9 The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9, NRSV)
While John spoke of the entire world when he wrote: 16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. … (John 3:16, NRSV), Peter was focusing on each individual when he wrote: (God is) not wanting any to perish (2 Peter 3:9, NRSV). We need to examine the word “any” or “anyone” before we look at “all” or “everyone.”
It is important to remember that our deserving of hell is due to sin in general, not specific actions alone.
Think about the person you regard as the greatest sinner.
Now think of the worst criminal you have heard about.
Now think of the worst dictator you have ever heard about.
An estimated 42% of the world’s population, comprising 3 to 4 billion people, have never heard of Jesus or His Gospel.
These individuals belong to unreached people groups, where there is no indigenous community of believing Christians able to engage them with the Gospel.
If they die without accepting Christ as their Savior, they are eternally lost.
If God does not want the worst criminals and dictators to be lost, how can we ignore the billions whose greatest fault is simply not knowing that Jesus loves them and died for their sins?
15 And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, (2 Peter 3:15 ESV)
Over 42% of the world still needs a clear explanation of salvation.
The Assemblies of God is committed to this mission.
During a recent five-year period, an average of four and a half people were added to the church every minute.
During that same period, the number of churches increased by an average of 40 each day.
While we have about 2,850 missionaries and associates from the United States, there are now approximately 5,400 missionaries from 68 fraternal fellowships ministering in 168 countries around the world.
That means there is 1 A/G missionary for every 1.5 billion people!
There are others, but the numbers are still staggering!
Jesus said: 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8, NRSV)
First, be witnesses in your local environment, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Some are called to minister to similar cultures farther from home, while others engage diverse cultures within their own country.
Others are called to the ends of the earth, bringing the Gospel to those who have never heard it.
Another thing we can do to win the lost is to Support missionaries.
Pray regularly for missionaries supported by our church.
Commit to monthly financial support for Assemblies of God missionaries.
Give generously when missionaries visit your church.
CONCLUSION:
God desires no soul to be lost. 4 who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:4 NRSV)
Those in darkness need to hear about Jesus to be saved. 12 “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12 NRSV)
Jesus commanded us to share the Gospel. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19 NRSV)
We are accountable if we neglect this responsibility. 8 If I say to the wicked, “O wicked ones, you shall surely die,” and you do not speak to warn the wicked to turn from their ways, the wicked shall die in their iniquity, but their blood I will require at your hand. (Ezekiel 33:8 NRSV)
11 if you hold back from rescuing those taken away to death, those who go staggering to the slaughter;12 if you say, “Look, we did not know this” does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who keeps watch over your soul know it? And will he not repay all according to their deeds? (Proverbs 24:11-12 NRSV)
Does the way you invest your time and money show your commitment to the salvation of everyone? It’s something to think about!
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