I guess it’s time to go ahead and go on record:  I am for the mandate.  My reasons?  Lives are at stake.  It definitely makes a difference.  It shows we truly care.  There is an incredible amount of false information being spread about it.  Last, but not least, we have been directed by authority, and we are under obligation to follow this initiative.  Some may not agree with me, but they would be wrong.  It’s clear.  There is no doubt.  It’s right there in Mark 16:15: “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”  How about Matthew 28:19?  “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”  Then there’s Luke 24:46-48: “Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things.”  Acts 1:8 says, “Ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”  And these are just a few of the many passages that clearly state our Lord’s divine mandate to spread the message of salvation in Christ Jesus.  I wonder what would happen in our community if believers became as passionate about discussing the Gospel Mandate as they are discussing the swirling controversy of that other one that’s so much in the news right now?  As I said, when it comes to the gospel, lives are at stake, it makes a difference, it shows we care, its truth stands above all false teaching, and our Lord commands it.  Yes, I’m 100% for this mandate.  How about you?