OCT 18

1 Corinthians 9:16
Memorise 1 Corinthians 9:16
"...woe is me, if I preach not the gospel!"

The Great Commission commands and encourages us to evangelize. We are to share the message of God’s infinite love for mankind – the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Mankind is lost in sin. Without the gospel, we perish. Only the gospel of Jesus Christ can rescue us from certain death. How are the unsaved to hear the gospel? Someone must tell it to them. That someone is you and I. You were saved by the gospel and surely you would want to reach out in compassion to the lost and perishing.

Paul saw the necessity of preaching the gospel. He was called into the ministry of God’s Word. He had a direct commission from heaven. He had an irresistible call which left no room for hesitation. His zeal in preaching the gospel was such that he would be miserable and wretched if he did not preach, for he cried ‘woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!’

Paul had been called to a full time ministry of the preaching of the Word and the gospel. We might not have been called in the same way as Paul but to all believers is given the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5: 18). As ambassadors for Christ, we are to bear the message of the good news of salvation to others. God did not commit such a vital mission and responsibility to angels. Angels have greater power than us and yet God did not use them. Yes, it is to the saints that God has committed this task of evangelising to the lost. What everlasting joy it would be if we can bring some souls to Him.

Dear teen, the gospel is powerful! The saving power is not in us. It is in the message entrusted to us. Don’t be afraid to give the gospel to your friends. Don’t be ashamed of the gospel message for God will do a work of faith to those who will hear the gospel and believe. Your duty and joy is to proclaim it faithfully, in its entirety. Sow abundantly. Do not be discouraged when no one seems to have received God’s Word. Just go forth, allowing God’s Word to take root in His own good time.

Thought: "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not" (Galatians 6:9)
Prayer: Our Father in heaven, may I be a faithful witness, leading the lost to thee.