by John Grant
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.“ Matthew 28:19-29
A recent forecast predicts that the world’s current population of 7.2 billion will increase to over eight billion in 2025. The projected increase poses both challenges and opportunities.
The Book of Matthew concludes with Jesus’ admonition to take discipleship to all nations. Today there are more nations than ever and while the world is not physically expanding, the number of its inhabitants certainly is.
Church planting and expanded missionary programs are more important than ever. We must remember that we are always one generation away from losing the Gospel in the lives of people.
Recently, I attended the first Sunday of services in the new facility in a relatively new but expanding suburban community. It is the only church in that zip code and more than five hundred people attended.
All of this was because of the dream six years ago of a young seminary graduate who wanted to plant a church. With a handful of people, the small congregation began services in a school and then moved to a bigger school and now to a permanent home with plans already to expand the facility.
Hundreds of people are now hearing the Gospel, coming to faith and making a difference in their homes and community because of the dream of one man dedicated to spreading the Gospel.
What is your dream to spread the Gospel? What is God calling you to do? Will you answer and make a difference?
You can comment on this devotional online at:
http://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/2013/12/05/jg_opportunities-for-growth/
John Grant is a former Florida State Senator and is a practicing attorney