Maranatha Messenger

THE CHURCH AND
THE GREAT COMMISSION
(Part VI)

While in His post-resurrected body, Jesus shared the great commission with His disciples. Just prior to His ascension to Heaven, Jesus commanded His disciples to “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:19-20).

1. This is the mission of the church. Every believer needs to participate in this mission. The mandate is clear; we must make disciples of all nations, we must baptize the convert and then we must teach them all the things Jesus taught His disciples. The assignment has not changed! But have we ignored the commission?

2. Perhaps the great commission has become the great omission of the contemporary church. Why do believers made light of this charge? Could it be that we are so wrapped up in our own problems that we disregard the most significant command of Christ? Let’s face it, every believer has problems. Heart-ache is a fact of life for the saved as well as the unsaved (Matthew 5:44). Just because you are a believer in Jesus Christ does not exempt you from trials and troubles. Even though our challenges may be different, we still have our personal struggles. Although some may be worse than others, we all face challenges in our life. While it is normal to think that our problems are worse than others we must come back to reality by understanding everyone has burdens. Yet still, burden or no burden we have the great commission to fulfill. Somehow we have bought into the philosophy that if we have heartache in our lives then God has discharged us from obeying this command. This is untrue! We are still debtors to the world (Romans 1:14)!

3. The divine order to reach the world for Christ will never be altered! We must extend the message “unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8c). What do you do when you don’t know what to do? Stay in church! Perhaps your world has collapsed around you. Or your spouse has left you. Or maybe your children have broken your heart. Or you find yourself in the unemployment line. By all means stay in church! God commands it! You need to be held accountable! It is essential for you to serve Him in the local church! You need a pastor! The great commission must be fulfilled! Stay in church!

Class discussion:

1. What are the two ordinances of the local church?
2. Is the believer commanded to witness or is witnessing a spiritual gift?
3. Who is responsible to fulfill the great commission, the pastor, the missionary, or every
Christian?
4. Should the believer be involved in world missions?

5. How can the believer be involved in world missions?
6. What were the last seven words Christ spoke before he ascended back to the Father?
Hint? Read Acts 1:8.