Mark 16:15 And he said to them, Go you into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. After these words were spoken, the missionary duty of the Church, in its nearest and remotest extent, was as little a matter of doubt as the resurrection. A thousand other things it may do or neglect; may have elaborate organization or none; may build cathedrals, or pitch tents; may master all learning and art, or know nothing save Christ and Him crucified; but go it must, and preach it must, or it is not Christ's Church. You little children who love Jesus must tell others of His love. You rich men must work through your money; you wise men by your wisdom; you poor uncultured souls through your prayers. Unless you do your utmost to spread the kingdom, you disobey the first law of the kingdom; unless your love reaches out to all men, you have not the spirit of Christ, who died for all. A positive belief and a missionary spirit have long ago been proved the indispensable characteristics of a living Church. The Lord speaks in tender tones to rouse our sympathy for those who are perishing for lack of knowledge. He unfolds the magnificent conception of the empire of holy love, exalting the continents and blessing the isles. He stands in the midst of these unredeemed millions and says: "Come. Lo! I am waiting for you here." But behind all invitations stands the command, "Go, preach;" and above them all rises the judgment, for us and for them, with its eternal blessedness and eternal woe. (C. M. Southgate.) Parallel Verses KJV: And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.WEB: He said to them, "Go into all the world, and preach the Good News to the whole creation. |
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