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"Every One"

Pastor's message for Sunday, October 19 TEXT:  2 Peter 3:9 Before we focus on "every one", we have to consider "anyone"; in other words, God is interested not just in "the world", but in each individual. I.  God is not willing that anyone should be lost A.  Think of the worst sinner you know -- God does not want that person lost! B.  Think of some of the worst criminals known to mankind, such as William Bonin and Ted Bundy -- both found Christ before they were executed, because God didn't want them to be lost! C.  Think of some of the worst dictators you know, such as Omar al-Bashir and Osama ben Ladin -- God doesn't even want them to be lost! II.  God wants everyone to be saved A.  There are 4.4 billion in the world who have not had an adequate witness B.  If God is concerned about the worst of offenders, what about those who have not heard? III.  Two reasons why the Rapture has not yet occured A.  God wants more people to be saved -- and the Church has stepped up to the plate in this matter.  It is reported that an average of 4 1/2 people per minute are coming to Christ!  40 new churches are planted daily!  The world wide Assemblies of God has over 5400 missionaries in 168 countries of the world! B.  He is giving us more opportunities to reach the lost IV. What can we do to reach the lost now? A.  Be baptized in the Holy Spirit, according to Acts 1:8 B.  Begin at home -- accept YOUR missions appointment to the field! C.  Recognize the work of missionaries who take this gospel to cultures and lands away from here, throughout Kansas, the United States, and the ends of the earth 1.  Pray regularly for the missionaries we support 2.  Make a monthly faith promise so that our church can support our missionaries financially 3.  Give generous offerings everytime a missionary visits our church There are four absolutes concerning the lost: 1. God does not want even one soul lost. 2. Those who never hear the gospel will be eternally lost. 3.  Jesus commanded us to tell them. 4. If we don't, we will be held responsible.