One morning, a teacher greeted his class and asked, "What are the three most important letters in the English language?"

Seeing the puzzled looks on his students' faces, he said, "I will show you."

With large clear letters, he wrote on the chalkboard, "N - 0 - W"!

"'Behold now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation' (II Corinthians 6:2). Tomorrow the door might be eternally shut for you."

How does this example illustrate the necessity of preaching the invitation of the gospel to every creature because it proclaims God's concern for, and claim upon, every person?

4. The gospel must be preached to all because it glorifies both God's grace and righteousness. Proclaiming the content, invitation, and promise of God's gospel to all, richly testifies of His wonderful grace. What king has ever displayed such grace toward rebels as God has in His gospel offer?

God's righteousness will also be glorified, however, in the condemnation of those who despise such a gracious forbearance and offer of salvation. God's righteousness will stand out in clearest light against their grievous sins of rejection.

For He saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

II Corinthians 6:2

Today if ye will hear His voice,

Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness.

- Psalm 95:7b-8

In Acts 24:25 we read of Felix's response to Paul's preaching. Acts 24:25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled and answered, Go thy way for this time; when 1have a convenient season, I will call for thee. We never read that his convenient season ever arrived. What lesson can we learn from this?