How can Revelation 22:20 inspire urgency in sharing the Gospel today? The Final Promise and Our Present Mission “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20) “Coming Soon”: Time Is Short • Jesus Himself speaks, giving the Church the final recorded words of Scripture. • “Soon” (Greek: tachy) carries the idea of speed and suddenness; the return could break in at any moment. • Because the timeline is uncertain, the window for evangelism is limited. Every unreached person represents an urgent priority (cf. James 4:14; Proverbs 27:1). The Certainty That Fuels Courage • Revelation 22:6 affirms, “These words are faithful and true.” We share a message guaranteed by God. • Acts 1:8 couples the promise of power with the assignment to witness “to the ends of the earth.” The same risen Christ who ascended promises to descend, so we can speak with confidence. • 1 Thessalonians 5:2–3 warns the Day will come “like a thief in the night,” underscoring the need for boldness now. Love Compels Action • 2 Peter 3:9: “The Lord…is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish.” His delay equals opportunity. • John 3:16 reminds us the gospel’s motive is love; urgency without love becomes pressure, but love without urgency becomes apathy. • Matthew 9:36–38 records Jesus’ compassion and His call to pray for workers—workers who move quickly into harvest fields. Practical Ways to Share with Urgency • Identify your sphere: family, neighbors, coworkers; list names and pray daily. • Integrate testimony into normal conversation—short, clear stories of what Christ has done. • Use technology wisely: social media, texts, video calls—channels to seed Scripture and personal witness. • Support missions and church outreaches with both finances and presence; Acts 13:2–3 shows the early church sending out workers. • Redeem small windows—airport lines, coffee shops, kids’ activities. Paul “made the most of every opportunity” (Ephesians 5:16). • Memorize a concise gospel outline (e.g., Romans 3:23; 6:23; 5:8; 10:9) so you’re always ready (1 Peter 3:15). • Pair urgency with gentleness; Colossians 4:5–6 stresses gracious speech seasoned with salt. Living Ready Ourselves • Romans 13:11–12: “Our salvation is nearer than when we first believed…let us put aside the deeds of darkness.” Personal holiness authenticates our witness. • 1 John 2:28 urges believers to “remain in Him, so that when He appears we may be confident.” • Regular worship, fellowship, and Scripture intake keep hearts sensitive to the Spirit’s prompting to speak. Encouragement for the Journey • Jesus ends Revelation with both promise (“I am coming soon”) and invitation (“Come, Lord Jesus”). Every gospel conversation invites others into that same hope. • Hebrews 10:23–25 calls believers to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds…and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Encourage fellow believers; shared urgency multiplies impact. • Revelation 7:9 pictures a “multitude…from every nation” already secured in God’s plan. Our urgency aligns with God’s victorious outcome—fueling confidence, joy, and perseverance until He comes. |
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