Morning Scripture:
Ephesians 4:10-13 says, “He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”
Scripture Reading:
Matthew 28:16-20 says, “Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and 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."
Introduction:
We all have a job to do. We are told to be Disciples. Yet what are we doing with our discipleship. We are told to be Christ Like and to follow in his ways. Yet, are we actually doing that? Are we as Christians willing to truly follow Christ’s perfect example? I tell you that if we truly want to be Christ like we need to follow his example.
Point #1: Go (vs. 19a)
Matthew 28:19a says, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,”
Where are we going to go? Where should we go? Is it any different today as it was back in the day of Jesus? They same commission that Jesus gave his disciple he has given us today! We can’t just wait for people to come to church, walk in the sanctuary, and come to know who Jesus is as their Lord and Savior. It is up to us to take Jesus to them. They must see it in our lives and in our eyes and hearts.
1 Corinthians 11:1 says, “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.” (NASB)
Deuteronomy 6:5-6 says, “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.”
Point #2: Baptizing Them (vs. 19b)
Matthew 28:19b says, “baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,”
We must baptize them just like John baptized Jesus. It is the Trinitarian Format: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We must be willing to baptize people. By doing that we are following the example set forth by Christ. If Christ got baptized then we should all be baptized.
Acts 2:38 says, “Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (NASB)
By baptizing the seekers, it is showing a commitment to Christ. We have been giving the gift of Baptism and we should not be afraid to use it. We need to be able to teach others the importance of baptism. It is the outward showing of our inward decision.
Ephesians 4:4-6 says, “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” (NKJV)
1 Corinthians 8:3 says, “But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him.” (NKJV)
Point #3: Teaching them to Obey (vs. 20a)
Matthew 28:20a says, “and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."
If we are going to teach other to obey we first must be teachable. We must first be a disciple of Christ. How can we learn? Through Prayer, Worship and Study. We must also teach others to learn how to love.
1 John 4:19 says, “We love because he first loved us.”
Christians must be a loving people. God showed his love for us so we must show the world the love we have for them.
We must teach the seekers to obey everything set forth in God’s Word. We can not teach it if we are not living it or studying it. Teach the 10 Commandments, Honoring Fathers and Mothers, God, Salvation, etc. If God is with us who can be against us? Nobody!
Conclusion:
Matthew 28:20b says, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
We have God reassuring words in verse 20. God is always with us. He will never leave us. He will be with us to the very end. Jesus came to earth to save us. He came as a baby, grew up to be a man and became the savior of the World. Today, Jesus is still here!
Matthew 1:23 says, “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"—which means, "God with us."
