Emphasize the importance and responsibility of the Church in fulfilling the Great Commission, relying on the transformative power of the Gospel to change lives.
Good morning, church family! Now, don't you just love that feeling of being given a task that has eternal significance? That's exactly how we should feel about the Great Commission that Christ gave to us in Matthew 28:19-20.
It says,
"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."
Now that's a task that's far bigger than any of us, but don't worry, we're not on our own in this. In fact, we're empowered by the Gospel itself!
As Charles Spurgeon once wrote, "The gospel is like a caged lion. It does not need to be defended, it simply needs to be let out of its cage." So, it's our responsibility as the Church to open the cage and let the Gospel do what it does best: change lives.
So let's pray.
Dear Lord, we thank you for entrusting us with your Gospel. We ask for wisdom, courage, and strength to fulfill the Great Commission you've given us. Help us to lean on your power, not our own, as we reach out to a world in desperate need of your love. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Now buckle up, church, because today, we're diving deep into what it means to live out the Great Commission, the responsibility we carry as the Church and the transformative power of the Gospel in our lives and in the lives of those around us.
The Great Commission of Christ, as found in Matthew 28:19-20, is a command that is not just for the apostles who first heard it, but for all believers throughout the ages. It is a task that is both daunting and exhilarating, for it involves the very work of God in the salvation of mankind.
Begins with the word "go:" This is an active verb, a command that requires movement and initiative. It implies that the work of the Gospel is not something that happens passively or by accident. It is a deliberate, purposeful action. We are to go out into the world, step out of our comfort zones, cross cultural and geographical boundaries, and reach out to people who are different from us. The Gospel is not meant to be kept within the four walls of our churches; it is meant to be shared with all nations.
“Make disciples:" This involves more than just evangelism or conversion. Making disciples implies a process of teaching, nurturing, and mentoring. It requires a commitment to walk with people in their journey of faith, helping them to grow in their understanding and application of God's Word. It is about building relationships and investing in people's lives.
Baptism: "Baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" signifies the initiation of the new believer into the community of faith. It is a public declaration of their identification with Christ and His death, burial, and resurrection. It is a celebration of their new life in Christ and their inclusion into the family of God.
Being a teacher: The Great Commission also involves "teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." This is a call to discipleship, to a life of obedience and surrender to the lordship of Christ. It is not enough to just know about Jesus; we must learn to live like Him, to love like Him, and to serve like Him. This is a lifelong journey of transformation, of becoming more and more like Christ.
Ends with a promise: "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." This is a reminder that we are not alone in this task. Jesus Himself is with us, empowering us, guiding us, and working through us. We are not left to our own devices; we have the presence and power of Christ Himself.
It’s a calling: It is a calling to be part of God's redemptive work in the world. It is a calling to be ambassadors of Christ, to be His hands and feet, to be His voice in a world that desperately needs to hear the message of His love and grace.
Pastor, here would be a good place to share a personal story about how you have experienced the fulfillment of the Great Commission in your own life. Is making disciples difficult for you? Why or why not?
As the body of Christ, the Church is not merely a building or an institution, but a living, breathing organism made up of believers who have been called to carry out the mission of Christ ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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