Living Out Christ's Great Commission

Living Out Christ's Great Commission
By Pastor Alexander Redd
info@gracioushopefellowship.com
July 31, 2023

"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.'" (Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV).

When God called me into ministry, I never imagined that Gracious Hope Bible Fellowship would greatly impact the spreading of the Gospel of Christ through different media platforms worldwide. However, I had faith in the words of Christ Jesus from Matthew 28:18-20, and they strongly influenced my desire to reach as many individuals as possible. The ministry's logo is the impactful meaning of Christ's teachings from Matthew, and it aims to glorify Him.

In the closing words of the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus imparts His followers with a profound and everlasting directive that reverberates throughout time. It is not a mere suggestion but a divine calling that empowers and challenges His disciples then and now. This mandate, known as the Great Commission, beckons us to embrace our purpose as ambassadors of Christ.

Jesus begins by declaring His authority, affirming that all authority in heaven and earth has been bestowed upon Him. As believers, we serve a King who reigns supreme over all creation. This declaration assures us that the task entrusted to us carries divine authority. We are not alone in our mission; we go forth as representatives of the One who holds all power and dominion.

The command to go and make disciples extends beyond specific groups or periods. It is an all-encompassing commission that transcends geographical, cultural, and generational boundaries. We are called to step out of our comfort zones, embrace faith, and reach out to those who have not yet experienced the transformative love of Christ. The Great Commission challenges us to share the Gospel, both near and far, actively.

Jesus instructs His followers to make disciples of all nations. Discipleship entails more than a conversion or a one-time decision. It involves a lifelong journey of growth and transformation. We are called not only to share the Gospel but also to invest in the lives of others, nurturing and guiding them as they cultivate a deep and personal relationship with Jesus. This requires intentionality, love, and a willingness to walk alongside those God brings into our lives.

Baptizing in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit acknowledges the triune nature of God. It symbolizes initiation into the body of Christ and signifies a new identity in Him. As we baptize others, we are reminded of the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, who equips us to fulfill the Great Commission. The same power that raised Christ from the dead resides within us, enabling us to proclaim the good news with boldness and conviction.

Jesus assures us of His constant presence as we fulfill His command. He promises to be with us always, even until the end of time. We are not alone amidst challenges, doubts, and uncertainties. The One who walks beside us is faithful and true. His presence sustains, strengthens, and encourages us to press forward, knowing He is with us every step of the way.

As believers, the Great Commission is not a burden but a privilege. It invites us to embrace our calling and impact the world around us. It reminds us that we have been chosen and entrusted with the greatest message of all time - the message of salvation and hope in Jesus Christ.

The Great Commission calls us to live purposefully and intentionally. It challenges us to boldly express our faith, share the love of Christ with those around us, and make disciples who will, in turn, make disciples. It compels us to actively participate in God's mission rather than passively observe from the sidelines.

But how do we practically live out the Great Commission in our everyday lives? It begins with surrendering our hearts to God and being willing to be used by Him. It starts with prayer, seeking God's guidance and direction in reaching those He wants us to reach and how He wants us to do so.

Living out the Great Commission may involve engaging in intentional conversations with our friends, family, and coworkers and sharing our personal testimonies of how Jesus has transformed our lives. It may require volunteering in local outreach ministries or embarking on mission trips to foreign nations, spreading the good news of Jesus to those who have never heard.

Living out the Great Commission also means being a living example of Christ's love and grace. It means demonstrating kindness, compassion, and forgiveness to those who may not deserve it. It means shining as a light in a dark world, pointing others to the hope that can only be found in Jesus.

The Great Commission is not a one-time event but a lifelong commitment. It demands perseverance, dedication, and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones. It may not always be easy, but we can take comfort knowing we are not alone. Jesus is with us every step of the way, empowering and guiding us as we impact the world for His glory.

Therefore, let us wholeheartedly embrace our calling to fulfill the Great Commission. Let us go forth with boldness and confidence, knowing that we serve a God who has granted us all authority and promises to be with us always. May we faithfully represent Christ, impacting the world one person at a time and fulfilling our purpose to make disciples of all nations.

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