Urgency characterized Jesus’ earthly ministry. He spoke of the importance of doing His Father’s work, for “night is coming when no one can work” (John 9:4). He challenged His disciples to “lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest” (John 4:35). A plentiful harvest still awaits; the Lord urgently needs laborers to go out into His harvest (Luke 10:2). The gospel is still man’s only hope (Rom. 1:16). “Jesus Christ, and Him crucified” is still our urgent plea (1 Cor. 2:2). We need to sense the urgency of the message of Christ today. Today, as ever, we as Jesus’ disciples need to sanctify Jesus Christ as our Lord (1 Pet. 3:15), and prepare ourselves to share with those willing to listen to the message they need to hear. In this year’s lectureship the speakers in the series consider the sobering question: What would I say if I had only one opportunity to speak to this person in this particular situation? Their messages will stir the hearts and challenge the minds of those who hear them. They are practical messages that are urgently needed today.