Scripture:
Matthew 28:18-20 NKJV
[18] And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. [19] Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
Observation:
Over the past few years, my life has changed in a dramatic fashion. As I started to understand that the bible is a book of instructions for us. That helps us navigate through life. It began to become apparent that there was more to being a follower of Christ than just attending church. The more I got the opportunity to read the more I understood that the bible is a love letter. Yes, a love letter. One written to fallen man from the LORD HIMSELF. I love letters calling fallen man back into a loving relationship with YAHWAH. Over the years of studying and personal time with GOD. I started to see that we all have a part in HIS master plan. It’s not just about going to church. Although I wouldn’t recommend not doing that. But there is more to it. Let’s take a look at what Jesus Christ HIMSELF said before HE ascended to heaven. Here in Matthew chapter 18 HE establishes HIMSELF to have all the authority in heaven and on earth. Now I want us to kind of focus on that statement. I believe it’s an important and very impactful statement. The very first thing it does is take all the authority away from the enemy. He has nothing on you. The games he uses to control you have no authority and can be easily overcome as soon as you understand who you are in Christ. I’m kind of getting into the application process a little bit but I feel like it’s important as we continue to see what it is we are supposed to do as the church. Now that we have established who has the authority let’s look at what HE wants us to do. It’s simple but it requires action other than going to church. It requires doing something outside ourselves. Go into all the world. This is how Mark’s version puts it. Now honestly as I look at that statement it’s hard to see where going to church falls in that command. But I can tell you…. however you will have to wait for the application process for that one. Let’s look a little further into what the LORD is telling us to do. Going into the world is only part of what HE is saying. Make disciples baptizing and teaching them to observe ALL that I have commanded you. The love letter is GOD calling all the world into a relationship with HIM. That’s where we play a part. Jesus was getting ready to ascend into heaven and HIS last command tells us what we are supposed to be doing. Making disciples. Teaching them to observe all that HE has commanded. Including HIS last marching orders given right here in Matthew chapter 18.
Application:
I know I missed writing yesterday morning. I believe I have a good reason for doing so… I was on a plane. On my way into all the world. Well into New York anyway. But that’s all the world at this point. It’s outside my neighborhood. Not that you can’t make disciples right there in the grocery store or workplace. But it’s definitely outside where I live. I believe the church in today’s society is focused on getting people in the doors, and that can prove to be important in some aspects. But I believe that a church that is focused on sending people out into the world will grow. Disciples are made by speaking to those who don’t know Jesus they are made by going outside the 4 walls of the church into the world and living the gospel. You don’t really see Jesus sitting in church. In fact, you always see HIM going from one region to another. Only a few times do you hear of HIM in the synagogues. Now don’t get me wrong. I believe it’s important to go to church. That’s where we learn how to do what we are supposed to do when we GO. Going into our communities and being a light. Showing people the love of Christ. That’s your calling. I know that everyone will be able to get on a plane and go somewhere they have never been to share the gospel. But making disciples is the command. Jesus made sure that HE established HIS authority before HE gave the order. HE never said Now go to church and meet lots of business contacts. We have to get out of the mindset that we have to go to church. What we have to do is make disciples. That means we have to get others to come to church so that they can get equipped to make disciples. Yes church is a key factor but the work is done outside the walls. Ministry is done in the highways and byways. It’s done in the grocery store line or on the plane or at work or as you walk your dog in the park. Start building relationships with those you know need to know the love of Christ and show them that love. Show them who HE is in you. Show them the reason your life has changed. Preach the gospel with your actions and your words.
Prayer:
Father, thank you. Thank you for giving us instructions. We would be lost without them staying stuck in the church building instead of being the church. You have called us to go. But most pastors tell us to come. That can get somewhat confusing. Help us see what you want from us and not get confused by what we are told. We want to live our lives according to what your word tells us. We want to go when you say go and stay when you say stay. You have made us for such a time as this. The harvest is ripe send the workers so that we can get it all in. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen