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Preach as You Go

As you go, preach this message: “The kingdom of heaven is near.” (Matthew 10:7 NIV)

At least in recent Christian history, preaching is something that takes place at a certain place, at a certain hour, not too often and not too long. It also requires much preparation by the preacher. This, however, does not seem to be what Jesus said. He said it again in the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19: “…As you go, make disciples of all nations.” “Preaching” and “making disciples” should be a normal part of our daily life, not a special part. Nor should it be a normal part for special people. Here is a Biblical example:

On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. (Acts 8:1, 4 NIV)

Everyone except the apostles were preaching as they went. This, if “all” means “all,” meant thousands of people and perhaps tens of thousands. Let us encourage one another to preach as we go.

We have been intimidated by people who say, “Don’t preach to me.” Who made them the authority on what we should do? The One who has all authority told us to preach as we go.

(An excerpt from On Being a Christian by Jim Wilson)

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