The Great Commission
When a debate rises up about how a church should be doing more or doing less it seems to never be resolved. Some churches today have no idea how to get out of the box they have built. Then there are groups that are doing so much they miss the simplicity of sharing the Gospel of Christ to a world in desolation and fear. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-22) given by the Lord was meant to be received in the simplest format as it was spoken. The word commission defined in its purest form is the authority to perform a task or certain duties. Jesus gave the authority that was given to Him by His Father. He opened this commission by design and referenced that the authority had been given to Him. His life as a man on this earth was for the one purpose of saving mankind from an eternal hell. Which in a positive sense is reconciling man back to God through His becoming Sin on Calvary’s Cross for all creation. That is why He was intent on promoting the command to “Go therefore….” His whole purpose was based on the continuing of what He had made real for mankind. The Church today is certainly worldwide and has touched millions. The commission has been and is being obeyed by many yet there are still those wondering how to get past the front door or entrance way of the church they attend. Seminars are being held on the “How To Witness” and an anachronism seems to be formed around The Great Commission, when it is as fresh today as when it was spoken by Jesus Himself. Meetings based on acronyms to imply reason to evangelism are also created to help promote interest in what should be already a passion. Going forth and making disciples is the central focus of life for a Christian besides worshipping God.
Which manual should be used to excite the Church to explode in an evangelism program that will introduce the lost and wayward to Christ as Savior? Where those hearing the Word will desire to be saved and baptized. Listening to what the spoken words are implanting into the heart and the desire is birthed to learn more of Christ and His great mercy.
The word today is becoming “missional” and breaking away from being “attractional” and why this is being discussed the Church becomes dysfunctional because she looses connection with the Great Commission and the lost that are so near. People actually do not want to pursue the avenue of pure evangelism through the “Go therefore…” They would rather sit and listen to stories and never really complete the cycle of discipleship through practical spreading of the Christian gospel which is Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
It takes compassion and passion mixed with the simple truth of love and obedience. Jesus spoke these words to His disciples giving them authority, direction, and opportunity for the advancement of the Kingdom. When He addressed the them again just before His ascension into the Throne of Mercy He made another great reference to this commission…(Acts 1:8) When Jesus came out of the tomb he found the disciples hiding for fear of what may happen to them now that He was gone. (Luke 20:19) They had forgotten or refused to embrace the promise of the Holy Spirit given in John 16:7-11. When the Church was birthed in Acts 2:1-4, this commission became active and it was maintained by those who went forth and made disciples. Thousands were saved and he Church grew! This activity can happen even now if those who truly believe will simply Go therefore… with the Holy Spirit leading and the Word of God in thier heart. Listening to the direction of God through prayer and going out into the communities and sharing God’s love. Making friends with the friendless and bringing hope to the hopeless. Receiving and being received by people just as they are. Caring about the heart of man and the soul that needs to be attended to by God’s enduring mercy. Making connections and reconnecting with severed relationships that have been distant to long. What is the Great Commission all about? It is about connecting with God’s creation and bringing reconciliation to them… (2 Corinthians 5:18-19) Go out and make friends (connections) with the community and city where you live. Bring Christ’s love with you on your journey as you embrace people and get to know them. That is what Jesus did!
Dennis
Remember prayer moves the Hand of God