Fulfilling the Great Commission V

Because Jesus Christ is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, we have been commissioned to go to the entire world and teach them about him and what he requires, in essence teaching people how to obtain citizenship in his kingdom, with all the rights and privileges that accompany that citizenship.  Unfortunately, like many illegal aliens today there are people who demand all the rights and privileges, while refusing to accept the responsibilities of citizens, starting riots and assaulting the citizens.   Because of this Christ finished the Great Commission with the promise. “…and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen,” in Matthew 28:20

When we go out to reach the world, we are not going on our own.  Acts 1:8 tells us, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”  If we have the Holy Spirit in us we have the full authority of God behind us in our efforts to reach the world, and they will see us as his representatives, no matter where we go. 

It is crucial that we understand the power and authority comes only through the Holy spirit, and not from our human abilities and intelligence.   In I Corinthians 2:1-5, Paul stated, “And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.  For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.  And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.  And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:  That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” 

When we begin to depend on human eloquence, educational degrees, preaching skills, or motivational psychology, we put the focus on human things rather than on the Holy Spirit. I Corinthians 1:17 warns, “… but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.” John 6:44 tells us, “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him…”  When we substitute any of these other things for the Holy Spirit’s power, we hinder his working in people’s lives.  I Corinthians 4:20 warns, “For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.”

For far too long, the church has depended on Evangelists and soul winning programs to win people to Christ rather than depending on the power of the Holy Spirit to lead them.  As a result much of our effort has been wasted, offending many people unnecessarily, and giving others a false hope because they have no understanding of what is truly necessary. 

Many have said we need to witness to every person we meet, but in MatthewI7:6, Jesus said,  “Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.”   There are some people who are not willing to hear what
God has to say.  In Acts 16:6-10, the Holy spirit actively prevented Paul from going to certain groups.  “Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.  And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas.  And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.  And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.” 

The Holy Spirit knew who was ready to receive the gospel at that time.  Later he would lead them into Asia and the other regions, but they were not yet ready.  When we let the Holy Spirit lead us, we will be reaching out to people who are ready to listen, rather than trying to force them to listen.  If we are to accomplish the purpose of the Great Commission, we need to go depending on his leadership and power rather than our human intelligence or feelings. 

Fulfilling the Great Commission IV

The third part of the Great Commission is found in the first part of Matthew 28:20.  “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you…”     The Greek word used here,  διδάσκω, means to teach.   Once we have discipled them, or won them to Christ, and they are baptized as a demonstration of their commitment to Christ, we are to teach them to obey Christ in every way.   

Sadly, throughout history, most groups have focused only on one aspect of the Great commission, whether it be soul winning, or getting them baptized, or on teaching.  Unless we do all three parts, we are not fulfilling the Great Commission.  Many modern ‘scholars’ have reversed the two words and refer to this part of the commission as discipling.   Most of the discipleship programs focus on the basic doctrines that Hebrews 5 and six describe as necessary to effectively win people to Christ.  What the the Great commission describes is a much broader range of teaching, we need to look at briefly. 

For example, Hebrews 10:21-25 tells us, “And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.  Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”  We need to teach our people to trust God’s forgiveness and not be afraid to draw near him, knowing he loves us and will keep his promises so they don’t have to fear losing their salvation.  We need to teach them to be faithful in church so that they can get the encouragement they need and can encourage others, so that they remain true to God’s word when they face trials. 

We need to warn them that there are false teachers who will try to mislead them, as I Timothy 4:1-5 tells us.  “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.  For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:  For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. “

Because this is such a danger, it is critical we teach our people to study the scriptures for themselves as II Timothy 2:15-16 commands. “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.   But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.”  If they don’t learn to avoid the false teachings it will result in people turning away from God and displeasing him. 

Another thing we need to do is teach people to walk in the Spirit, because as Galatians 5:16 states, “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.”   As a result of our salvation, we are alive in the Spirit, but we need to learn how live in the Spirit, as Galatians 5:25 tells us.  “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”

These are only a few examples of what we are to teach once we have won the people to Christ if we ae to fulfill the Great Commission.  I Timothy 4:6 tells us, “If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.”  If we take the trouble to teach them these things after winning them to Christ. We will satisfy God and grow ourselves.  

