April 24, 2020
Good Morning Fellow Believers,
Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)
The Great Commission is one of the most significant passages in the Bible. First, it is the last recorded personal instruction given by Jesus to His disciples. Second, it is a special calling from Jesus Christ to all His followers to take specific action while on this earth. The Great Commission is the end of a Gospel and the beginning of faith in action for all Christians. Jesus calls all His followers to act and share the Good News of salvation throughout the world. The great Commission is an important calling on each and ever Christians life. Let’s take a look at these verses to get a better understanding of our calling.
Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations…
Here we are being taught to share the gospel of Jesus with the people we are with. No matter where the lord has placed us, we are to be sharing the gospel. This goes way beyond inviting someone to church. It is putting your self out there and sharing the love of Jesus. I would like to encourage you to develop a plan in three areas.
- Sharing your faith story impacts people. Tell them how God brought you to faith and what He is currently doing in your life. Take time to develop your story.
- Read, study, and memorize God’s word. If you have a knowledge of God’s word and have a hand full of verses memorized this is very helpful as you share.
- Practice sharing with your spouse or a friend. This will give you both experience and help you to know what to expect when sharing the Gospel.
…Baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…
Many of you have heard of Phil Robertson, of Duck Dynasty, as he shares Jesus with people and God brings them to faith he take that person who has just come to faith down to the river behind his house and baptizes them. I wonder how many Christians even think of Baptism as part of their calling.
…and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
Teaching someone about the bible is important after they have entered into a relationship with Jesus. This is the spiritual time in their life when they are most vulnerable. They will be attack by Satan and his forces. A steady outpouring of God’s word, from a believer, will give them the Knowledge and courage to withstand the spiritual attack. This teaching will also help them to develop a deeper understand of God, His plan, purpose, and ways.
If we really look at the great commission, we will see that this is the spiritual circle of life for each and every believer. Someone shares Jesus with us, God bring us into relationship. We are Baptized in obedience to God and then we begin to grow up spiritually through the reading and study of scripture.
In the Great Commission, Jesus calls every Christian to step out in faith and spread the Good News. This is faith in action! People who obey this command change their spiritual lives forever!
God Bless you as you share the love of Jesus,
Pastor Dennis