Like many in this country I lament the loss and drift of our country and culture away from Christianity and towards the secular and even more and more towards the false prophets and false religions that seem ever present and growing in this nation. Why have we drifted as a nation and a culture? But I think the better question is this. What have we done as the body of Christ to build the kingdom of God and to make disciples of those around us? Or are we just going through our lives secured in the salvation we have in Christ not caring about the human souls around us that will suffer in the judgment that comes to every one?

That is the heart of the matter. I know that I above all am guilty of this. I have not done nearly enough to do kingdom work. But I can also say that as I walk around the area I live in, I am not seeing anyone else doing kingdom work either. I never hear about Christ or see someone speaking of the good news of Christ to anyone. Think about it, when was the last time you were at the store and saw anyone talking about the goodness of Christ? Or at a park and saw a gathering of brothers and sisters in discipleship to each other?

But all the time I see those associated with false prophets and religions out and about fearlessly proselytizing their message to anyone and everyone. Be it the young men from the Church of Later Day Saints in the parking lot of the Walmart or the Jehovah Witnesses in front of the court house or even the Muslims they are every where and is it any wonder as the harvest is great. People are looking for a point and purpose in their lives and for meaning in a seemingly meaningless life and they are open to anything that helps with that part of life that we all struggle with. Christ was everywhere when he was on Earth teaching and proclaiming the Kingdom of God. Matthew 9:35–38

[35] And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. [36] When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. [37] Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; [38] therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” (ESV)

Christ himself in Matthew 28:19–20 commands us to go out and make disciples of all nations.

[19] Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (ESV)

If you have spent any time in the Church, you know this and understand this, but why then is the workers few and why are we not as Christ commanded in the great commission (Matthew 28:19-20) out preaching the good news of Christ Jesus and making disciples of all people and nations?

We look for reasons and justifications, but in the end, we either do not care and if you fall into this category, I would question your walk with Christ or we let our fears get the better of us. Which can take various forms be it fear of rejection, humiliation, failure or even harm, it is all fear of man. But Paul knew this and yet because of what we have in Christ proudly proclaimed the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Romans 1:16–17

[16] For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. [17] For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” (ESV)

Now admittedly, we are not all Apostle Paul’s. But we are still called and commanded to do our part. It is not the sole job of the Pastors and Deacons to go out and do Kingdom work, but it is everyone who follows Christ task to take up regardless of where we are or where we find ourselves. No one should go to stand before God in judgment and not hear the news of salvation that is found only in Christ Jesus and received through our faith in him. But in the end, we must not fear what happens to us or what other might think. Christ himself gives us the proper perspective to have in these matter. Matthew 10:26–33

[26] “So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. [27] What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. [28] And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. [29] Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. [30] But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. [31] Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. [32] So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, [33] but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven. (ESV)

Our fear of God must be greater than that of man. Now this fear is not terror, but one of reverence and respect and honor. Our fear of the Lord is based upon our understanding of his authority, power and might as the living God and creator of all things. He and He alone must be obeyed and we must be about the work of his kingdom. If we want more to be saved, if we want our society and culture to be reflective of the values we have in Christ, then we must be out and about not living for ourselves, but doing the business of preaching and teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost and dying world that is searching for answers everywhere else but in the one place that has them. That is in Jesus Christ.

John 14:6–7

[6] Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. [7] If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” (ESV)

Friends, go out today and tell someone, anyone the good news that we have in Christ. It does not matter if you know them or not. It might even be better if you do know them. You might not see the results that comes from the seed that you are planting. But, planting Gospel seeds is where a relationship begins with Christ and no fruit can be harvested from Gospel silence. This does not require a seminary degree, or someone who is a master of language and writing. It can be done by anyone who stands on the truth that is found in Christ. The Gospel is spread not by theologians, but by every day people, going about their lives on mission for Christ. This is the means by which God, Through Christ will not only build his Church, but also continue to change the world for the better. Because the only truth and path is through Christ Jesus and we must all do our part for the Kingdom of God and the spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.