“GO”
This is more than a Theme for a year; it’s a life time commitment.
The most effective way to do it, is to just “do it”
Matthew 28:19 (NIV) – 19 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,
This instruction is very clear; however, it would appear the problem lies by the implementation of this command, not a suggestion.
Acts 4:12 (NIV) – 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
If we don’t “Go” how will mankind be saved?
What is God’s heart toward the lost?
2 Peter 3:9 (NIV) – The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
1 Timothy 2:4-5 (NIV) – 4Who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.
John 3 :16-17 (NIV) – 16For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.
The question is, why would God delay the coming of the Lord, when I’m sure He knows it is impossible that the whole world will repent?
The only answer can be, that God knows it is POSSIBLE
This is where you and I come into God’s great plan of salvation
We have been called to “GO”
2 Corinthians 5:19-20 (NIV) – 19That God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as through God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.
I thought about calling this message “It’s Time to Go” but I was afraid you’d get up and leave.
But one thing is for sure: We have reached a great crossroad as a church…
We have come to a STOP sign – and pause for the cause.
We look right and left and consider God’s will, we must not just sit and idle, we should rather turn the throttle and say,
it’s GO time!
Mark 16:15 – “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
What are the first 2 letters of the gospel? GO!
Psalm 126:6 – Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy carrying sheaves with them.
Nothing happens until we go! If no one reaches no one get touched
Acts 5:20 – Go, stand, and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.
Most Christians are standing, but you must stand out.
Many Christians are breaking some ground; but you must breakthrough.
Not many are going, don’t you be one of them!
God reminded me of the Prophet Jonah.
How similar this story is to many Christians today?
Jonah 1:1-5 (NIV) – The word of the Lord cam to Jonah son of Amittai: 2”Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.” 3But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord. 4Then the Lord sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up. 5All the sailors were afraid, and each cried out to his own god. And they threw the cargo into the sea to lighten the ship. But Jonah had gone below deck, where he lay down and fell into a deep sleep.
NOTICE GOD called him!!
When God said GO to Nineveh – Jonah decided to Go to Tarshish
Verse 2: You must be aware that God sees the ungodly world and how desperately they need to hear about the Saviour.
What we learn from Jonah is that there are consequences to our disobedience
Verse 5: Notice the indifference of Jonah
The sailors were struggling for their lives, and Jonah had the answer — he was taking a nap!
Romans 13:11 (NIV) – And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber. Because our salvation is nearer now that when we first believed.
Is Jonah’s life a reflection of your life.
How many people will end up in hell because you didn’t go
What are the regular excuses you make because you are not Going? Jonah 4:2 (NIV) – He prayed to the Lord, “Isn’t this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.
What are you allowing into your life that is causing you to choose comfort, convenience, avoidance?
What are you afraid of when it comes to sharing your faith?
2 Timothy 3:12 (NIV) – On fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.
Do you really believe that you are called to GO?
