PRIMARY TEXT: MATTHEW 28:16-20
Supplementary Texts: Mark 16:14-15; Luke 24:45-49; John 20:19-22; Acts 1:8-9
We do a disservice to the Great Commission when we refer to it in the singular. On at least five occasions in five locations, Jesus gave His disciples the mandate to evangelize the world.
I. THE POWER OF THE GREAT COMMISSION
A. The power of His strength. "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Phil. 4:13).
B. The power of His authority. "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, ’All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth’" (Matt. 28:18).
II. THE PURPOSE OF THE GREAT COMMISSION
A. Evangelize the unsaved. "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations" (Matt. 28:19a).
B. Baptize new believers. " . . . baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" (Matt. 28:19b).
C. Congregationalize the unchurched. "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen" (Matt. 28:20).
III. THE PLAN OF THE GREAT COMMISSION
A. Go to all nations. "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" (Matt 29:19). "And He said unto them, ’Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature’" (Mark 16:15). "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth" (Acts 1:8).
B. Go to all people groups.
C. Go to all persons.
1. The history of Celebrate Jesus 2000.
2. The five components of Celebrate Jesus 2000.
a. Prayer
b. Personal Witness
c. Proclamation
d. Preservation
e. Partnership
3. The Celebrate Jesus 2000 action plan.
a. Commit to do it!
b. Plan (organize) to do it!
c. Do it!
d. Pray for God’s blessing and anointing!
IV. THE PROMISE OF THE GREAT COMMISSION
A. The promise of His power. (Matt. 28:18, Acts 1:8).
B. The promise of His presence. (Matt. 28:20).
V. CONCLUSION:
Could it be that we are already in the fourth Great Awakening in America?
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God. Please contact me at eltowns@liberty.edu and tell us about your salvation experience so that we can rejoice with you.
