Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
[Matthew 28:16-20]

A little sermon teaser for tomorrow. Here’s the opening paragraph…

The Great Commission as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew is the great “what now” of the Christian faith. It is the imperative for the one who, through the Holy Spirit, has come to faith in Jesus Christ as THE Lord and Savior. The Great Commission is the marching orders for the Church in this dark, sin-filled world. But before you start thinking, “Here we go again, another get-out-there-and-share-your-faith sermon” remember, this Great Commission, given by Jesus, is more than that. This Commission contains a claim, a command and a promise. This Commission should elicit in you a “Well duh” type of response because this Commission describes what the follower of Jesus already joyfully does. And so, as you hear more about this Commission, remember what came before; Jesus Christ crucified, died and risen for you. All grace. All promise. All Good News. And if that is true for you, then what comes next is indeed, “Well, Duh. Why wouldn’t we go and say something.”

May God bless me with the Holy Spirit as I finish this message that I may in turn bring glory to God.

The Pastor -|—