When I am around loved ones who have suffered loss and live with serious physical health issues, both here in North Dallas or in Southern California (anywhere really), I am especially reminded about the brevity of life and the need for sharing the Gospel with everyone who is open. Let's all do this in love while we can. Of course, there are others around us to minister to as well.
God, help each of us to become a blessing for others, and not a bummer to be around. Lord, thanks for sending Jesus here! I so want to be a part of the Solution here rather than part of the problem. Where do you want to send each of us today? Help us hear you. Said it before, "Hear I am send me." Am willing. Our time in Eastern and Western Europe was great -- thank you, Lord. Please keep and use us with the only Message that can change the human heart. Here we are, send us. With hook, bait or some net-casting so to speak ..use us to fish. The Great Commission is a hugely daunting task, but You are SO Big-hearted still! Do your thing--we want to walk close and not mess it up. Send me with your words, Lord!
I remember the wonderful joy of personally sharing Jesus and His gospel out on different beaches, and also sharing with everyone who sat down next to me on a northbound Greyhound bus all the way up the coast to San Luis Obispo, and while riding my bike from Dana Point into Laguna and up towards Newport Beach. It can be fun, exciting, a real adventure to watch God work. Not all were open, and not all chose to repent and receive Jesus, but some did.
It came about that this earth was with emptiness (Hebrew tohu. And bohu is rendered “void”).
People today are empty inside. They feel lonely, guilty (cuz they are guilty and need forgiveness), and afraid. Yes, many are taking their own lives due to the emptiness and loneliness, while others are really scared of dying. And yet dying physically is what will happen to all people if not snatched away.
Have you heard of Tim Bergling? He was known professionally as "Avicii" a Swedish DJ, remixer, and record producer. At age 16, he began posting his music remixes on electronic music forums, which led to his first record deal. Then he rose to prominence in 2011 with his single "Levels".
Tim was a Swedish musical superstar and he played his electronic dance music all over. Thousands of people would come out to listen to Avicci play his latest music. He reached the top of his game so very quickly. Yes, he got rich and had SO much SO fast, including great fame in his lap. He had it all, but tragically, he took his own life by suicide.
His parents said of Tim: "He struggled with thoughts of meaning, life, and happiness. He wanted to find peace."
So sad and tragic, his life was a lot like the modern version of being a pleasure-loving Epicurean. You know what, as people chase after pleasure, they find this is pleasureless and empty. It's one of the least pledgeable things you can do.
The Bible talks about the pleasures of sin for a season, but then comes death. Living a life for pleasure when you think about it.. is really a pleasure-free existence, and so that's what the Epicureans believed. Please don't be like them.
The Bible says, "But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth." 1 Timothy 5:6
We are born with a void inside, but what does that mean?.. The word of God is living and active -- it will not return void.
Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Facebook, and now the company called Meta, recently said this: "Right now a lot of people don't have enough friends, and the answer is A.I. -- artificial intelligence. AI will do a better job of being a friend to you than anyone you know. And so we need more AI in our lives!"
Mark Zuckerberg believes that "80% of your friends will be into AI in the near future." But AI doesn't at all care about you or your friends.
In an interview, Zuck said: “The average American I think has, it’s fewer than three friends, three people they’d consider as friends, and the average person has a demand for meaningfully more (than that), I think it’s like 15 friends.” Mark also went on to say, “For people who don’t have a person who’s a therapist, I think everyone will have an AI,” Would you have real satisfaction from an AI friend, really?
Jesus is the Friend who cares about you and sticks closer than a brother. Not AI.
I've read that 75% of Gen Z-ers now think AI Partners have the potential to replace tender human companionship, yes, that's according to a survey that was taken recently. Google searches for the statement "feelings for AI," as well as "I fell in love with AI" have just skyrocketed 132 percent. But artificial intelligence is NOT going to fill up that inner emptiness or void.
We need to share the gospel with Gen-zers and their buds using their language--we need to win them to Christ while we can. Lord, please show them your love through us!
There is one thing you and I cannot do in heaven: that's evangelize. In eternity, worship will be perfect, prayer unbroken, fellowship untainted—but no sinner there will need to hear the gospel. That sacred task belongs only to earth, and only to now.
Richard Baxter said, “I preached as never sure to preach again, and as a dying man to dying men.” He grasped what we so easily forget: that time is short, eternity is real, and souls are perishing. Every Christian, not just the preacher, carries this holy burden. As Charles Spurgeon reminded, “Every Christian is either a missionary or an impostor.”
