-
Communion & Commision
Contributed by Colin Coombs on Oct 1, 2005 (message contributor)
Summary: Christ’s likeness in us through communion with Him - to reveal Him to a lost world through responding to the great commision
Divine Ordination
Or
Communion & Commission
Mark 3:14 & 15
14 And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, 15 And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils: [AV]
Divine Ordination
I. COMMUNION
Mark 3:14a And He ordained* twelve, that they should be with Him [to be his regular companions NLT]
* ordained: ¡¥appointed¡¦ in AV. The Greek verb gives the thought of ¡¥to make someone into something¡¦
1) TO BE HIS COMPANIONS
I Corinthians 1:9 God is utterly dependable, and it is he who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ, our Lord. [JBP]
A vital part of our lives as Christians is to know the companionship of the Lord Jesus Christ; to have a constant awareness of His presence; and as His companions, sharing everything ¡V sorrows and joys. Companionship is two-way!
2) TO BE HIS DISCIPLES
John 8:31 Jesus said to the people who believed in him, "You are truly my disciples if you keep obeying my teachings. [NLT] [continue in my word AV]
If we are to obey, or continue in the teaching of the Lord, we must become acquainted with His Word by regular reading, and by listening for His voice as He speaks to us.
3) TO BE LIKE HIM
II Peter 1:2-4 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, 3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, (become like Christ). [AV]
All the way through the New Testament we have the thought that we only become like the Lord Jesus Christ as we spend time with Him and with His Word.
II. COMMISSION
Mark 3:14b & 15, and that He might send them forth to preach, 15 And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils:
1) TO BE HIS REPRESENTATIVES
II Corinthians 5:20 On Christ¡¦s behalf . . . we come as ambassadors, God, as it were, making entreaty through our lips: we, on Christ¡¦s behalf, beseech men to be reconciled to God. [Wey]
We are commissioned to represent the Lord before the people of the world, and our own town. Not ourselves ¡V not our church ¡V but the Lord. Are we good representatives?
Acts 1:8 You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." [NKJV]
2) TO BROADCAST HIS MESSAGE
II Timothy 4:2 Preach the Word. Never lose your sense of urgency, in season or out of season. [JBP]
We are commissioned to communicate the good news of the Gospel to a lost world. When did we last speak to someone concerning their soul?
3) TO DEMONSTRATE HIS POWER
{Note: it is His power!} We have a delegated authority.
ƒÕƒèƒßƒåƒãƒÙƒÑƒnexousia = the right to act i.e. magistrates & policemen.
Mark 16:17 & 18 These signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well." [NIV]
If we have spent time in true communion with our Lord, and allowed ourselves to become like Him, then the commission of power is for us.
Let us believe God, and glorify His Name.
COMMUNION AND COMMISSION
Called to commune with the Lord of All
His gracious call I hear
Chosen to be a companion of His
Is a position to revere
To be with Him is to know Him more
Bowing to His decree
As I learn to live the truth of His Word
His likeness is seen in me
Chosen to receive the Lord¡¦s commission
His bidding to comprehend
To speak for Him in a needy world
The Christ to represent
Receiving a supply of precious seed
To scatter wherever I go
The power of the Living Christ
In my life to show
Based on Mark 3:14 & 15