The commission to preach the gospel is a fundamental part of the Christian call. It is a great privilege to be God’s ambassadors preaching the message of forgiveness of sins and of reconciliation with God. 2 Corinthians 5:20 (NIV), “We are therefore Christ's ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.”

In Matthew 28:19, 20 we find Jesus' commission to his disciples: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” This commission was so essential that Apostle Paul himself said: “Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel,” 1 Corinthians 9:16.

The present objective of preaching is to call out and develop the saints. This high calling is a call to follow in Jesus’ footsteps of self-denial and cross-bearing, and to develop the fruit of the spirit. It is a difficult path, but the rewards are beyond comprehension. Ephesians 1:18 (NASB), “…the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.”

The Gospel message is to be spread over all the earth. “And the gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to the nations,” Matthew 24:14. Please note: Jesus said the Gospel will be a witness, but He did not say it would convert the world. Remember that Jesus did not build hospitals, orphanages, schools, or water supplies, nor did he reform governments. He solely preached His Father’s gospel of forgiveness of sins and of the coming Kingdom to those who had “ears to hear.” (Revelation 2:7)

In the resurrection, God’s wonderful message of reconciliation will be taught to all people. “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel (and all mankind, Isaiah 2:2-4) after that time,” declares the LORD. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the LORD,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the LORD. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” Jeremiah 31:33,34 (NIV).