2. Often, when we discuss religion or the Bible with our friends and associates, we do so by talking with regard to topics: >instrumental music >once saved - always saved >“religious holidays /worship /service”. But what is our aim or objective in doing so? Even if our purpose is to convert them, our goals can be vague and even misguided. What to do?

3. The Great Commission Taking the Gospel to the Lost

4. Where to begin? If we wanted to know what the N.T. says about prayer…. Jesus’ words “Pray, then, in this way:…” in Matt.6:9ff would be a logical place to start. And if we wanted to know what the N.T. Christian should know about giving…. then Paul’s instructions to the Corinthians in 1Cor.16:1-3 and 2Cor.8-9 would be a great place to begin.

5. So then it naturally follows that the logical place to begin exploring God’s directions on the objectives of converting the lost is the Great Commission! And certainly the next step would be to examine the carrying out of that objective (how it was done) in the book of The Acts of the Apostles.

6. But something must be first made clear: the Great Commission was given to the Apostles- not directly to the Church, or individual Christians. If we press some of its details to those applications, then we will denigrate and misapply it. But on the other hand…. Does Jesus still want the world evangelized? If so, we should be able to learn from the Commission and its execution by the Apostles!

7. First, let’s compare the text(s) Matthew’s account: (28:19-20) “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” From this, note: 1. Command was based on authority, v.18 2. Making “disciples” (learner or follower) is the stated objective. 3. This is accomplished through baptism and observing (doing) all that it is commanded.

8. First, let’s compare the text(s) Mark’s account: (16:15-16) “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. He who has believed and been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.” From this, note: 1. Jesus wanted the gospel preached all over the world- it was truly for everyone. 2. The constituent elements of the gospel were belief and baptism. These two in concert produce salvation.

9. First, let’s compare the text(s) Luke’s account: (24:47) “and that repentance for forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in His name to all the nations- beginning from Jerusalem.” From this, note: 1. The Commission is not here framed as orders, but given in the midst of an explanation of what is written in the O.T., cf. vv.44-46. 2. Thus, the suffering /death /resurrection of Jesus and the preaching of repentance for forgiveness are shown to be the fulfillment of the Old Testament.

10. First, let’s compare the text(s) John’s account: (20:21-22) “Jesus therefore said to them again, ‘Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you.’ And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’ ” From this, note: 1. Their message was based on the authority of the Resurrected Christ, v.20. 2. They were empowered by the Holy Spirit to be able to carry out their commission. cf. v.23.

11. Now, the applications for us: To serve the gospel, you don’t have to know everything in the world- or even know everything there is to know about the Bible. But... >You must know and be able to explain discipleship and how to make disciples. >You must know the gospel way of salvation and be able to explain it. >And you must be able to explain the apostolic case for the resurrection- hence, Jesus’ authority.

12. What I hope we’ve accomplished: a Narrowing of the Field for us with regard to evangelism which will enable us to focus our discussions and attentions toward those we hope to convert on the things that are imperative to conversion. The Gospel is God’s Power to Save- let’s use it to its power for the intended purpose!