One Trip Changes EverythingSample

The Problem

The world is filled with problems. People struggle with addictions. Relationships are broken. Jobs are lost. Loved ones become ill.

While the things listed above are real, serious, and sometimes overwhelming problems, there is an even more significant problem that plagues over 3 billion people around the world. That problem is a lack of access to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

In Romans 15:14-21, the apostle Paul shares his desire to preach the gospel to those who have yet to hear the Good News. In verse 20, he states, “...and thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else’s foundation.” Paul understood that spiritual needs were everywhere, but access to the gospel is not.

We see spiritual needs in the problems we see all around us, but we also see the gospel. Multiple churches in every city. Bibles in every bookstore. And your neighbor who doesn’t know Jesus has you to share the Good News with them.

As hard as it is to believe, this isn’t true for everyone in the world. We need to see what Paul saw and make it our ambition to not only build on the foundation we see around us, but to find ways to provide gospel access to those who do not yet have the hope of Christ.

“...but as it is written, “Those who have never been told of him will see, and those who have never heard will understand.” Romans 15:21

Prayer:

Lord, give us the same ambition Paul had. Give us the desire to do our part to provide gospel access to those still unreached. Embolden us with love for those who do not yet know you. May You alone be glorified among all nations.

Reflective Questions:

• How do you see access to the gospel around you, and how would your life be different if you didn’t have access?
• What is one thing you can do to help those who lack gospel access?