From the 2018 Missions Archives: Why We Exist - The Furtherance of the Gospel

In the 18th Century, while Christians and churches were at odds as to whether the Great Commission was applicable to their day and time or had been fulfilled in previous ages by the Apostles and churches, a young shoe-maker from England named Williams Carey pondered aloud this question:

"Our Lord Jesus Christ, shortly before his departure from this earth, commissioned his apostles to Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. This commission was as extensive as possible, and laid them under obligation to disperse themselves into every country of the hapitable globe, and preach to all the inhabitants, without exception, or limitation. They accordingly went forth in obedience to the command, and the power of God was evidently wrought with them. If the prophecies concerning the increase of Christs' kingdom be true, and if what has been advanced, concerning the commission given by him to his disciples being obligatory on us, be just, it must be inferred that all Christians ought heartily to concur with God in promoting his glorious designs, for he that is joined to the Lord is one spirit."

Carey spent the rest of his life demonstrating the urgency for all men to spread the Gospel to all nations. In the 21st century, the Great Commission should remain prevalent in the Lords' churches.

In a couple of months, messengers of the churches of the ABA will meet together in Lexington, KY. The President of our associtation, Dr. Randy Cloud, has chosen this years' theme as "The Furtherance of the Gospel." Once again, our focus will be directed to Jesus and His Commission to His Churches. The Great Commission is not just an extension of one of the many programs in our churches, it is the program, and the reason for our existence. As you read this Spring edition of the Mission News and Views, you may rejoice in the work of the Lord through these dedicated missionaries of God as they have abandoned their personal wants, wishes and desires for the "Furtherance of the Gospel."

Respectfully,

Bryan Sellers