Fulfilling the Great Commission III

The second job in the Great Commission is found in the last half of Matthew 28:19, “…baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”   This is the most controversial part of the Great commission, with some, such as the Catholic Church, most of the Protestant groups, and the Church of Christ insisting that Baptism is essential for salvation.  Many non-protestant groups such as Baptists, Mennonites, community churches and others hold that baptism is an ordinance, rather than a sacrament.   As a result we need to spend a little time seeing what the scriptures say about Baptism before addressing  this command. 

Several years ago, a Church of Christ preacher commented that he did not understand why God chose baptism as the means of salvation.  Romans 10:9-13 states, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.  For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.  For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.  For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”   It is very clear that one can be saved simply by believing in Christ, and confessing that belief to God, but nothing is said about baptism. 

Jesus statement in John 3:14-18 also stresses that one can be saved with no reference to being baptized.  “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.  He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” 

Many of those who believe baptism is essential for salvation refer to verses such as Mark 16:16, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”   This verse in no way contradicts the previous passages.  Obviously, if he were saved by believing in Christ, than he will still be saved if he gets baptized.  If he doesn’t believe, however, he will not be saved whether he gets baptized or not.  Clearly, belief, not baptism is the basis for salvation. 

So why baptize?   Let’s start with the meaning of the word.  The Greek word βαπτίζω means to be fully placed into or covered with a fluid, i.e. to immerse.   Romans 6:3-5 describes what happened at salvation.  “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?  Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.  For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.”    The physical baptism in water is a physical demonstration of what has happened to a person spiritually.  In effect, it is a testimony of their having believed in Christ.  Unfortunately, as we saw from Mark 16:16, if they have not believed, it is meaningless. 

Matthew 28:19 stressed, “…baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”  This is important in showing what has happened to a person spiritually.  The plan for salvation was made by God the Father, but it was the son who made the sacrifice that made it possible, and it was the Holy Spirit who enabled us to understand and gave the faith to believe.  We are acknowledging the roles each one played in saving the person.  We are not simply performing a ritual, but are presenting a testimony of God’s love. 

John the Baptist had baptized many as a sign of their repentance for their sin.  Paul met a group who had been baptized by John in Acts 19:3-5.  “And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized?

And they said, Unto John's baptism.  

Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.  When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.” 

When they believed on Christ they were re-baptized in His name, as a demonstration of their faith in him.   This is exactly what Peter told the Jews in Acts 2:38.  “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”  They were to get baptized because their sins were remitted, and we are to baptize people for the same reason. 

Understanding what baptism represents and making the stand for Christ it requires is a major step in growing to be a strong Christian.  Unfortunately, it is often treated as just a ritual Christians perform rather than a step in Christian growth.

Fulfilling the Great Commission II

As we saw in Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus gave his disciples a specific job to do.  “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 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.”   Our witnessing ought to be a natural result of our understanding that Jesus is the Lord of heaven and earth.   As we understand his love and what he has done for us, we want to share it with others.  It is no longer a chore or burden.    

 Because we recognize him as Lord and appreciate what he has done we will naturally want to share what he demands with others.  In the Great Commission Christ mentioned three specific things we should do.  Until all three jobs have been done we have not fulfilled the job Christ has given us.  We will look in detail at each of the separate parts. 

The first part of Matthew 28:19 commands. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations…”  The Greek word translated teach in this case is ‘μαθητνω’.   It is usually translated ‘disciple’, and when used as a verb, means to enroll or cause to become a pupil or follower.   Literally the first job is to cause people to become become Christians, to commit to following Christ.   That the word was translated teach rather than disciple in this particular case emphasizes that winning people to Christ requires taking the time to teach them who Christ is and what he has done for them. 

