SUBJ: The simplicity of Christ’s manner to the just prior to the ascension as a profound mandate to all generations following that the Gospel was to be preached.

AIM: That we should be receptive and responsive to the message and proceed as directed by none other than the Lord Himself.

INTR: We have now spent much time dealing with various aspects of sharing the Gospel with others and were left in the last message with a twofold direction – pray (for laborers in the harvest) and then go and proclaim to them the glorious truth as it is in Christ Jesus the Lord.
1. I believe it is an observed fact that the Lord pressed this necessity upon all who come to believe (notwithstanding that some are gifted and called such as pastor-teachers).
2. While we would urge “pressing the necessity of the Gospel on all,” we would also press the necessity that we become involved with doing just that.
3. So, we will look at three examples wherein out Lord directs us in just that way.

THESIS: The very nature of the Gospel is heavy with the necessity to tell it to others. There is no better news to be shared and we are witness to that in our own salvation.

I. Before we consider this text: 28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30.
1. We often quote this passage with the intent to encourage and comfort; especially do we so when the evident burden is conviction of sin.
2. But, we also retreat there to be reminded of the rest that we should be partaking of as we think of the sin burden lifted and our enemy defeated and the ultimate rest that awaits. It is here that we might pause for a bit to analyze our Lord’s words:
1) Those addressed are the burdened and heavy-laden
2) The thought of the yoke points to a participation with Christ and,
3) The accompanying mandate is: “Learn of Me!”
i. From Him
ii. About Him
3. The question is why? The answer is that we might pass it on. Competence is needed.

II. This text:
1. The first order of business was to open their understanding, so they might understand the scriptures.
2. The essence of what would be learned was that it was necessary for Christ to suffer and to raise from the dead (this opens the door for discussion of the needs of fallen men and the need of a substitute).
1) That necessity pressed then repentance is required of all
2) And, that remission (forgiveness) of sins is to be found only through Christ.
3. A third thought here begs the question with us:
1) They were declared to be “witnesses of these things,”
2) The question to us is are we?
4. The task ahead was accompanied by promise (v. 49)

III. A further text: But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:8
1. This is, of course, Luke resuming the narrative from Luke 24 and contains the explanation of the promise of the Father.
2. I would remind us all, at this point, of the marvelous outpourings of the Spirit that accompanied the Apostolic ministry which certainly extended beyond the Apostles.
1) We rejoice in reading the accounts in Acts, we delight that history records several special visitations of the Spirit, and the promise of the Lord extends to the end of the age (Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:20).
2) Thus, we may conclude that the Spirit is no less able today than He was then.
3. We read of the fact in that, If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself. 2 Timothy 2:13.
1) Neither can He deny what He has promised: If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? Luke 11:13.
2) What need do we have, it not to fulfill that which is laid before us to share the Gospel.