Which other scriptures emphasize the urgency of proclaiming God's kingdom? Setting the Scene: Luke 9:60 “But Jesus told him, ‘Let the dead bury their own dead; you, however, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.’” (Luke 9:60) Jesus’ command slices through competing loyalties. Proclaiming God’s kingdom is not a someday assignment—it is the top priority right now. Threads of Urgency in the Gospels • Matthew 4:17 — “From that time on Jesus began to preach, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.’” • Mark 1:15 — “The time is fulfilled; the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe in the gospel!” • Matthew 10:7 — “As you go, proclaim, ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’” • John 9:4 — “We must do the works of Him who sent Me while it is day. Night is coming when no one can work.” • Luke 10:2 — “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest.” Early Church on the Move • Acts 1:8 — “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses…” • Acts 8:4 — “Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.” • Acts 20:24 — “I consider my life of no value to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus—to testify to the gospel of God’s grace.” Apostolic Pleas for Immediate Action • 2 Corinthians 6:2 — “Behold, now is the time of favor; now is the day of salvation!” • Romans 13:11 — “The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.” • 1 Corinthians 9:16 — “Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” • 2 Timothy 4:2 — “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season…” • Philippians 2:15-16 — “…shine as lights in the world as you hold forth the word of life…” Prophetic Glimpses Toward the End • Matthew 24:14 — “This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” • Mark 13:10 — “The gospel must first be preached to all nations.” • Revelation 14:6-7 — “I saw another angel… with the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on the earth… ‘Fear God and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come…’” Practical Takeaways for Today • Every moment counts; delay is disobedience. • Gospel proclamation outranks even legitimate personal obligations. • The Spirit empowers us, just as He empowered the early church. • The window of opportunity will not stay open forever—night is coming. • Global proclamation is a non-negotiable precursor to Christ’s return. |
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