The Elders have established our theme for 2024 from the Great Commission of Go…Baptize…Teach.
Matthew 28: 19 – 20 (NIV) “19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
When a loved one or close friend is dying or leaving us, his or her last words are very important. Here, before Christ’s ascension, Jesus left the disciples with His last words of instruction.
They were to “Go” and make more disciples. They were to “Baptize” and “Teach” the new disciples to obey Christ, and they were to do so under Christ’s authority and knowing He would always be with them. But the Great Commission was not just for the 11 disciples. It is a command to all who call Jesus “Lord”.
I recognize that we are not all evangelists in the formal sense, but we all have received gifts that we can use to help fulfill the Great Commission.
Romans 12: 6 – 8 (NIV) “6We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”
As a servant, Jesus crossed national, racial and economic barriers to spread His Good News. Jesus’ message of faith and forgiveness is for the whole world, not just our church, our neighborhood or even our nation. We must reach out beyond our own congregation to fulfill the worldwide vision of Jesus Christ so that people everywhere may hear His great message and be saved from sin and death.
We are to Go, whether it is next door or to another country to make disciples. We are to Baptize people for forgiveness of sins and to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. And we are to Teach the Word, so people will know and follow Christ. As we obey, we should have comfort in the knowledge that Jesus is with us, to the very end of the age.
