Jesus 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.” (Matthew 28:18-20)
Jesus has been given ALL THE AUTHORITY needed to give us our orders, TO FULFILL HIS WILL FOR US for the calling on each of our lives.
- GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES: We need to tell people that, “There is no one righteous, not even one…ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:10, 23) “He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning.” (1 John 3:8) “the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23a) “…do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God (our sin offends Him), by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” (Ephesians 4:30) OK, now what should we do? “Repent (change your mind about sinning) of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away.” (Acts 3:19) Because “the gift of God is ETERNAL LIFE in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23b)
- BAPTIZING THEM: Baptizing, (baptizō: covering or submerging someone in water) “…in the name of the FATHER and of the SON and of the HOLY SPIRIT.” (Matthew 28:19)
- TEACHING THEM: Jesus said, “Teaching them to obey EVERYTHING I HAVE COMMANDED YOU…” (Matthew 28:20) “A new command I give you: Love one another. “As I have loved you, so you must LOVE (agapē: this is God’s unconditional love that He give us to give to others) ONE ANOTHER. By this EVERYONE WILL KNOW THAT YOU ARE MY DISCIPLES, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)
WE MAY NOT FEEL ADEQUATE TO DO THIS BUT REMEMBER, JESUS SAID, “surely I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS…“ (Matthew 28:18-20)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham