The Great Commission

By: William Schneider

Matthew 28:16-20

Matthew 24:14

“Every saved person this side of Heaven owes the Gospel to every lost person this side of Hell.”                      – David Platt

            In Matthew 28, Jesus commands us, by telling us to “Go,” and to make disciples. Jesus did not just leave it there by telling us to make disciples; He continued to add, saying “of all nations.”  Jesus is telling all of His believers to take action, to spread the Good News to all of the nations. This could mean spreading the Word to your neighbor, at the grocery store or during your summer vacation; it could even mean moving out of the country to serve the Lord.

            Jesus put this command very simply so we could understand it. I see though that we still mix up the words and meaning to better fit ourselves rather than to fit God’s plan for our lives. We look at this command and we are uncomfortable because we think of what going and making disciples of all nations means. Instead of looking at this passage as a command to all, we look at it as a command to those that are called into missions work. We look at Matthew 28 and say, “That means for other people.” But we look at Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest,” and we say, “Now that promise is for me!” We pick and choose what scripture we need in our life and what commands of Jesus best suit us.

            No I am not saying that every Christian needs to move overseas to make disciples of all nations, but I am saying that from no matter where you live you need share the Gospel. Here or overseas, our hearts should be set on making the glory of God known in all nations. You can do this by physically witnessing to non-believers and praying and by providing financial support to missionaries. You have an obligation to our Lord Jesus Christ to share the Gospel to your neighbors and friends; you also have an obligation to share the Gospel to people in another country, to another nation. Listen to God’s voice and calling to see where He wants you to serve Him!

Point to Ponder: What small or large steps can you take, with the knowledge that Christ will be by your side, to make disciples of all the nations?

“When God calls you to do something, he enables you to do it”. – Robert Schuller

Convenience vs. Cross

By: Dan Cole

Matthew 16:24-26

James 2:14-17

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." - Martin Luther King, Jr.

  How often in our lives is the right thing just too inconvenient?  "I would do what the bible says, but it’s too hard and may cause a lot of pain its simply inconvenient,” we don't often say that exactly but often times that’s the root of our thoughts. We love the parts of the Bible about God giving us strength and comfort, but when it comes to "taking up your cross" we often find that a little too inconvenient. Taking up your cross means bearing the weight of hardship, insults, pain, and public humiliation. Those who were about to be crucified were forced to carry their crosses through a town like parade and crowds of people would gather to cry out insults and even spit on them. Jesus knew exactly what He meant when He gave that commandment and He literally carried it out. I'm sure it was a huge inconvenience for the Son of God to limit Himself by becoming a man and another giant inconvenience to have to die for your sins, but He did it willingly. So how could we ever say that anything is just too hard or too painful when it comes to following the commands of our God?

  It won't always be easy to follow the will of God and nor will it be convenient, but we have Gods promises and we know that the trouble will be worth it. So the next time you come upon a command or a situation in which you can please God and follow His will don't think about the inconvenience, focus on pleasing the God who gave everything to save you. No inconvenience we encounter could ever match the sacrifice Christ made on the cross so stop making excuses and take up your cross. And by doing so you not only please God but you could lead many souls to the safety found in Jesus Christ.

 Point to Ponder: What inconveniences are preventing you from following God’s will and doing as He commands?