In Mark 16:15, Jesus commands us to "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." We have a mission that never changes and a message that remains constant, but our methods must adapt.
One Mission: The Great Commission
The mission given to us is clear: GO into all the world and preach the Gospel.
Matthew 28:19-20 - “Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Mark 16:15-16 - “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”
Jesus also reminds us in Acts 1:8 that we will receive power through the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses throughout the world.
In our busy lives, it can be easy to overlook our divine mission. We need to consistently be reminded: WE HAVE A MISSION. The early disciples embraced the mission, taking the message of Jesus into the world, empowered by the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8).
One Message: The Gospel
The message is simple yet profound: Go into all the world and preach THE GOSPEL.
Luke 24:47 tells us that repentance and remission of sins must be preached in Jesus' name to all nations, starting from Jerusalem.
On the day of Pentecost, when the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit, they began speaking in other tongues, attracting the attention of many. Acts 2 describes this amazing event, where Peter stood up and preached the first Christian sermon, explaining how this was a fulfillment of prophecy.
Acts 2:38-39 - “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.”
The message of repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Spirit is for everyone, not just for those that were present on that day. This is the message we carry to the world.
The Apostle’s doctrine of repentance, baptism in Jesus’ name, and the gift of the Holy Ghost is still relevant today. This message does not change; it is the foundation of our faith.
Many Methods
While our mission and message are unchanging, our methods must evolve. There are many examples of companies that clung too tightly to their traditional methods and failed to adapt.
Kodak once dominated the film photography industry but hesitated to embrace digital photography, even after inventing the first digital camera. By the time they shifted their focus, it was too late, leading to their bankruptcy in 2012.
Similarly, Blockbuster failed to adapt to the rise of online streaming, ultimately resulting in its downfall.
Even in the late 19th century, many businesses resisted the change to automobiles, believing horse-drawn carriages would remain the primary mode of transport. Those who failed to adapt quickly found themselves out of business.
As the saying goes, “The only constant in life is change.”
Change is necessary for growth, whether in business or the Church. Where would the Church be today without adapting its methods?
Embracing Change for the Cause of the Gospel
Throughout history, significant changes have allowed the Church to grow and share the Gospel.
The Printing Press in the 1450s made it possible to produce and distribute Bibles widely. This innovation helped key figures like Martin Luther share messages that challenged established beliefs.
The Roman Road System allowed early Christians to travel and spread the Gospel rapidly.
Modern Technology, such as social media and live streaming, provides new ways to reach people. Today, sharing the Gospel is more accessible than ever.
With the right tools and methods, we can effectively share the message of Jesus.
We have a mission: to preach the Gospel. Let’s embrace changing methods so we can effectively shine our light in the world we live in today. Together, we can fulfill our mission and share the unchanging message of hope found in Jesus Christ.