Jesus is Essential
Matthew 28:19: Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
In many respects, we have departed from this pattern. In most churches, the congregation pays the pastor to preach, win the lost, and build up the saved—while the church members function as cheerleaders (if they are enthusiastic) or spectators. The “converts” are won, baptized, and given the right hand of fellowship, then they join the other spectators. How much faster our churches would grow, and how much stronger and happier our church members would be, if each one were discipling another believer.
The only way a local church can “be fruitful and multiply” (instead of growing by “additions”) is with a systematic discipleship program. This is the responsibility of every believer, and not just a small group who have been “called to go.” Jesus had opened the minds of His disciples to understand the Scriptures. They knew what He wanted them to teach to their own converts. It is not enough to win people to the Saviour; we must also teach them the Word of God. This is also a part of the Great Commission. 1
Walking with Jesus
There is great a command and a great commission. Simply stated: 1. Go and love God and love others. 2. Go and proclaim the gospel of salvation, then make disciples. Are you a spectator, or are you a known disciple of Jesus living your faith out day by day?
All the ends of the world Shall remember and turn to the Lord, And all the families of the nations Shall worship before You. For the kingdom is the Lord’s, And He rules over the nations. Psalm 22:27–28
If you go forward in faith, you will fulfill His purposes, and be fulfilled.
Praying
Lord, thank You for welcoming me into Your family, and for giving me direction and purpose.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
