"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come" (Matthew 24:14, KJV).
"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned" (Mark 16:15-16, KJV).
What Does It Mean to Go Beyond?
The word beyond means "on the further side of," "a place not yet reached," or "to a greater degree or excellence." We often hear the phrase "above and beyond," which describes going past what is expected. Students striving for scholarships, employees seeking promotions, and friends supporting loved ones in times of need all demonstrate what it means to go beyond - because they care, they're invested, and they see purpose.
Spiritually, we are called to go beyond ourselves for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The gospel (euangelion in Greek) means "good news" - the message of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. This good news is not meant to be hidden; it must be proclaimed throughout the world as a testimony to every nation.
Just as the apostles obeyed and boldly proclaimed the gospel message beyond their limitations, we too are called to go beyond.
BEYOND SCATTERED SERVANTS AWAITS A GREAT REVIVAL
"Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word. Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them" (Acts 8:4-5, KJV).
After Pentecost, revival spread like wildfire. Philip, once a deacon, stepped into his calling as an evangelist and carried the gospel beyond Jerusalem to Samaria. Many believed, were baptized, and received the Holy Ghost. Even when persecution scattered the church, they did not retreat - they advanced.
Revival comes when ordinary people obey an extraordinary God.
Consider the Ramonda Serbica, a rare Serbian flower that can survive years of drought and revive when watered. In the same way, we are revived when we dwell in God's Word, spend time in prayer, and rest in His presence.
Revival is not confined to geography or time - it is alive today wherever believers allow the Holy Ghost to move. Just as Philip reached the Ethiopian eunuch with the gospel, we are called to reach someone today.
Revival begins when we go beyond our comfort zones. It is not confined to the four walls of the church - it happens in schools, workplaces, homes, and communities.
BEYOND THE WALLS IS A FRUITFUL VINE
"I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing"(John 15:5, KJV).
"Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain" (John 15:16, KJV).
God does not simply call us to be saved - He calls us to bear fruit. That fruit looks like love, faithfulness, humility, and souls transformed by the gospel. When we abide in Christ, His Spirit flows through us, empowering us to do what we cannot do alone.
Just as fruit differs in color, size, and flavor, the body of Christ is beautifully diverse. We come from different cultures and backgrounds, yet we are rooted in the same gospel.
Ask yourself:
Did I tell anyone about Jesus this week?
Did I plant any seeds of faith?
We must go beyond the walls of the church and live the gospel out loud. Share your testimony. Start a Bible study. Be unashamed. A vine that stays in one corner will never cover much ground - but one that climbs walls and stretches outward bears much fruit.
The gospel must spread beyond traditions and schedules - into schools, campuses, workplaces, neighborhoods, and nations!
BEYOND THE GREAT COMMISSION PRODUCES SALVATION
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-20, KJV).
"Then Peter said unto the...