Articles
Do into all the World
It is easy to develop “tunnel vision” when it comes to the work of the Lord’s church. Day
after day and week after week the same old thing. For the minister, a steady schedule of
preparation for Bible classes and sermons, bulletin articles, preparation for upcoming events,
visitation, etc. For the member, perhaps an even bigger question mark as to the work of the
church. Unless you are directly involved in a Bible study or making preparation for your weekly
Bible class, the work of the church may appear to be limited to your attendance at worship on
Sunday and Bible class on Wednesday evening. Let me try for a moment to burst that perception
of the work of the Lord’s church.
This past week I was able to attend a gospel meeting in Harrell, AR. For the past three
weeks they have been actively knocking doors in preparation for the meeting. They were able to
set up several Bible studies and rejoiced with the baptism of four individuals. Even though the
congregation may be small in number, they are actively trying to serve the Lord.
I received a couple of emails this past week reminding me of mission efforts being
conducted in the Northeast United States and around the world (especially with those we support
in Rwanda and Tanzania). Because of my involvement in the White Rock Fund (a group of
faithful Christians helping to support ministers and missionaries throughout the world) I have
become more aware of the work that is taking place in obedience to the Lord’s commission that
we go and teach, making disciples and baptizing them in the name of Jesus Christ (Mt. 28:19-
Back to our “tunnel vision”. We need to be very aware of the Lord’s work going on
around the world, but we also need to remind ourselves that going into all the world means going
into all of Monticello. We have opportunity each and every week to invite someone to join us for
a Bible study or attend worship with us. Vacation Bible School is just around the corner, offering
another opportunity to be involved in teaching and making disciples for the Lord. But the
question we must ask ourselves daily, “Am I doing my part in teaching others?” You see, the
commission Jesus gave the disciples is the same commission (command) that has been passed
down through the ages for you and me. Let’s be sure to be praying for the work around the
world, but also for the work right here in Monticello. The fields are indeed white for harvest!