Statistics bear out..having this holy urgency inside is needed, Christian. George Barna reports that only about one in ten American believers intentionally shares their faith in a given year, even though over half of unchurched adults say they would listen if someone simply explained what Jesus means to them.
Do people really need: Have more self-esteem, love yourself, and live your best life now type of sermons as much as they need sincere hearts sharing Jesus, while explaining the gospel and other Scriptures? No.
And most people don’t care how much we know factually until they know how much we care factually.
The gospel is not an abstract theory—it is life and death. Picture a man standing on the edge of a burning building. Would you hesitate to call him down? Would you worry about perfect words? Of course not. You would plead, you would stretch out your hand, you would do whatever it takes. Evangelism is exactly that: eternal rescue.
Your story matters. Speak in the language your neighbor understands. Share the gospel with compassion, urgency, and clarity—planting, watering, trusting God to give the increase (1 Cor. 3:6). Remember, the Holy Spirit does the saving; our part is to faithfully sow.
Let Christ’s life within you overflow into boldness. Let prayer fuel passion, because no one can fake urgency who hasn’t first wept before God. And when you speak, do it with the conviction of one who may never have another chance. For you may not—and neither may they.
The Great Commission isn’t optional. It is our calling, our career, our very identity in Christ. We are not promised tomorrow. But today, we can speak as men and women alive with eternity, letting Jesus live big through us, ministering His hope to dying souls.
Heaven will be glorious, but until then, the field is before us, white for harvest. The only question is—will we sow while we still can?
A Dying Man to Dying Men and Women
(Man, how can we postpone giving out the bad news and then the good news? When we hear the bad news about our sin and hellish consequences, it helps us appreciate the good news of Jesus).
Billy Graham said: “My one purpose in life is to help people find a personal relationship with God, which I believe comes through knowing Christ.”
So let us preach, let us pray, let us appeal and plead—not as some coldhearted professionals, but as beggars who have found fresh Bread, pointing others to the Bread of Life (John 6:35). Red-hot in Jesus > Lukewarm or cold
For once we cross heaven’s threshold, the time for evangelism is past. It's over forever. But until then, the field is white!
Jesus said, "Do you not say, ‘It is still four months until the harvest comes?’ Look, I say to you, raise your eyes and look at the fields and see, they are white for harvest." John 4:35 amp
I. Evangelism Belongs on Earth before the Rapture and Millennium, Not up in Heaven (The Results/Harvest will go There)
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“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15)
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In heaven there will be perfect worship, endless fellowship, unbroken prayer aka communion—but no more evangelism. The chance to share the gospel is today.
Billy Graham: “The evangelistic harvest is always urgent. The destiny of men and of nations is always being decided. We are not responsible for past generations, and we cannot bear full responsibility for the next one, but we do have our generation. God will hold us responsible.”
II. Speak With Compassion and Clarity
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When Paul went to and stood on Mars Hill. He met the people right where they were:
“For as I passed by.. I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.” (Acts 17:23)
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Evangelism begins with real love on its knees and then going towards sinners. It's about Christians earnestly praying for the lost and then wisely applying the word to help the lost with their greatest need (for salvation). People don’t care what you know until they know that you care.
Jack Graham: “We are not called to condemn the world, but to rescue it through the gospel of Jesus Christ.”
III. Prayer and a Burden for Souls are Essential to Start
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Paul’s heart ached: “I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren..” (Romans 9:2–3)
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If God does not move our hearts, our words will not move theirs.
Vance Havner: “The real test of how much we believe in evangelism is how much we are willing to inconvenience ourselves to do it.”
Spurgeon: “If sinners be damned, at least let them leap to hell over our dead bodies… let not one go unwarned and unprayed for.”
IV. The Urgency of Time
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What is your life? Life is a vapor (James 4:14). Death is certain (Hebrews 9:27). Eternity is near.. and will be long.
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D.L. Moody was shaken to his core. One night he actually skipped giving an invitation. Then the Great Chicago Fire started and it killed many of those who had listened to Moody. He wept and vowed never again to miss casting net, a hook, that moment of opportunity for people to get right with God.. before they get left.
Billy Sunday: “You can’t measure the length of a man’s life by the length of his funeral.”
Adrian Rogers: “The gospel is only good news if it gets there in time.”
V. The Great Commission is Global, Not Local Only
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“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations..” (Matthew 28:19–20)
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Missions is not optional for us. More than 3 billion people worldwide are still unreached (says George Barna), never once hearing the name of Jesus.. not even once. Even with this internet here.
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The Great Commandment (to love God most, and the second to love your neighbor) fuels the Great Commission (to go to all nations).
