Some, most, many and all are words used to describe a quantity. For the purpose of this thought today, they are used to describe a quantity of people. Now unless there is an ability to do so by knowing the quantitative fact, then describing a quantity by using a word is intended only to substantiate a personal belief or observation.
Using the Merriman-Webster Dictionary we learn the following-
"Some means being an unknown, undetermined, or unspecified unit or thing.
Most means greatest in quantity, extent, or degree, majority.
Many means consisting of or amounting to a large but indefinite number.
All means the whole amount, quantity, or extent of."
So depending to what extent a point is to be made, a word will be used to attest to the quantitative fact that is being attempted to be made. This occurs all the time and we are all able to admit we have used a word in order to give our opinion of a a specific matter.
With this in mind, I want to use a word here to describe what I see and conclude is happening today. Many today, that is to say as defined earlier, consisting of or amounting to a large but indefinite number, are in need of the Lord for salvation. Now I think you would agree with me.
Are there people being saved today? Of course there are and because of that faith in Christ they will spend eternity with Him. We understand that is true for all who have been saved.
However, we also know that there are some who as the definition says, being an unknown, undetermined, or unspecified unit or thing, who are able to be saved. I mean that they are open to and responsive to the Gospel yet they are not being encouraged or even told the good news.
In the Scriptures Jesus said in Matthew 9:37-38
37 ...“The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.
38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
Now consider why and when Jesus made this statement. In the preceding verses, Matthew gives the account of when this occurred. Beginning in verse 35 we read-
35 Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.
36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.
38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
If we take the time to think about what we see here, we can recognize that as we are out and about we should be like Jesus and teaching and proclaiming the good news. Although we are not healing people like Jesus was able to do, we can and should be telling people about Him.
We have come to this point of recognizing that not all people will respond to the Gospel. We know that not all, the whole amount, quantity, or extent of people will come to salvation by grace through Jesus Christ. Yet that does not mean that we shouldn't try. Actually we should do everything we can to assist people in knowing Him.
So how do people learn about the good news of Jesus Christ? That is a great question and the answer my surprise you. The most obvious way is for them to have someone tell them by a sharing about Jesus. Then they can accept Him as Saviour. This is done by talking to someone one on one. We often refer to this as presenting the Gospel. A very common label is for this is called personal evangelism.
It can be through a Bible Study class or a worship service where the Gospel is presented. Then an opportunity for someone to respond to what they have learned. This is also evengelism but it is done more in a corporate environment.
People like to talk with others. I want to encourage you who know Jesus as your Savour to talk about Him with those you know and come into contact with each day. Build relationships that provide opportunities to talk about Him. This will lead into discussions in which you can share your faith and the Gospel with them.
Invite them to go to church with this Sunday. Eighty-six percent of people surveyed said they would go to church if invited by a friend, neighbor, family member. This is another way for you to share Jesus with others.
The decision you made about Jesus as your Savoiur could only be made this side of the grave. The same is true for your loved ones and others you come into contact. Take the opportunity God gives you to tell others about Jesus Christ today.
In God's Grace,
Elbert Nasworthy
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