What other scriptures emphasize the importance of spreading the Gospel to new areas? Anchoring Passage: Paul’s Heart to Break New Ground 2 Corinthians 10:14: “We are not overstepping our bounds, as if we had not come to you, for we did reach you with the gospel of Christ.” Paul reminds the Corinthians that he gladly crossed geographic and cultural boundaries to bring them the good news. Scripture consistently echoes this pioneering spirit. New Testament Calls to Carry the Gospel Further • Matthew 28:19-20 — “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 all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” • Mark 16:15 — “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” • Acts 1:8 — “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” • Romans 15:20-21 — “In this way I aspired to preach the gospel where Christ was not known… ‘Those who were not told about Him will see, and those who have not heard will understand.’” • 1 Corinthians 9:16 — “For when I preach the gospel, I have no reason to boast, because I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” • Colossians 1:6 — “…bearing fruit and growing all over the world—just as it has among you from the day you heard it…” • Colossians 1:23 — “…the gospel that you have heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven…” • 2 Timothy 4:2 — “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction.” • Acts 13:47 — “For this is what the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’” • Revelation 14:6 — “Then I saw another angel flying overhead, with the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation and tribe and tongue and people.” Old Testament Foreshadowings of Global Mission • Psalm 96:3 — “Declare His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all peoples.” • Psalm 67:2 — “…that Your way may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations.” • Isaiah 49:6 — “I will also make You a light for the nations, to bring My salvation to the ends of the earth.” • Isaiah 52:7 — “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the herald who proclaims peace, who brings good news, who proclaims salvation…” Why These Verses Matter for Us • They affirm God’s consistent plan—from Genesis to Revelation—to reach every people group. • They remind believers that “reached” areas are not the finish line; new frontiers still await. • They link personal obedience (“go,” “preach,” “declare”) with God’s global purpose. • They assure us of Christ’s presence and the Spirit’s power whenever we step into new territory. |
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