Commissioned For Kingdom Impact Series

Commissioned for Kingdom Impact Mark 16:15-18

Introduction:

Today we delve into a passage that encapsulates the heart of our calling as followers of Christ. In Mark 16:15-18, we are presented with the Great Commission, a divine mandate given by our Lord Jesus Christ Himself. As we explore this passage, let us be open to the transforming power of God's truth, ready to be commissioned for kingdom impact in our lives and in the world around us.

1. Proclaiming the Gospel (Mark 16:15): "And then he told them, 'Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.'"

Jesus's command to "go into all the world" is a call to global evangelism. He commissions His disciples to spread the Good News of salvation to every corner of the earth, leaving no one untouched by the message of hope found in Him. This mandate extends not only to the disciples of Jesus's time but to all who would follow Him throughout history, including us today.

Billy Graham "As believers, we are not called to keep the Gospel to ourselves but to share it boldly with the world. Our commission is to be ambassadors of Christ, proclaiming His redemptive work to everyone we encounter."

Jesus instructs us to make disciples of all nations.

Matthew 28:19-20 (NLT): "Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

In this passage, Jesus issues the Great Commission to His disciples, instructing them to spread the message of salvation to all nations. This command extends beyond mere evangelism; it encompasses the making of disciples who will follow Jesus and be baptised into the faith. Furthermore, Jesus assures His disciples of His continual presence and support as they fulfil this mission.

The empowerment of the Holy Spirit for global witness.

Acts 1:8 (NLT): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Jesus promises the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit to His disciples, enabling them to be effective witnesses for Him. This verse highlights the global scope of the Gospel message, indicating that it is meant to reach people from every corner of the earth. The disciples are commissioned to begin their witness in Jerusalem and extend it outward to the ends of the earth.

2. Demonstrating the Kingdom (Mark 16:17-18): "These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed."

Jesus not only commands His disciples to preach the Gospel but also promises signs and wonders to authenticate their message. These manifestations of power are not for personal glory but for the advancement of God's kingdom and the confirmation of His Word. Believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to perform miracles that testify to the reality of Jesus's resurrection and the authority of His name.

Reinhard Bonnke "The signs and wonders we see in the early church are not confined to the past but are available to believers today. As vessels of God's power, we are called to step out in faith, trusting in His authority to work through us for His glory."

The prayer for boldness and signs and wonders.

Acts 4:29-30 (NLT): "And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus."

In this prayer of the early church, believers seek boldness to proclaim the Word of God in the face of opposition. They also request divine intervention through signs and wonders to authenticate their message. This passage underscores the importance of supernatural empowerment for effective ministry and the reliance of believers on God's intervention.

The gifts of the Spirit for the common good.

1 Corinthians 12:7-11 (NLT): "A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge. The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing. He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said."