Matthew 28:16-20
INTRODUCTION
In pulpits all over this nation today, there will be messages delivered in the name of the Gospel that will focus on anything and everything but “The Gospel.”
• Social Justice is not the Gospel
• Political Debate is not the Gospel
• Humanities Opinions are not the Gospel
JESUS IS THE HEART OF THE GOSPEL!
What is the Mission of God’s Church?
I. TO PREACH THE CROSS
A. Jesus said, “If I be lifted up from the earth…” – John 12:32
1. Jesus shared this with a group of Greeks who came to Philip asking to see Jesus. Philip brought them to Andrew, who took them to Jesus. (Divine Protocol)
2. In this passage, Jesus communicated that the Message of the Cross would be the “draw” for the lost.
B. “Except the Lord build the house they labor in vain that build it…” – Psalms 127:1
1. It’s our responsibility to preach the Gospel. It’s the Lord’s responsibility to build His Church!
C. Preaching is not just pulpitiering!
1. We preach through example. What would your neighbors say about your walk with God? – They’re watching!
II. TO WIN THE LOST
A. “Go ye into the highways and by-ways and compel them to come in…” – Luke 14:23 (Parable of the Great Banquet)
1. The highways and by-ways are wherever the lost are.
a. Social Media
b. Television
c. It used to be the mall…
B. Evangelism is key to winning the lost.
1. Jesus “baited” the lost with miracles.
2. Evangelism Methods
a. Portable Staging
b. Community Events
c. Media Ministries
d. It used to be revivals, church conferences, etc.
C. The Message Matters – The Ten Virgins
1. Jesus and Nicodemus (John 3:1-15) – You must be born again! (3:7)
2. The Ten Virgins (Matt. 25:1-13) – The Message must be GET READY… Jesus is coming!
III. TO MAKE DISCIPLES
A. A Disciple is a fully devoted and developing follower of Jesus Christ.
1. The twelve qualities of a good disciple are Go, Teach, Love God, Love Others, Stand Out, Deny Oneself, Be Firm in the Word, Fellowship with Other Believers, Be Imitators of Christ, Stay Devoted, Remain Steadfast, and Live on Mission.
B. We were never commanded to “make” Christians; we were commanded to “make” disciples.
1. Discipleship Methods
a. Christian Bible Schools (CBCS)
b. Christian Grade Schools (CCA)
c. Sunday School – Why was Sunday School fazed out of the church?
C. “If anyone will come after me….” There is a one-word difference in the three accounts of this experience.
1. Matt. 16:24 – Then said Jesus unto his disciples, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”
2. Mark 8:34 – And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, “Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”
3. Luke 9:23 – And he said to them all, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”
CLOSING
THE GREAT COMMISSION IS THE MISSION OF GOD’S CHURCH!
• Distractions abound, but the main thing must remain the main thing!
