“All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 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 always, even unto the end of the world.” Matthew 28:18-20
Throughout the book of Acts, the disciples demonstrated great diligence in carrying out the mission entrusted to them of preaching the Gospel of Christ. This work began with Peter’s Pentecost sermon, during which 3,000 responded to the Gospel. (Acts 2:37-41) The church continued to grow as the LORD added daily those who were being saved. That trend continued throughout the 1st century, driven by the dedicated efforts of the disciples of Christ. Peter, John, and the other Apostles tirelessly preached the Gospel, guiding others to Jesus. Those converted, would in turn, teach others, creating a chain of discipleship through which remarkable work was being accomplished, although, it was not without opposition. Peter and John were thrown into prison, beaten, and commanded not to speak in the name of Jesus. Stephen was stoned to death in Acts 7, a stoning that Saul of Tarsus consented to. In Acts 8:1-3 great persecution arose against the church in Jerusalem as “Saul was ravaging the church, entering house after house dragging off men and women, committing them to prison.”
The church responded in Acts 8:4 by going everywhere preaching the Gospel, refusing to be denied.
Why did they do this?
Why continue to preach the Gospel after witnessing the stoning of one of your own and observing Saul of Tarsus forcibly remove your family from their homes to imprison them?
Why continue to spread a message that could cost you your life?
They persevered because they cherished the truth of GOD deeply within their hearts. They believed the GOSPEL to be the power of GOD for salvation. (Romans 1:16) For this reason, the Apostle Paul confidently declares that he is not ashamed of it and is wholly committed to sharing it. (Romans 1:15-16)
A few chapters later in Romans, Paul reminds his readers, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:23). If all have sinned and the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation, it becomes evident that all need to hear the Gospel.
Regarding the 2nd coming of our LORD, Paul writes, He “…shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power.” (2nd Thessalonians 1:7-9)
The early church members passionately embraced the truth of scripture and genuinely cared for the souls of others.
We may hold these beliefs about the Gospel as true, but do our actions reflect not only our conviction in its truth but also our awareness of the consequences?
To what extent do I concern myself with the LORD executing vengeance upon those who do not know Him?
If we truly believe that the Gospel is GOD’S power to save, are we actively sharing this life changing message with others? If not, does it condemn our conscience and motivate us to be more diligent in spreading this truth?
Prospering Pathway 
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