I have prayed for, watched, read about, and dialogued about the Great Commission Resurgence Task Force of the Southern Baptist Convention. I, like many others, am excited to hear the final report in Orlando this summer. I acknowledge I am not well steeped in the intricacies of the Mission Boards. I do not quite understand the interrelationship of the NAMB and the State Conventions. I am not really sure where the State Conventions end and the Associations begin. But, what I do know is that the call to MAKE DISCIPLES is still applicable to me, and to my church. Consequently, I preached a message this past week entitled “The Only Church on Earth” from Matthew 28:16-20.
My challenge was to consider what our lives would be like if we, like the early disciples, were the only group of believers on earth working to fulfill the Great Commission. I spoke from Matthew 28:16-20 to once again remind our church that the priorities of our lives should match those of Jesus. He died and rose again with very specific purposes in mind. He desired disciples, and everyone on that mountain knew what He meant. I think it is important to see that of all the locations, eras and cultures Jesus could’ve come to, He came to that one, and desired Disciples! Learners, who follow, who emulate, who represent, and who reproduce!
Principles from Matthew 28:16-20
- Worship and faith are the appropriate response to the Risen Lord Jesus.
- The Lordship of Christ is foundational to our worldview, and to our life’s purposes.
- Faith, Worship and Submission lead us to live for a different purpose: for Making Disciples.
- When our faith in Christ, and our worship of Christ, and our submission to Christ lead us to radically re-orient our lives to live for His purpose to MAKE DISCIPLES, we will experience the powerful Presence of the Risen Christ always!
Challenge To Live by Faith
- Imagine Jesus speaking the words of Commission to you, and to your church; because HE HAS!
- Are we fueled by Faith and Worship of the Risen Christ.
- Are we intentional about evangelism and edification with the result of Christlike obedience.
- If yours was the only church on earth, what would be different?
- In your personal life?
- In your family life
- In your Sunday School class or small group
- In your Church’s worship services
- In your community?
Pray to the Risen Lord Jesus to enable you to make those changes. Live “Commissioned” as though yours were the only church on earth that could reach the ends of the earth. Then thank God that you are not, and that there are virtually thousands of churches you can partner with to MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS!
Let’s sell out, together, for the Nations! Let us follow Christ in this, and let us enjoy HIS PRESENCE until His return!
