Friday, January 02, 2009

Go Make Disciples

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Matthew 28:18-20

Jesus came and told his disciples, "I have been given complete authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

As Christians we are commanded to fulfill the Great Commission. We are commissioned to make disciples over the idea of collecting “first time decision cards” for Christ. We have two assurances in this passage for our success in this endeavor. Complete authority is given to Jesus (v.18) and He has authorized us to do to carry out His work. Lastly, He will be with us (v.20) and He dwells in us. Therefore, we are confident that we can accomplish the task,

So where do we begin? Well, the answer is simple. We should follow Christ's example as recorded in Matt 4:18-22;Mark 1:16-20; Luke 5:1-11. Jesus found His first disciples at the place they worked. Andrew, Peter, James, and John were fisherman. Jesus found them while they were at work. The same can be true for us. We don't have to complicate it. We don't have to go to a foreign country, although I do recommend at least going on a short term mission trip. We don't have to wait for Sunday service or a men's/women's bible study group. Notice that Jesus didn't find His first disciples in the synagogue. Luke records that Jesus did preach at the synagogues first (Luke 4:44). The church is where we are built up for ministry. Ministry (a.k.a...discipleship) happens where the people are. Therefore let us go in the authority of Christ and make disciples at our jobs or if you're a student at school.

Here is another word of encouragement. Each account given in regards to Jesus finding His first disciples begins with “one day”. There is a “one day” awaiting your co-workers or classmates. There is a “one day” awaiting your unsaved family members and friends. By the Spirit of God, I can tell you that if we step out in faith, there will be a “one day” encounter that will change all other days. The normal course of life will be interrupted by the divine and lives will be re-ordered and re-defined for the glory of God.

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