In Mark 16:15-16 after rebuking the disciples for their unwillingness to believe the testimony of their fellow believers concerning the resurrection, Jesus gives them a command which we commonly call the great commission. The first thing these disciples learned with regards to the risen Lord is that their failure didn’t hinder His willingness and desire to include them in His mission. The Greek phrase translated as “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” has some surprises. Unfortunately, many have placed the emphasis on one word, GO! But the central command of the “Great Commission” isn’t “GO” but what you are to do once you have gone namely “PREACH THE GOSPEL!”
In fact, the Greek has it “As you are GOING” and as such pre-supposes that as believers we are going to be “GOING” the command isn’t upon the going but rather on the “PREACHING OF THE GOSPEL” along the way.
Yes, it is true that the church of Jesus Christ was never designed to be “STAGNATE” but more importantly it was never designed to be “SILENT”! The world is not called to come to the Church, the Church is called to go to the World.” But the importance placed here by Jesus wasn’t the destination but rather the discussion! It doesn’t matter if you are crossing then ocean or crossing the street, going around the world or going around the block as His disciples we were to be speaking about Him! I’m convinced that most Christians want to do this but are intimidated because they just aren’t sure what the “GOSPEL” is. The gospel is NOT a lofty, complicated theological study that requires years of intense research. Neither is it the message that heaven awaits us after we die, or that God is love, both of which are true. Heaven is NOT the “good news” it is the result of the good news!