AuthorTerry R Baughman is Lead Pastor for LifeChurch in Gilbert, AZ. See his complete bio at trbaughman.com Archives
October 2024
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Every Nation6/7/2020 Every Nation The 2020 Awakening! Terry R. Baughman Jesus, “You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation” (Revelation 5:9). The purpose of God was far more inclusive than just for the nation of Israel. Notwithstanding, the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were uniquely favored by God to be the lineage whereby He would reveal Himself to the world, “In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 18:18; 22:18; 26:4). God’s kindness was revealed throughout the Scripture toward those who were outside the family of favor. Naaman, the Syrian, was healed of leprosy when he dipped in the Jordan River at the word of the Prophet Elisha. The hospitable widow of Zarephath baked a cake with the last of her supplies for Elijah and found that her meager staples were never depleted throughout the time of famine in the land. Jonah preached one message to the pagan city of Nineveh and the entire population turned their hearts to God in repentance. Jesus drew from these illustrations in the Gospels as He ministered to Jewish crowds who rejected His message and opposed His purpose. John said, “He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name” (John 1:11–12). God’s view has always included the broader picture of redemption. His plan of salvation was universal, “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). The commission was all inclusive, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). John’s revelation gave insight to the ultimate completion of God’s plan and the extent of His outreach. John saw the host of people that were redeemed to God by the blood of Christ. They represented, “every tribe and tongue and people and nation” (Revelation 5:9). Every tribe represents ethnic groups of families and regional identity. Every tongue assures that all language groups are reached and represented among the redeemed. Every people encompasses the cultural groups around the world. There is no culture that is omitted or neglected from God’s focus. Finally, every nation indicates that there are no borders or boundaries created by humanity that precludes the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The call goes out to the entire globe, “Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely” (Revelations 22:17). We have no reservation when we declaring the grace of God and the provision of salvation. We may freely extend the invitation to any and all within our reach with full assurance that God’s plan is to fill them with His Holy Spirit. Jesus said, “‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive” (John 7:37–39). The name of Jesus is known around the world and the Gospel continues to be preached. The Word of God is being fulfilled and we are tasked to proclaim a universal message to every nation. Solomon spoke in the Psalm, “His name shall endure forever; His name shall continue as long as the sun. And men shall be blessed in Him; All nations shall call Him blessed” (Psalm 72:17). Let us declare the power of the name of Jesus to every nation! Theme passage: “Knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed” (Romans 13:11).
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