“And repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”
Luke 24:47 NIV
All Nations
According to the United Nations, the generally recognized body which determines nationhood, there are 193 recognized countries with an overall total of 208 including 2 observer states, and 13 states with limited recognition. Canada ranks among the highest in international measurements of government transparency, civil liberties, quality of life, economic freedom, education levels, gender equality, public services, public security and environmental sustainability. It ranks among the lowest of the most developed countries for housing affordability, healthcare services and foreign direct investment.
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There is nothing in the world like a second chance, which is what Jesus gave His disciples when He rose from the dead on Resurrection Day. During those days Jesus’ body lay in the grave, the disciples pretty much gave up hope. In fact, when Jesus found them, they had returned to their fishing boats. But He wouldn’t allow them to stay there – He had something much greater for them to accomplish. He says this to them in Luke 24:47, “…and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” These disciples would take the message of Jesus to the known world at the time – Thomas would make it all the way to the southern tip of India where Christians there today trace their spiritual roots back to him. In our day, the task of preaching repentance for the forgiveness of sins is being taken to places in the world where the name of Jesus Christ has never been spoken before. We too are to call people of every nation, tribe, and language, to repentance and faith in Jesus. Let’s take up the torch in our generation.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley