INSIGHT 30 AUGUST 2024 www.goodnewsfl.org Good News • South Florida Edition At the Olympics, the world converges in a stunning display of unity and excellence, showcasing an incredible array of human talent and determination. Athletes from many nations come together during this celebration of athleticism and sportsmanship that transcends borders and cultural differences. Some track and field events seem to be over in a flash — literal years of an athlete’s work condensed into a sprint that lasts seconds. I can’t help but wonder what the comparison would be if the organizers pulled a random spectator from the crowd to also participate in the event, providing a stark visual comparison of the immense talent of the Olympic athletes. When watching the summer Olympics, I’m reminded of Hebrews 12:1: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." (NIV) As individuals, we each have our own distinct life paths that only we can travel on. But there’s a joint race we’re running, as the global Church, to fulfill the Great Commission. With the charge to go and preach, teach and make disciples echoing from Jesus himself more than 2,000 years ago, it begs the question: Why hasn’t the Great Commission been fulfilled? What is the challenge? Is it a lack of spiritual hunger, a lack of open doors, a lack of resources, or something else entirely? As the leader of a global ministry and the son of missionary parents, I’ve been able to travel to 158 countries. I have yet to find a country where there are no people crying out for the truth of the gospel or to know the name of Jesus, their Savior. We live in a spiritually dark world, where people search for hope. While they try to fulfill their hearts’ greatest longing with everything the world offers, only God and His Word can truly fill that void. It’s not a lack of spiritual hunger that keeps the Great Commission unfinished. God can open any door. I’ve seen it repeatedly, both in my own life and in ministry. He provides opportunities for the gospel to be shared in the most war-torn and spiritually dark places in the world. I remember being in a mental health hospital in the 1990s with a pastor. These young people had never heard the Good News, and my team and I could instantly feel the oppression as we walked in the doors. Yet, we began to pray, and God moved. His hope and peace broke through. Open doors are not the issue either. Over a decade ago, I found my father one day desperately praying to God in his office. The leaders of Brazil had just asked OneHope, which provides age and culturally-relevant presentations of the gospel to children, for God’s Word for the schoolchildren in the country — all 32 million. My dad sought the Lord for provision. Where in the world were we going to receive money to fund such an endeavor? God reminded him that reaching all of the children of the world with God’s Word was God’s vision in the first place. God isn’t staggered by any expense. He holds the whole world and everything in it. God does invite us to participate in His works and asks for pure hearts and motives. All glory and honor goes to God. No, it’s not a lack of resources that stands in the way of everyone having access to the gospel. The challenge to fulfilling the Great Commission is the same as it has always been — it’s a matter of obedience. Are we going to be obedient to lay our own plans at God’s feet and ask, “God, what would you have me do?” The generations alive today have the most access to knowledge and collaborative tools in the history of humanity. I believe the Great Commission doesn’t have to be the dream of generations far off, but it can become the reality of our generation. Why Hasn’t the Great Commission Been Fulfilled? - Rob Hoskins - OneHope President Sheridan House needs your help NOW! Florida requires that we have 3,000 Sheridan Hou oad t tes on the r ense pla alues lic 0 Family V our h use needs y to W! help NO ve helped thousand homes which ha te prov ense pla alues lic The Family V o sel e need t retain this program. W te! It’s simp Get the Home Pla .org/tag for more in SheridanHouse oday at: (954 Call Sheridan House t ds of at-risk young me or our vides funding f 24 t l 1,000 tags in 20 ast. ple and f nformation 1552 or visit 4) 583- en. children’s e our tag. o secur amilies en and F Needs of Childr ist by Serving the ing Chr Honor ANHOUSE SHERID ed by:The Foreman Cook Group at Mo Sponsor organ Stanley
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