“Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison. Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭8:1-4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Pastor Rajan says often that you cannot have Acts 8:1 without Acts 1.

Acts 8:4 speaks that even when the believers were scattered, they went everywhere preaching the Word.

In the last days, when the earth is wearing out, Matthew 24:14 speaks of the Gospel being preached to the ends of the earth before the end comes.

“For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!” So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭10:13-15, 17‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

This is the church theme for this year.
Don’t be distracted by this pandemic but focused upon the call that God has placed on our lives.

“You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.”
‭‭John‬ ‭15:16‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Don’t forget these words. The fruit that we bear that lasts throughout eternity are salvations.

Purpose of Message:
Unless the Gospel is preached, the power of God unto salvation cannot be released.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭1:16‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

We cannot lose sight of preaching the Gospel

Two examples of preaching the Gospel:

1. The Samaritan testified of Jesus and saved souls.

“And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all that I ever did.””
‭‭John‬ ‭4:39‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

2. The Ethiopian enuch was converted through the preaching of Peter.

“Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?” Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.””
‭‭Acts‬ ‭8:35-37‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

What is the urgency to preach the Gospel?

1. This is harvest time. This pandemic is contributing to people reevaluating their lives. The Gospel is only valid at this time on earth.

“Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”
‭‭II Timothy‬ ‭4:2, 5‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work.”
‭‭John‬ ‭9:4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

2. The Gospel without a preacher is just another religious instruction. The preacher is the bridge between the Gospel and the person needing it.

“For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!”
‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭9:16‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

3. Preaching the Gospel in the earth brings great delight and rejoicing to God in heaven. (Parables of Luke 15) Obeying this commission is a delight in heaven.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭28:19-20‬ ‭NKJV