breaking the Silence: When was Your Last "Go"?
It is easy to become comfortable within the four walls of the church or the safety of our Christian social circles. We attend services, sing songs, and study the Word, but if that Word never leaves our lips to reach the ears of the lost, we are missing the "Commission" part of our faith.
The Great Commission requires movement—it requires a "going." This doesn't always mean a plane ticket to a remote village; often, the "going" is across the hallway to a neighbor or across the breakroom to a colleague.
Ask yourself these heart-searching questions:
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When was the last time you shared the wonderful Gospel? We talk about our favorite movies, new restaurants, and political views with ease. Does the name of Jesus come up as naturally?
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When was the last time you asked for boldness? It is natural to feel shy, but the Holy Spirit was given specifically to empower us to be witnesses. If we aren't praying for boldness to speak to our Muslim, Hindu, or Buddhist friends, we are relying on our own strength rather than His.
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Does your heart burn with the same fire that led Jesus to the cross? True evangelism isn't a duty; it's an overflow of a heart that is captivated by the mercy of God.
A Season of Intercession: Praying for the Nations
As we look at the calendar, we see significant spiritual markers in other faiths. On the 18th of February, our Muslim brothers and sisters begin Ramadan, a 30-day season of fasting and reflection. This is a pivotal moment for the Body of Christ to move in intercession.
During this time, millions are seeking God with sincere hearts, yet they are doing so without the revelation of the Son. Does your heart burn for them to know Christ? Does it ache for them to enjoy the free gift of salvation and eternal life?
The Great Commission is not a burden; it is an invitation to participate in the greatest miracle on earth—the salvation of a soul. As we enter this season, let us be mindful of our Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist neighbors. Let us not look at them with judgment or distance, but with the eyes of Christ, who saw the crowds and had compassion on them.
When we stand before God, we won't be asked how much money we made or how high we climbed on the social ladder. We will be asked who we brought with us. Let us be found faithful. Let us be a people who "go," who "teach," and who "love" until the whole world knows.
Why We Pray for the Unbeliever:
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God's Desire: He is "not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). When we pray for the lost, we are praying in direct alignment with God's will.
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Spiritual Blindness: The Bible tells us that the "god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers." Prayer is the spiritual warfare that helps lift that veil so they can see the light of the Gospel.
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Divine Appointments: Prayer prepares the soil. It softens a hardened heart so that when you finally do speak, the seed of the Word doesn't bounce off—it takes root.
Boldness and Wisdom: The Twin Pillars of Evangelism
Sharing the Gospel can feel daunting. We often fear rejection, being labeled "intolerant," or simply not having the "right" answers to difficult questions. However, the Great Commission comes with a promise: "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
You don't need a PhD in Theology to share your testimony. You simply need:
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Boldness: The courage to open your mouth and mention Jesus.
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Wisdom: The discernment to know when to listen and when to speak.
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Love: A genuine concern for the person’s well-being that outweighs your fear of their opinion.
Remember, you are not responsible for the result—that is the Holy Spirit's job. You are only responsible for the report. Your job is to be the messenger; God’s job is to be the Savior.
The Strategy of the Kingdom
When Jesus sent out the seventy-two in Luke 10, He told them the harvest was plentiful but the workers were few. That reality hasn't changed. The world is searching for hope, for identity, and for peace. They are trying to find it in money, relationships, and even in religious rituals that lack the power of the living God.
As Christians, we hold the "Bread of Life." If we see someone starving and we have a loaf of bread hidden behind our backs, how can we say we love them? True love is sharing the truth.
Breaking Down Barriers
We often think we need to "convert" people. But the Great Commission says to "make disciples." This is a process of relationship. It starts with:
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Prayer: Standing in the gap for them.
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Presence: Being a friend and a person of integrity in their life.
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Proclamation: Clearly explaining that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.
A Call to Action: Your Circle of Influence
Take a moment today to visualize the people in your life—your family members, your barber, your doctor, or your gym partner—who do not yet know Jesus. These are not just "people"; they are eternal souls.
Steps to Execute the Mission:
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Identify: Write down the names of three people in your circle who are not yet believers.
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Intercede: Commit to praying for them for the next 30 days. Ask God to give them dreams, visions, and encounters with His Word.
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Invite: Look for a natural opening. It could be as simple as saying, "I've been praying for you lately," or "Can I tell you how God helped me through a tough time?"
The Prayer of the Messenger
We must be a people of prayer before we can be a people of proclamation. Let us use this prayer as a daily commitment to the Great Commission:
Father God, You sent Jesus to die for all mankind, yet there are many who still don’t believe in Jesus and have not accepted Him as their personal savior. You desire that none should perish but that all should come to repentance and turn to Jesus.
I pray specifically for [insert names here] that they will encounter Your truth and have a change of heart. Give them the courage to believe in You and accept Jesus in their hearts and lives. Give me the courage and wisdom to share Your gospel in love and truth with them, in the mighty name of Jesus we pray.
Amen.T