How will they hear?

I was sitting in a minivan ready to start the trip… 

In the row of seats in front of me sat an older Thai lady…

This particular town had a number of large idols set up beside the road…

And as we passed, this lady respectfully bowed to each one in worship… 

And throughout the trip wherever there was a shrine set up on the side of the road, she bowed to each one… 

Now, let me ask you a question… 

Was she bowing to those idols, because she wanted to, or was it simply because that’s all she’s ever known? 

Has she ever heard the name of Jesus? 

I don’t believe she ever has… 

What about the many hundreds of people who were in the bus station? 

Maybe a few of them have heard, but the large majority have never heard about Jesus… 

What about the millions of other buddhists who have never heard of any other way? 

What about the 2.9 BILLION people in this world who are completely unreached by the gospel? 

How will they learn about Jesus? 

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Romans 10

Verse 13: For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 

Verse 14: How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 

Verse 15: And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace and bring glad tidings of good things! 

Verse 16: But they have not all obeyed the gospel… 

We have neglected those people who are dying without Jesus… 

Jesus said, “GO ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15) 

Friends we have disobeyed Christ’s command… 

We have failed God…  

Jesus asks us the same question He asked Peter, do you love me? (John 21:17)

If our answer is yes, then we must do what Christ commanded Peter…

“Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.” 

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I want you to imagine a little scenario… 

Instead of being born in a 1st world country, you were born in a 3rd world country… 

Instead of growing up in a loving family, your parents died of aids and you’re living with a group of orphans in the local landfill. 

Instead of going to school and then college and getting a good job, you’re forced to pick through the trash looking for anything of value, hoping you can make a little money to buy at least one meal for the day. You will live this way the rest of your life, because there is no opportunity for you to have a better life. 

Instead of being born into a Christian home and believing in Jesus, you’re a Hindu, not because that’s what you chose, but because that’s all you’ve ever known. You have an empty feeling but have no idea what’s missing, or how to fill it. 

What if that was your life? Would you want someone to come and tell you who can fill that empty spot in your heart? Would you want someone to come and tell you about Jesus?

“And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.” (Luke 16:31)

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I’m going to ask two very specific questions… 

And I want you to think about them… 

Because they have eternal significance, either for you, or the people you could reach if you did go as a missionary. 

How will they hear if you don’t go? 

Who will go, if you don’t go? 

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“The very life of the church depends upon her faithfulness in fulfilling the Lord’s commission.” DA 825

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BE a witness… 

BE a missionary…