Esther from Plano, Texas, a missionary speaker, said: “The gospel is too good to keep local. Love demands that it be global.”
Take your Bible and Jesus worldwide. Follow Him where He leads you..on purpose (with His worldchanging purose).
VI. Statistics That Stir Us
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Barna research: Nearly 60% of unbelievers in America say no Christian has ever explained the gospel to them.
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Nearly two out of three believers come to Christ before age 18, and almost 80% before age 25.
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Translation: Time for going into the 10/40 window (or through any window of soul-winning opportunity) is short, and urgency is real! The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few (Matthew 9:37–38).
Jesus said: “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.” (Matt. 9:37–38)
VII. Our Role: Sow, Water, Reap—But God Saves
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“I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.” (1 Corinthians 3:6)
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We do our part to: share, love, witness. And God does His part to: save. We can't save anyone.
Vance Havner: “The gospel is not something we come to church to hear—it is something we go from church to tell.”
VIII. A Dying Man Ought Deep Down Care About Dying Men
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Again, I am by far not the greatest witness around here, and I do not know all that I should know, though I do enjoy talking with people and studying truth. I dily need the Lord to help me be what I need to be, and to say what I need to say (at just the right time)..or zip it, refrain from speaking in order to just listen well and evaluate. We are to be fruit inspectors but not with a lame attitude. If the person is open to discussing spiritual matters, I have the green (not yellow, not red light) to proceed; otherwise, I want to pray if they are hold their palm up in my face. Each time we reborn Christians are to preach in a non-preachy or pushy manner as physically dying men.. never sure to preach again.. yes, as a dying man to dying men cuz if the Rapture doesn't happen we will physical die and not have those opportunities in eternity.
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I say speak with boldness, clarity and urgency. Pray with tears as you think and bring up the really bad news.. on sin and Hell. Share with compassion allowing the Spirit to give you the words that agree with His written Word. Live with Jesus and eternity in view.
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Evangelism is not merely a saved pastor’s job alone. Every Christian is to be a decent witness (not flawless, but we are flawed), every home and local church a mission outpost center, every conversation a chance to brag on and point people to Christ.
Billy Graham said: “God has given us two hands, one to receive with and the other to give with. We are not cisterns made for hoarding; we are channels made for sharing.”
The Last Chance We May Ever Have
Evangelism belongs here on earth, not in heaven. It won't happen there. In heaven there will be no more sinners to appeal to, to plead with, no more neighbors to rescue, no more chances to explain or tell the gospel. That work is entrusted to now. Everything that we Christians do here, can be done better up in heaven, except witness and win souls. There is one thing we will never ever do again up in heaven: evangelize! We will be worship without weakness, fellowship without fracture, pray without ceasing, and experienxe joy without end. But there will be no evangelizing with the gospel there, no lost and broken sinner to rescue.
Notice how the Apostle Paul evangelized: "Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. 2 Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, 'This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ.” 4 And some of them were persuaded; and a great multitude of the devout Greeks, and not a few of the leading women, joined Paul and Silas. 5 But the Jews who were not persuaded, becoming envious, took some of the evil men from the marketplace, and gathering a mob, set all the city in an uproar and attacked the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people. 6 But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too. 7 Jason has harbored them, and these are all acting contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying there is another king—Jesus.” 8 And they troubled the crowd and the rulers of the city when they heard these things. 9 So when they had taken security from Jason and the rest, they let them go." Acts 17:1-9
When Paul stood on Mars Hill in Athens, he was simply a witness telling what he had firsthand experienced, saw with His eyes (like on that road when he fell on the ground before Jesus) and knew to be true. He wasn't the judge casting the final verdict or sentence. He didn’t mock the philosophers or scold their ignorance. He began with real compassion, acknowledging their longing for the “unknown God,” then declaring with empathy and boldness, “What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.” Paul met them right where they were at, speaking truth in love.. with words they could understand, with both reason and a broken heart. What is chapter 17 about?
* Rejecting the new (Acts 17:1–9). False teachers, even in our day, always offer "new revelation" but I have the old revelation (the Scriptures) and it's good enough for me. If it's true, it ain't new and if it's true it ain't new..goes the saying. The Jews in Thessalonica felt this way too. They were not interested in some new heavy-revy or a new faith, or even the true “new king” that Paul preached, but God's greatest miracle happened there. These Gentile “God seekers” accepted the gospel of Jesus and were saved by God. Read 1 Thessalonians 1 to see the change they experienced.
* Investigating the new (10–15). The next town was just the opposite! The Jews in Berea took time to examine the evidence and study the Scriptures. There are fair-minded people in every nation, and God knows who they are.
