THE GREAT COMMISSION
We all know Matthew 28:18-20 N.K.J.V. so well. And Jesus came and spoke to them saying “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth, 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. Teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you even to the end of the age” Amen.
The Mark Commission is not as well known, Mark 16:15-18.NKJV Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature,he who believes and is baptized will be saved, , and he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs shall follow them that believe IN MY NAME, they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues,they will take up serpents;and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them, they will lay hands on the sick and they shall recover.
Jesus after His resurrection than adds in Acts 1:8 NKJV But you shall receive power when the holy Spirit has come upon you and you shall be WITNESSES TO ME, in Jerusalem , and in Judea & Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
NOW SOME IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
1.Was the great Commission to every believer in every generation until Jesus returns?
The overwhelming position of scholars down through the years is that every believer in every generation must be a witness.
2. Under who’s authority do we function? Jesus has delegated divine authority to every believer.
3. What about the signs in Mark ? is that meant for Apostles & Prophets etc ? NO, these signs will follow those who believe.
WHAT SORT OF BELIEVER ARE YOU?
(A) a believing believer
(b) an unbelieving believer
4. How can we do it ? by the power of the Holy Spirit that dwells in us .Acts 1:8
The modern argument is that many people are timid and shy, but Jesus declares in Acts 1:8 that when the Holy Spirit comes upon us (In simple terms) when He the Spirit controls and empowers us, even the most timid and shy can even at least simply share the good news. The Holy Spirit is also the great creative being indwelling us and he can give us 100 different ways on how we can communicate the Gospel.
I am aware in previous generations many believers felt condemned that they were not witnessing. We need to put the emphasis where Jesus puts the emphasis, come under the Lordship of Jesus and let the Holy Spirit rule in our lives then you (us) will have the power and the courage to witness to our faith.
The Greek word for witness is martus or martur where we get the English word martyr. Across the Middle East this year. hundreds if not thousands have lost their lives refusing to deny Christ is their Lord and Saviour. Should we not at least die to our own fears and selfishness and lay hold of the power of the Holy Spirit and fulfil the great commission as Chrsit has commanded.
This blog has been written as a result of a Skype question I received from one of my past students. it was couched this way. There is so much said about believers that they must witness, and so little is said about Sanctification, Holiness and Character. I of course agreed, as my readers well know I hold the teaching and truth of holy living very highly. His immediate response was he was happy just being a good example !!!! In some ways I felt set up, as of course I want to promote Holy Character, but not as an excuse NOT to be a living witness. Which surely many times must include our tongue and speech.
Your thoughts and comments will be appreciated. may tomorrow (Sunday) be an awesome day of blessing for you.
