On occasion, we read in Scripture of men who were called by various means to go and preach the gospel to people in other areas. Philip was told by an angel of the Lord to meet a man of Ethiopia along the road from Jerusalem to Gaza (Acts 8:26). The Lord called Ananias to speak to Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9:10-16). Peter was summoned to Cornelius' house to preach the gospel (Acts 10:22). The apostle Paul received a vision in the night, a man of Macedonia pleading that he 'Come over to Macedonia and help us.' (Acts 16:9-10).

What a wonderful privilege and responsibility it is to preach the gospel of Christ. Though the means by which the call is made might be different in this present day, our response needs to be as dutiful and zealous as those of former years. As the faithful of old grasp the opportunity to share the good news of Jesus Christ, so we must do in our age. Time and again, the Scriptures motivate us to diligent action. Consider:

• "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going." (Ecclesiastes 9:10)

• "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith." (Galatians 6:10)

• "Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time." (Colossians 4:5)

• "See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is." (Ephesians 5:15-17)

The opportunity to share God's word might be in our home town, as the case was for Ananias. We might have an occasion to teach about the Christ while traveling, as Philip did. Peter needed to make a short trip, that he might preach to those who were in Caesarea. Paul needed to travel a great distance, both on sea and land to reach the call of Macedonia. Whether our opportunity be at home, in the midst of traveling, or through planned trips, either near or far, let us be ready to preach the word (2 Timothy 4:2).

Note the different peoples who were taught. Paul first taught some Jewish women holding a prayer meeting at a riverside (16:13), followed by a hopeless jailer in Philippi (16:27-34), and many more as we continue to follow Paul's journey through Macedonia. Peter taught a house full of Gentiles, thirsting for the word of God. Ananias shared the truth of Christ with a fellow countryman who had formerly persecuted those who followed Christ. Philip spoke with a man of Ethiopia, who seems to have been a devout proselyte. Perhaps our opportunity will come among our countrymen, or perhaps among foreigners. It may be that we'll have the occasion to speak with those who are religious, or maybe some who had never given a thought to eternal things.

Finally, notice with me the different results which ensued. Philip taught the Ethiopian Eunuch, who gladly received and obeyed the Lord's word. We are told he went on his way rejoicing. No indication is given as to what may have resulted in Ethiopia through this one man's faith. Ananias heeded the Lord's command to speak to Saul of Tarsus, despite his fears, and perhaps the single most influential teacher of the first century, save Jesus Christ, resulted. At the preaching of Peter, Cornelius and his household obeyed the gospel, and we read in Scripture of a faithful congregation of God's people meeting in that place (Acts 18:22). Paul's Macedonian mission met varied results; some who obeyed, some who didn't; some who received him, others who persecuted him. But consider that by the apostle's response to the Macedonian call, faithful churches were eventually established in Thyatira, Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea and Corinth.

Philip received what might be called "the desert call". Paul's coming to Damascus resulted in Ananias putting his effort to "the chosen vessel call". Peter went to Caesarea on "the Gentile call". Responding to a vision, Paul embarked upon what is commonly called "the Macedonian call". Let us always be alert to the call to preach the good news of the kingdom of God. Some months ago, we received what I have called "the Newfoundland call" (it was literally a telephone call from Newfoundland, seeking help with the truth). Gladly, we grasp the opportunity to teach God's word. May be ever be alert to every "call" to further the cause of Christ.

As a song writer once penned,
"There's a call comes ringing o'er the restless wave,
Send the light, send the light;
There are souls to rescue, there are souls to save,
Send the light, send the light."

Click here for this week's Answering The Atheist
How many horsemen did David take, 7,000 (1 Chronicles 18:4) or 1,700 (2 Samuel 8:4)?