“And then shall the end come.”
I woke up with this thought in my heart: The Gospel is meant to go viral.
As I considered it, my mind went to the words of Jesus:
“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”
— Matthew 24:14, KJV
The Gospel was never intended to remain within four walls, within one nation, or within the circle of people who already believe. Jesus spoke of a message that would reach the whole world—a witness unto all nations.
What we have received must reach others. What has changed our lives must be proclaimed beyond us.
A Message Meant to Travel
Jesus gave His disciples a clear instruction:
“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”
— Mark 16:15, KJV
Notice the reach of that command: all the world, every creature.
There is no suggestion that the Gospel should be kept private because someone may disagree with it. There is no instruction to wait until the world finds it fashionable. The command is to go and preach.
Today, a video can travel across continents in minutes. A conversation can become a worldwide talking point before the day ends. People willingly share what entertains them, angers them, surprises them or confirms their opinions.
What are we doing with the message that brings salvation?
If we can forward a joke, we can share a testimony. If we can recommend a business, we can invite someone to hear the Word of God. If we can speak confidently about our interests, we can learn to speak clearly about Jesus.
The Gospel must have a place in our conversations, our homes, our relationships and the platforms available to us.
More Than a Passing Trend
When I say the Gospel is meant to go viral, I am speaking of its spread from person to person, home to home and nation to nation.
Jesus did not say that a Christian hashtag would trend and then the end would come. He said that the Gospel of the kingdom would be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations.
That distinction matters.
A post can attract attention without communicating the Gospel. A Christian phrase can become popular while people remain unaware of their need for salvation. Our responsibility is to make the message clear.
The Gospel declares that Jesus Christ died for our sins and rose again:
“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:”
— 1 Corinthians 15:3–4, KJV
We must tell people who Jesus is, what He has done, and their need to repent and believe in Him.
We cannot edit out sin, repentance, the cross or the resurrection simply to make the message more acceptable. The message entrusted to us must remain faithful as it travels.
Every Believer Has a Part
It is easy to think that spreading the Gospel belongs only to pastors, evangelists or people with large platforms.
But consider the person who first spoke to you about Jesus. Consider the invitation, the conversation, the message or the act of Christian witness through which you encountered the truth.
Someone made the Gospel available to you.
Who is God giving you the opportunity to reach?
There may be a colleague who has questions, a neighbour facing a difficult season, a relative who has never heard you explain your faith, or someone quietly following your posts.
You may not have access to a stadium, but you have access to people.
Start with the opportunities before you. Pray for them. Speak with love. Explain the truth clearly. Invite them to respond to Christ.
We Need the Power of the Holy Ghost
Jesus connected worldwide witness with the power of the Holy Ghost:
“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
— Acts 1:8, KJV
Technology gives us opportunities to distribute the message. We still need the Holy Ghost to empower our witness.
We need boldness to speak, wisdom to answer questions and sensitivity to recognise the opportunities God gives us. Our preparation must therefore include prayer and the Word.
Before you publish, pray. Before you speak, depend on the Holy Ghost. As you share, trust God to work in the hearts of those who hear.
Our lives must also bear witness to the Christ we proclaim. At home, at work and online, our conduct should support our message.
“And Then Shall the End Come”
Those words of Jesus should awaken a sense of responsibility in us.
The preaching of the Gospel to all nations is part of what He told us to expect before the end. That gives our witness urgency and purpose.
We have not been given authority to set the date of His return. We have been given a commission to fulfil while we await Him.
Every generation of believers must take that commission seriously. We must teach our children the truth, support those taking the Gospel to unreached people, pray for the spread of the Word and use the opportunities available to us.
There are still people who need to hear.
There are still people who need someone to explain.
There are still people who need an invitation to come to Christ.
Let the Message Travel Through You
Perhaps today you can share a clear Gospel message with someone. Perhaps you can speak to the person you have been praying for. Perhaps you can invite a friend to church or support the work of someone preaching where you cannot go.
Take a definite step.
Paul wrote:
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”
— Romans 1:16, KJV
We have a message worth proclaiming. We have a Saviour worth speaking about. We have a commission that reaches to the ends of the earth.
The Gospel is meant to go viral. Let it travel through you.
A Prayer
Father, thank You for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and for the salvation I have received. Fill me with the Holy Ghost and give me boldness to be a faithful witness. Open doors for me to speak, and help me recognise the people You are giving me opportunities to reach. Let my words and my conduct honour Jesus. Send labourers into every nation, and let Your Word reach those who have not heard. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Cornelius Bella | The Message Bearer
