The Urgency of the Gospel
Lu 4:42 And when it was day, he departed and went into a desert place: and the people sought him, and came unto him, and stayed him, that he should not depart from them.
Lu 4:43 And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.
A few years ago, a child was trapped in a mine shaft. The attention of the whole nation focused on the rescue attempt. Equipment was brought in. The news media was there around the clock. People volunteered to help. Money was no object.
In 1970, 3 astronauts were stranded in space on Apollo 13. People were glued to their TV sets in suspense. Even ball games paused for a moment of silent prayer.
When men are in peril, the public will spare nothing in a desperate attempt to save them. How much more should we be concerned about the eternal salvation of a soul?
The value of a soul
Mr 8:36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Mr 8:37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
The value of a soul is so great that all the wealth of the world cannot buy it. All the money in all the banks - all the art treasures in all the art galleries - all the gold and silver and precious stones - these can't even make a down payment on a soul.
Only Jesus can save a soul. And if souls do not find Jesus, then they are lost. We have the privilege of telling them.
Lu 15:4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
The World situation
Look around. Islam is outgrowing Christianity. New Age theology is taking over everywhere. There is a new interest in spiritual things. Why are we losing ground? Lack of evangelism. Lack of involvement.
Materialism, indifference, entertainment - these are the rulers of the day. The spirit of the world is taking over and organizing opposition against the gospel. If all of the leaders of the future are anti-Christian, it will be because we didn't reach them while we had the chance.
If we worked with the same zeal and intensity Communists do for their cause, the world would be evangelized in a short time.
This hour in history
The human race is poised on the brink of complete annihilation. Many statesmen, scientists, and philosophers warn that the end is near. Warfare and weapons threaten us. Pollution and overpopulation threaten us.
The night is closing in.
Joh 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
This could be the last generation before Christ returns. How will He find us when he comes back.
Lu 18:8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
Mt 24:44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
Mt 24:45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?
Mt 24:46 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
Christ's attitude
Joh 4:35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.
Too many Christians think that the sum total of Christian activity is to attend church once, twice, or maybe three times a week. If that is all we do, God help us to get out of our selfishness and unconcern.
An old lady in India said to a missionary: "How long has it been since this Jesus died for sinful people? Look at me. I am old. I have prayed, given alms, gone to holy shrines - and all of it was useless. Where have you been all this time?"
A Chinese convert asked Hudson Taylor, "How long have you had the gospel in England?" Sadly, Taylor admitted that it had been several hundred years. The man exclaimed. "Several hundred years? Is it possible that you in your country have known about Jesus for so long and have only now come to tell us? My father sought for truth for 20 years and died without finding it. Why didn't you come sooner?"
R. A. Torrey said, "No man has a right to call himself a Christian who is not a soul winner."
In view of hell
The rich man cried from hell -
Lu 16:23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
Lu 16:27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house:
Lu 16:28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
If all the people who are in hell could be released and brought back to earth, we would see the most energetic band of soul winners the world has ever seen.
A discussion was going on in heaven about how various ones got there.
A man from the Middle East said, "I tried to tell my Muslim family about Jesus and they killed me."
A man from China said, "I was beheaded for my faith."
A missionary to Africa said, "I was eaten by the pigmies I tried to preach to."
Then they asked the American new-comer how he got there. "Oh, I fell asleep in church and broke my neck."
I'm not asking for great sacrifice. Just two hours a week. Come out to the park - knock on some doors - pray over the neighborhood - invite someone to church - give out a tract.
Jesus gave his life for souls. What will you give?