According to Matthew 28:19–20, Jesus entrusted His apostles with the ‘Great Commission,’ urging them to sow the seeds of salvation among people of all nations. Despite being delivered over two millennia ago, this commission remains Christ’s charge to His church. For the Summit Church of Christ, it stands as our 2024 Vision Challenge. How should we embrace this Great Commission as we embark on a new year?
Firstly, Jesus prompts us to ‘sow seeds of salvation.’ To reach the lost, we must venture beyond our comfort zones. This might entail engaging with people locally and internationally, inviting acquaintances to Bible studies or worship services, and embodying a positive example for non-believers. Each day brings unpredictable encounters; thus, we must be prepared to share the good news (death, burial & resurrection, Rom.6:3f; 1 Cor.15:1-4).
Secondly, we are commanded by Jesus to ‘baptize into His body.’ Baptism, crucial for salvation as evidenced in passages like Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, and others, requires our readiness to guide individuals in following the Bible’s instructions for baptism. After an individual, (who has reached the age of accountability and publicly confessed Jesus as the Son of God), is baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, for the forgiveness of their sins, they receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. These individuals, who are being saved, God adds to His Church (Acts 2:38, 41, 47; Mt.28:19).
Lastly, we are tasked with ‘transferring transforming truth.’ A one-time teaching effort falls short. To lead new Christians toward spiritual maturity, we must walk alongside them. This involves imparting biblical wisdom, modeling moral behavior, mutual accountability, and encouraging consistent study of Scripture.
Friend, will you prayerfully discern God’s call to ‘sow seeds of salvation,’ ‘baptize into His body,’ and ‘transfer transforming truth’ in 2024? When each member of Christ’s body steps forward in their unique role, the impact of the gospel will illuminate on this Summit and multiply His church of Christ.
