THE TIME IS NOW
He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”
Mark 16:15 (NIV)
One of Jesus’ final commands is the Great Commission—to go and proclaim the Gospel. It’s called a commission, or co-mission, because only God can transform a heart through the Spirit, yet He chooses to use us as His instruments to share His Word. This is both a privilege and a responsibility entrusted to every believer.
In today’s culture, many have removed the topic of hell from the Gospel. Some think it’s barbaric or harsh, while others fear that speaking about hell might guilt people into faith decisions. I understand the latter concern, but I have a problem with avoiding the subject altogether—because Jesus didn’t avoid it. He talked openly about hell, warned about it, and ultimately died so that no one would have to go there. Hell should compel us to share our faith. Understanding its reality reveals the seriousness of sin and the urgent need for the Gospel. Hell is not a scare tactic—it is the real consequence of rejecting God’s love and mercy.
Remembering heaven and hell reminds us that the stakes are eternal. In the grand scheme of eternity, we will never regret every person we spoke to about Jesus. Evangelism is not just about words—it is shown through our actions, character and relationships. Our lives should reflect the hope, grace and holiness found in Christ. When people see the difference Jesus makes in us, they become more open to hearing about Him.
We are called to be witnesses, not lawyers. We don’t have to build airtight arguments for God’s existence; we’re called to testify about His love. The reality of hell should fill our hearts with compassion and urgency. The Gospel offers freedom, forgiveness and eternal life—a stark contrast to the despair of hell. Consider this: the only thing that lasts forever is people. They either live eternally connected to God in heaven or eternally separated from Him in hell. Every time you share your faith, you’re investing in eternity. It’s one of the greatest causes and missions you can pursue in your life.
APPLICATION: Look for opportunities today to testify and speak of God’s love.
PRAYER: Lord, fill my heart with Your love for people. Open my eyes to someone who needs to hear about Your grace and salvation. Give me courage to speak, wisdom to know what to say, and kindness in the way I say it. Prepare their heart to receive Your truth. Use my life and words to point them to Jesus and the hope found in Him. Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don't let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?