* Looking for the new (16–34). The people in Athens “spent their time in nothing else but either to tell or to hear some new thing” (v. 21). How like our world today! The quest for novelty overshadows the search for reality. Paul’s sermon was a masterpiece of tact and teaching, and a few people were converted. Paul offered them “newness of life” through the Resurrection (Rom. 6:4), and they rejected it.
1. In Thessalonica: Opposing the Word (Acts 17:1–9)
2. In Berea: Receiving the Word (17:10–14)
3. In Athens: Mocking the Word (17:15–34)
A. God is the Creator (vv. 24–25).
"The Greeks believed different theories about God's creation, and even held to a form of evolution too. Paul clearly stated that the unknown God created everything and did not live in temples made by men. God gives life to all; man can really give nothing to Him.
B. God is the Governor (vv. 26–29).
He appoints the boundaries of the nations. Through His government of the nations, He seeks to make men seek Him and find Him. Paul even quoted a Greek writer (v. 28) to show that God is the sustainer of life. This does not mean the Greek poet was inspired, but rather that his statement agreed with divine truth. Again Paul diplomatically pointed out that their temples and images were foolish and ignorant. We need this reminder today!
C. God is the Savior (v. 30).
Paul wipes away the great Greek culture by calling it “times of ignorance”! With all their wisdom and culture, the Greeks failed to find God (see 1 Cor. 1:18ff). God has commanded men everywhere to repent; and if they repent and believe, He will forgive.
D. God is the Judge (v. 31).
God has appointed a day of judgment, and the Judge will be His Son, Jesus Christ. God proved this by raising Him from the dead. If we trust Christ today, He will save us; if we reject Him, tomorrow He will judge us. The reactions of the listeners were mixed: some mocked (this is often the attitude of pagan culture and philosophy); some delayed; but some believed! This chapter basically presents three different attitudes toward the Gospel, and we find these same attitudes in the world today."
Warren Wiersbe said: Some people openly oppose the Word; some mock it or postpone making a decision; and some receive the Word and believe.
They were dying men and dying women, dying boys and girls there too, so Paul kept right on going as a faithful servant, and so must we, “for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Gal. 6:9).
Where was this, Amphipolis and Apollonia.. Thessalonica. SW from the town of Philippi along the Egnatian Way. “Amphipolis” was about 30 miles from Philippi, and “Apollonia” was another 30 miles beyond that. The story (real history, no fairytale) indicates to us that the travelers stopped only for the night in those cities. Forty miles beyond “Apollonia” was “Thessalonica,” the capital city of Macedonia, with a population of over 200,000. That was a major port city, an important commercial center for sure. Did they have a synagogue? See 13:5 cuz Luke refers to a synagogue only in Thessalonica, which may explain why Paul and his companions did not stay in the other two cities. "As his custom was" -- it was Paul's habit to share the message. He began his ministry in each town with the Jews (see 13:5). How long -- three Sabbaths, the typical length of his initial public ministry. The actual amount of time spent in Thessalonica would have been longer, though. yes, extending perhaps to 4–6 months.
Man, I want the right attitude, “Evangelism is just one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread.”
That involves gospel humility. We don’t talk down to sinners, or look down on them—we come alongside them to assist. We are not salesmen hawking religion (cuz that saves no one), but rescued people pointing to the ultimate Rescuer.
If God does not move our hearts, our words will never move theirs. Evangelism is not a clever technique; it is tears in prayer, love in action, and truth in clarity. A burden for souls cannot be faked. As Paul wrote, “I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart” for the lost (Romans 9:2). Genuine concern is the soil in which gospel witness grows.
Spurgeon said, “If sinners be damned, at least let them leap to hell over our dead bodies. And let not one go unwarned and unprayed for.” That is the urgency Christ calls us to. We speak as those who may never speak again; we preach as those who may never preach again. Both speaker and listener are mortal. Both are a breath away from eternity.
Think of this. Most people around us may never hear, unless you and I care enough to open our mouths.
My former pastor Greg Laurie warned, “Don’t preach the gospel at people, preach the gospel to people. Remember, God loves them, and Jesus died for them.”
Be with them, listen. This is why we share—not out of duty, but out of care.
The Great Commission is not merely for preachers alone! May I say that again? It is for mothers, concierges, and mechanics, bankers and baristas, teenagers and grandparents. Christ commanded his disciples, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). Every Christian has a pulpit—it may be a dinner table, a workplace, a concierge's desk, or even a park bench—but the message is the same: Jesus alone saves.
