Think about how the good news about Jesus’s death and resurrection got from the small group of disciples in ancient Judea all the way to you. It’s astounding to think about, and yet it happened through the ordinary means of preaching and sending. These ordinary means are what Paul is talking about in Romans 10:9-17. For people to believe, they must first hear. But for them to hear, someone must preach. But for someone to preach, they must be sent. As disciples of Jesus, we are sent to preach (John 20:21) the good news about Jesus—that he died for sins, and we can be forgiven and reconciled to God through faith in him.

This doesn’t mean we all have to preach on Sunday, but we are to be ready to speak about the hope we have in Christ. We do Alpha because all people need the Gospel. Apart from grace, we stand condemned, ashamed, and under wrath—but everyone who believes in his name will be saved! We are called to preach, and also to send. As Jesus says in the Great Commission (Matt 28:16-20), “Go, make disciples of all nations.” Paul himself wrote Romans in part because he was going to ask the Roman church to help send him to Spain (Rom 15:24). Sending is a healthy rhythm for a church; we live out this call to send by sending out church planters and by supporting our Global Missions partners. You can find out more about how you can join us in sending out Grace’s global partners and church planters through the Missions Calendar. These calendars are available at the information kiosk on Sundays or in the church office.

Taking it home: To whom are you sent to tell the Good News? How does God want you to partner in sending others?