Matthew 28: The Great Commission

This is definitely one of the most famous scriptures in the Bible and in its entirety is found in Matthew 28 verses 16 - 20 which is of course the Great Commission which we will explore later.

16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted.18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 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, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (Matthew 28: 16 - 20. New King James Version)

Having had a Christian column in a secular paper for years and not one person I knew of gave their life to God or was baptised. Have I failed in my duty to evangelise through the media then?

The bible reassures us in 1 Corinthians 15 v 57-58 "But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain". It sounds so easy doesn't it, to talk to people in the street, invite them to church, the following Sunday have a baptism service for the new members and get them involved in the life of the fellowship. If God is with us till the very end of the age and nothing we do is unproductive as the scriptures say surely it should not be hard to get our churches full again or should it? If a sales manager at a gym can recruit 10 new people to their leisure facilities a week why can't a pastor get 10 new people into their congregation? Questions we must ask ourselves: 1. Are we fearful of showing others that we are Christians? 2. Are we worried about being rejected if we share our faith? 3. Do we feel we have the knowledge or confidence to witness to others? 4. Is this the calling for my life or can't I just serve tea in church or is this the easy way out and others can evangelise? 5. I want to be a famous evangelist like Billy Graham or Charles Wesley! Is there anything special about them because they can convert thousands through preaching the gospel or were they anointed for the season God had in history. 6. Do you have to be a people person to get people into church? Here are some practical evangelism ideas to fulfill the Great Commission: Invite people to an Alpha Course. Create or join a group of street pastors praying and talking to people on the streets. Create or join a local homeless ministry giving out soup, clothes, etcetera. Create or join a prostitution ministry giving out free condoms and sex advise leaflets etcetera. Create or join a drinking ministry giving out free chips and water, etcetera. The list of things that you can do is endless, and the more creative the better. What will you do?

Prayer Lord Jesus, I pray for people who have a heart for evangelism and sharing the gospel, show them the people you want them to talk to, the things to say, and creative ways to preach the gospel. I pray a spirit of revival would hit our nations and you would raise individuals to lead revivals and there would be more Billy Grahams rising up in our time in Jesus Name. Amen.

If you have any comments, queries or suggestions regarding this article please do not hesitate to contact me by email at mec980@yahoo.co.uk. Thank You.

Via Faith Writers