Our time here is SO short. Life is SO fragile. As Mr. Baxter said, we are dying men speaking to dying men. God is Heaven has chosen to use people in spreading His message. he is patient and waits, but hell also looms. While there is still breath in us, let us speak with His love, His words, His urgency, and His type of clarity.
Let your prayer life with Jesus ignite red-hot passion from the Spirit inside of you--He does that in us. Let the Holy Spirit fill your mouth when the time is right. He'll give the words. And let your testimony go out as you reflect His holy light in this dark world, not as a dry ole lecture, but as a lifeline. I'm like one beggar who has actually found Bread (of life), pointing others who are very hungry to this Bread of Life (Jesus Himself).
For when Christ lives big on the inside within you, you won’t shrink back in fear of rejection regarding speaking about Him and His gospel—Jesus will shine through you. And that, dear Christian, may change someone’s eternity forever.
"Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?' Then I said, 'Here am I! Send me.'" Isa. 6:8
“For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee.” Psalm 31:22
"Soul-winning is the chief business of the Christian minister; indeed, it should be the main pursuit of every believer," ~ C.H. Spurgeon
"We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters,[a] about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us. And you are helping us by praying for us. " ~ Paul, 2 Corinthians 1:8-11a nlt
Paul was so absolutely sure he was going to die for the gospel that he had pronounced the sentence upon himself. not trust in ourselves but in God. God’s ultimate purpose for Paul’s horrible extremity. The Lord took him to the point at which he could not fall back on any intellectual, physical, or emotional human resource (cf. 12:9, 10). Christians need comfort. While trying to help the church, Paul experienced suffering so intense that he was almost ready to give up (vv. 8–9). God does not shelter His people from trials, not even gifted apostles who are doing His will. “Be kind,” said John Watson, “for everyone you meet is fighting a battle.”
- As a physically fading/dying person to dying people, a Christian needs grace and comfort. While trying to help the church, Paul experienced suffering so intense that he was almost ready to give up (2 Cor. 1:8–9). God does not shelter His people from trials, not even gifted apostles who are doing His will. “Be kind,” said John Watson, “for everyone you meet is fighting a battle.”
- As a physically fading/dying person to dying people, a Christian receives grace and comfort. Your God is the “God of all comfort” (v. 3), and He will give you the grace you need when you need it. Sufferings are not accidents; they are divine appointments, and your Father is in complete control. You will find comfort in praying, in claiming the promises of the Word (vv. 18–20), and in having deeper fellowship with the Lord.
- As a physically dying person to dying people, a Christian shares grace and comfort. We share His ministry with His message. God’s comfort is not given; it is loaned, and you are expected to pass it on to others. The pain you experience now will help you encourage others in their trials.
"But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us; Ye also helping together by prayer for us" kjv
Pray and tell them about Jesus, don't forget. Spurgeon declared, "I take my text and make a beeline to the cross". Tell them about the empty tomb as well, like they haven't heard about that.
We are either going to evangelize or fossilize!
“The evangelistic harvest is always urgent. The destiny of men and of nations is always being decided. Every generation is crucial; every generation is strategic. But we cannot be held responsible for the past generation and we cannot bear full responsibility for the next one. However we do have our generation! God will hold us responsible at the judgment seat of Christ for how well we fulfilled our responsibilities and took advantage of our opportunities.” ~ Billy Graham
The great British preacher C. H. Spurgeon said, “The Holy Spirit will move them by first moving you. If you can rest without their being saved, they will rest too; but if you are filled with an agony for them, if you cannot bear that they should be lost, you will soon find that they are uneasy too. I hope that you will get into such a state that you will dream about your child, or about your hearer perishing for lack of Christ, and start up at once and begin to cry, ‘O God, give me converts, or I die.’ Then you will have converts.”
Bottomline for ya:
You and I can know the Lord and who He cares about. We have to care and go share (It's our choice and prayer to care). We have to agonize for the lost souls on our knees first. They will be in hell otherwise, not just for one week or weekend but for all eternity. It's true. When was the last night when you couldn’t sleep or you woke up in the middle of the night and couldn’t sleep anymore because you agonized for your loved ones, for family members, for some relatives, for some neighbors, for some coworkers, and for some friends, being in a lost-unregenerate state?
There will be no evangelism in heaven--zero--because there will be no lost people there. The harvest time is for here on earth today. The time is now. Speak as though it were your very last chance—because it just might be, for you or for them. If you aren't sure where you stand with God in view of eternity.. come to Christ now and get sure.
You can pray today, can know Him, and be used of God according to His Word!
