Introduction

Good morning, my beloved brothers and sisters in Christ. Today, we gather to reflect on the powerful mandate given to us by our Lord Jesus Christ, a mandate that has shaped the mission and purpose of the Church for over two millennia. This mandate, known as The Great Commission, is the bedrock of our faith and our calling as Christ's followers. It's a call to action embedded in the DNA of every believer.

As Dietrich Bonhoeffer once said, "Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without Christ."

Our scriptural focus today will be Matthew 28:18-29:

"And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'"

Let us bow our heads in prayer.

Father, we thank You for this day, for the gift of life, and for Your unwavering love for us. As we delve into Your word today, we ask You to open our hearts and minds to understand the depth and breadth of the Great Commission. Help us to grasp its significance and to live it out in our everyday lives. May we not just be hearers of Your word, but doers as well. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

The Great Commission

The Great Commission is not just a command; it is an invitation to participate in God's redemptive work in the world. It is a call to go beyond the confines of our comfort zones, to reach out to people of all nations, to share the good news of the Gospel, and to make disciples. It is a call to baptize, to teach, and to guide others in the ways of the Lord. It is a call to be a light in the world, reflecting the love, grace, and mercy of God to all people.

The heart of God for all humanity: It is a clear demonstration of His desire for everyone to come to the knowledge of the truth, to experience His love, and to be part of His eternal family. This is why Jesus instructed His disciples to go to all nations, not just to their own people or to those they were comfortable with. The Great Commission is a call to inclusivity, a call to embrace all people regardless of their race, tribe, or language.

A call to discipleship: Jesus did not just say, "Go and make converts," He said, "Go and make disciples." This implies a long-term commitment to nurturing and guiding new believers in their faith journey. It involves teaching them to observe all that Jesus has commanded, helping them to grow in their understanding of God's word, and equipping them to live out their faith in their everyday lives.

Comes with a promise: Jesus assures us of His presence, saying, "And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." This is a comforting assurance that we are not alone in this mission. Jesus is with us every step of the way, guiding us, empowering us, and working through us to accomplish His purposes.

A divine mandate for every believer: It is a call to action that requires our obedience, commitment, and dedication. It is a call to be part of something bigger than ourselves, to participate in God's grand plan of redemption for the world.

Not without its challenges: It requires courage, perseverance, and a willingness to step out in faith. It may involve facing opposition, rejection, or even persecution. But the rewards are immeasurable. There is no greater joy than seeing people come to know Jesus, grow in their faith, and become effective disciples themselves.

The Power of the Church

The Power of the Church is a concept that is deeply rooted in the Great Commission ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO