Encounters with Jesus : The commission !

Today I lay before you the greatest challenge ever given to man by the greatest person who has ever lived. No matter how wealthy, famous, brilliant, or powerful you may be, you will never give yourself to any cause that can compare with this life-changing, even world-changing, call of God. Bill Bright

Matthew 28 v Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said,” All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

Fact 1 : It’s all about Jesus He calls them to go He commands them to make He sends them to teach He empowers them for the task He accompanies them on the journey * Into His world * Make His disciples * Teach His word * Empowered by His Spirit * Proving His presence

What’s it all for ?

Fact 2 : It starts with worship (v17) Jesus’ death & resurrection changed the disciples A different attitude A greater respect A deeper understanding A better appreciation A true acknowledgement A personal devotion

Fact 3 : it includes doubters (v17) The Peter who denied The Thomas who doubted The disciples who had fled The others who were struggling Those who had a strong faith Those who had a weak faith Jesus called them all to be involved in his mission

Our Lord's Great Commission is for every believer, not just the staff of Campus Crusade and a few missionaries and pastors who love our Lord. Every Christian is commanded to be involved in helping to reach the world for Christ. Each of us has an important, God given role to play in helping to fulfil the Great Commission. Bill Bright

Fact 4 : it was given to a group Impacting the world for Jesus * too big for an individual * too important for a few * too extensive for the locals * too varied for the talented * cannot be done alone Called to work in together in community Called to work in partnership with the Holy Spirit

If this is the Great Commission of Jesus Christ, then this ought to be our great commission as well. If this is what was uppermost on Jesus’ mind, then this is what ought to be uppermost on our minds. If this is what Jesus’ heart was beating for at the end of his ministry, then this is what our heart ought to be beating for. Here is the bottom line: We are called to be Great Commission Chris-tians and to build a Great Commission church. Disciples who make disciples. To be people in the parade who are bringing others to join the parade, who will bring others who will bring others. Ray Pritchard

Fact 5 : it’s about making disciples The commission is : Not about making converts Not about building churches Not about filling pews Not about collecting funds Not about teaching truths Not about promoting principles Not about telling your story It’s about sharing your life with God - with others

A DISCIPLE IS : Someone who wholeheartedly follows the life and example of Jesus, who makes His mission their mission, His values their values, His heart their heart. Someone who desperately seeks to be like Jesus and is so committed to His cause, they would follow him through the gates of hell and back. Someone who finds their identity, purpose and meaning in Jesus. Jesus is the centre of their lives. They are fully committed to Him. TO MAKE A DISCIPLE - YOU HAVE TO BE A DISCIPLE IS OUR TASK

Fact 6 : it’s important to God Obeying the call to make disciples : * pleases the Father * proclaims the Son * requires the Spirit Disciple making involves the godhead! Disciple making involves the godhead!

Fact 7 : it’s commanded by Jesus Making disciples is : Not a suggestion Not a gifting Not an option Not a recommendation It’s a command The command of the one in authority !

Fact 8 : it teaches obedience (v20) Commission living requires I do what he says I act as he says I live as he says I share what he says I teach what he says I do what pleases Him I live the life He wants Obedience is the proof of love (Jesus)

Fact 9 : it requires commitment It takes time It requires patience It demands caring It involves sharing It’s being an example It‘s providing inspiration It’s walking together It’s a labour of love It’s showing commitment

Fact 10 : We don’t do it alone : Those who obey the commission enjoy.... The promise a) of His power b) of His presence c) of His pleasure

A Letter from a modern missionary. Matthew ’ s Gospel begins with Emanuel – God with us, and ends with the guarantee that He is still with us. It is 50 years this month since we left Scotland to go to Portugal, we can truly say that we have found His promise true. It has been amazing, and all to Christ ’ s glory, to revisit and retrace our steps and see works begun, souls saved, disciples formed, churches established and all because a couple said: “ Yes ” to the Lord Jesus.

Go & make disciples ! Will you say ‘yes?’