Romans 10:9-13 Describes what a person must do to be saved, to become a Christian.  “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.  For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.  For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.  For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” 

The mechanics of what one must do to be saved is very simple.  He simply needs to understand and believe that because mankind was incapable of paying for their own sin, Jesus, the son of God came to take their place and pay for their sin.  Believing that it is true, he then needs to tell God he believes it and accepts it for himself.  If he will do so, his salvation is assured regardless of his race or background. 

Romans 10:14-17 makes it clear that that belief or faith requires more than simply saying some simple words.  “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?  And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!  But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?  So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” 

How is a person to commit to Christ when they have not believe in him?  How are they to believe in him unless somebody takes the trouble to explain who Jesus is and why he was crucified.  Jesus sent his disciples to explain these details to the unsaved world, but they are to teach the people what God’s word said, not just share their own experiences or opinions    

To fulfil even the first part of the Great commission will require more than simply explaining the mechanics.    Hebrews 5:12-14 stresses the need for the Christian to have a deeper understanding of what is involved if he is to win others.  “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.  For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.  But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”

As Hebrews 6 makes abundantly clear, just a simple explanation of the mechanics without a deeper understanding of what is involved results in false professions and many people later turn away because they had no real commitment to Christ.  Hebrews 6:4-6 warns. “For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.” 

If they fall away after making a false profession, they will never be saved.  It is far better to spend extra time teaching them about Christ and allow them to make their own decision as whether they want to be saved than to push them into a false profession and ensure they will never be saved.

Fulfilling the Great Commission I

Today’s  church has more money than at any time in history, we have ways of communicating that were unthinkable even fifty years ago, and we have programs for helping alcoholics, drug addicts, divorced people, hospitalized people, those  in nursing homes,  divorced people or almost any problem we might encounter in this life.   We have huge revivals and evangelistic campaigns and mega churches to reach people with the gospel.  Despite all this, the percentage of those who call themselves Christians is shrinking.  Even those who claim to be Christians seem to have little understanding of what being a Christian actually means, and many are concerned about the problem.   Unfortunately, when something becomes an accepted practice, if problems develop, people tend to double down on it rather than backing away to look at why it is not working.  After all it worked in the past so why doesn’t it now? 

A plumber went into a home to fix a water leak under the sink.  What he discovered was that the leak had existed for years because the drain had never been properly connected, resulting in leak and the pipe corroding.   Each time the owners saw water dripping they wrapped it with electrical tape to stop the water from dripping.  Finally the old pipe collapsed and no amount of tape would stop the leaks.  There was so much tape on the pipes the plumber was forced to cut out far more than was really defective to get things in condition where he could make the necessary repairs.   What the people failed to understand was that the leak was only a symptom and stopping it did not fix the defective pipe. 

For far too long the church has been placing tape over leaks rather than addressing what causes the leaks, and it has reached a point where the tape is no longer hiding the problem.  As a result we see a troubling attitude across America and around the world. 

In order to understand what needs to be done, we need to start with an understanding of how things are supposed to be.  Let’s start with an understanding of Jesus’ command to his disciples.  Matthew 28:18-20 is known as the Great Commission.  “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 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.”

Because Jesus Christ is God, the creator and ruler of the universe, those who believe in him, his disciples are to reach out to all nations.  They are to cause them to become disciples (μαθητνω).  They were then to baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, in effect to establish them in basic doctrine as to who God is and his authority.  Finally, they were to teach (διδάσκω) the people to obey everything God commanded. 

Sadly, many of the problems in the modern church result from an improper understanding of the Great Commission.    We are to win People to Christ because he is Lord of Heaven and Earth.  Everyone on earth needs to recognize him as Lord.  Too many people are like those who insist Trump is “not my President.”    Whether they recognize his or no, he is still president, and Christ is still Lord.   We need to make sure people understand that, because until they do, they will never become his followers, supporting his actions, but will at best be just going along with what is happening to avoid problems.    

Until we understand who Christ is and what his authority is we will never succeed in fulfilling the job we have been given in the Great Commission.   Christ is not campaigning for office, he is acting as King.  Our job is to enlist workers , not to get votes.