Jesus did not instruct his followers to “hold the fort” until he returns. Jesus told us to take the offense and expand the kingdom on earth. The Great Commission makes clear that we are to
“Go…and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:19, 20
We are losing ground. A report out yesterday, and published in this morning’s Press-Register, observes that our county has grown by over 30,000 residents since 2000. That is over 21% growth in the 7 years of the study! According to the article, Baldwin County is one of the fastest growing regions in the entire nation. The recent up tick in industrial development in neighboring Mobile County is certain to bring even more residents to our area. Some of them are already members of the Lord’s body but the vast majority are not. What are we doing to win those souls?
It is not reasonable to think that these people will come to us. Some will but very few. The overwhelmingly vast majority are not even concerned of, or aware of, their lost condition. The pulpit’s of the church in Baldwin county can ring with one first-principle lesson after another and few if any will be saved. We must seek the lost.
We can erect signs and banners, broadcast radio lessons and televise our services. We can engage in one program after another and still not win a soul. All these things are helpful but at the end of the day, someone must be willing to sit opposite an open Bible across from a friend or family member and teach them the truth. We must seek the lost.
Here’s a more sobering thought. Health statistics from the Centers for Disease Control show that, on average, over 1,300 people will die in Baldwin county in 2008. That’s almost 4 people per day who leave our county to meet their maker in eternity and mostly they are unprepared. We must seek the lost.
Wouldn’t you agree that even 1 was too many?
Whatever you are doing, whatever I am doing, it is not enough. We must seek the lost!
“and lo, I am with you always, even until the end of the age.”
