“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”— Matthew 28:19-20
These verses are the final directives given to the disciples by Jesus. He gave them just before He ascended into heaven. Personally, I think they must be very important. So important, in fact, that Jesus made sure the disciples heard them directly from Him — at perhaps the most teachable moment of their lives. These simple directives are also from Jesus for us; they will help us set the course for our lives. Implement them and you will be walking in the steps laid out for you by your Creator.
Here are four vital components of the Great Commission Life:
1. Go! — That’s right, go! We have been commissioned. This is a word of action. This verb literally means as you go. As we pass through this world, we are to carry the Gospel message with us. We are to share it with everyone we meet along the way.
“And he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.’” — Mark 16:15
2. Make Disciples —It’s a lifestyle, a part of everyday life. God saves people and we get to do life with them.
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” — Mark 5:14-16
3. Baptize and Teach —Point people to Jesus by encouraging them in the first step of obedience to Christ — baptism! Then, introduce them to the Bible and teach them God’s Word.
“You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.” — 2 Timothy 2:2 (NLT)
4. God is With Us — This is perhaps the most foundational Truth in all of Scripture. It’s the solid Rock we get to stand on!
“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel.” (which means, God with us) — Matthew 1:23
I’m convinced that these simple truths are life changing. I’m so thankful that God has used them to set the course for my life. He put me on a different trajectory than where I was headed. Quite frankly, I was headed my own way, or should I say, the wrong way. God grabbed ahold of my heart and gently pointed me toward Him.
Thank you, Jesus!
Posted in A Word from the Pastor