Advancing Salvation's Plan

Matthew 28:18–20 CEB

18 Jesus came near and spoke to them, “I’ve received all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 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, 20 teaching them to obey everything that I’ve commanded you. Look, I myself will be with you every day until the end of this present age.”

Acts 4:12

Acts 4:12 CEB

12 Salvation can be found in no one else. Throughout the whole world, no other name has been given among humans through which we must be saved.”

Advancing Salvation's Plan

In a surprising turn of events at the 2024 Summer Olympics, the American men's 4x400m relay team, a traditionally strong contender for gold, they lost. During the final handoff between the third and fourth runners, a slight baton exchange error disrupted the team's momentum at a crucial moment. This unforeseen mistake created an opportunity for other teams, particularly the British and Jamaican teams, to gain an advantage.

Despite the anchor runner's best efforts, the U.S. team couldn't recover the lost ground in the final stretch, resulting in a surprising finish off the podium. This race served as a poignant reminder of the critical role precision and timing play in relay events, where even a minor error can dramatically alter the outcome.

In a relay race, every runner plays a critical role in the team's success. It's not just about how fast each runner can go but how well they work together as a team. Each runner must give their all during their leg of the race, but the smoothness of the baton handoff is equally essential. A well-executed handoff keeps the momentum going and can make the difference between winning and losing. If the baton is dropped or the exchange is clumsy, even the fastest runners may struggle to recover lost time, potentially costing the team the race.

Similarly, in the Church, each of us has a crucial part to carry forward the message of salvation. Just as every runner must carry their part of the race, every believer is entrusted with the responsibility of advancing God's plan of salvation. This mission requires us to work together seamlessly, passing on the message of God's love and grace to others without hesitation or error. The "baton" we carry is the most important one of all—God's plan of salvation, a message that has the power to transform lives and bring hope to the world.

This brings us to the idea that, as the Church, we have been entrusted with this divine "baton." Just as in a relay race, our responsibility is to ensure that this message reaches every corner of the world, moving forward with precision and care. The Great Commission, given to us by Jesus, is not just a mandate, but an urgent call to action. It's our responsibility to keep the momentum going, passing the message of salvation from one generation to the next without losing focus or faltering in our mission. This leads us to our first point: The Great Commission and our responsibility to carry it out faithfully.

The Great Commission and Our Responsibility

The Great Commission, found in Matthew 28:18-20, is not merely a suggestion or a good idea but a divine mandate from Jesus Himself. When Jesus declared, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations," He established a clear directive for His followers—a authoritative and binding mission.

This command comes directly from Jesus, who holds all authority in heaven and on earth. The significance of this authority cannot be overstated. It means that Jesus' command to make disciples is backed by the highest power possible, leaving no room for debate or hesitation. His authority ensures that the mission to spread the Gospel is not just one of many tasks the Church could choose to engage in but is the central purpose for its existence.

Jesus commissions His followers to "go and make disciples of all nations," underlining the global nature of this mission. It's not confined to a specific geographic location, cultural group, or era. The scope of the Great Commission is vast, encompassing every nation, tribe, and tongue. This universal call underscores the inclusivity of the Gospel and God's desire for all people to come to the knowledge of the truth, making the audience feel the universality and inclusivity of the Gospel.

The "make disciples" command implies more than just evangelizing or sharing the Gospel message. It involves nurturing new believers, teaching them to obey everything Jesus commanded, and helping them grow in their faith. The term "disciple" itself denotes a follower, a learner—someone who is committed to following Jesus's teachings and example. Thus, the Church's mission is not just to convert but to create committed followers of Christ who, in turn, make other disciples.

Paul wrote in his second letter to the Corinthian church:

2 Corinthians 5:20 CEB

20 So we are ambassadors who represent Christ. God is negotiating with you through us. We beg you as Christ’s representatives, “Be reconciled to God!”

Being an ambassador carries significant responsibility. In the political realm, an ambassador represents their home country in a foreign land, conveying their government's messages, policies, and interests. Similarly, as ambassadors for Christ, believers are called to represent the kingdom of God in a world that is often foreign to its values and principles. This role is not taken lightly, as it involves accurately reflecting Christ's character, teachings, and love in every interaction.

It is a wonderful honor to serve as a Christian ambassador. It means that God has entrusted us with the most important message the world will ever hear: the message of reconciliation between God and humanity. This message, incorporated in the Gospel, is the lifeline for a broken and lost world, providing hope, peace, and eternal salvation. Being chosen as a messenger of this divine truth is both a privilege and a sacred duty.

This Great Commission outlines the Church's principal role on Earth. While the Church engages in many activities, including worship, fellowship, and service, its primary purpose is to spread the Gospel and make disciples. Every other action of the Church stems from or supports this primary mission. The Church exists to fulfill God's redemptive mission in the world.

The Great Commission is a clear, authoritative command from Jesus that defines the Church's mission: to go into all the world, spread the Gospel, and make disciples of all nations. This mission requires the Church to be outward-focused, intentional, and committed to disciple-making, fully relying on Christ's authority and presence to accomplish it. It's important to remember that we are not alone in this mission. The Holy Spirit empowers and guides us, and it is through His work that hearts are transformed and disciples are made.

The Book of Acts provides a powerful example of the early Church's unwavering commitment to the Great Commission. Despite facing severe persecution, imprisonment, and even death, the early believers were relentless in spreading the message of Christ. They understood that the command to make disciples of all nations was not optional but a mandate that required their full devotion.

Take, for example, the apostles in Acts 4. After being arrested and threatened by the religious leaders, Peter and John boldly declared, "We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard" (Acts 4:20).

Their commitment to the Gospel was so strong that even under threat of further persecution, they continued to preach and teach about Jesus. Despite the dangers, this relentless dedication helped spread the Gospel throughout Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and, eventually, the ends of the earth.

The early Church's perseverance laid the foundation for the global Church we know today. Their willingness to endure hardship for the sake of Christ is a testament to their understanding of the Great Commission's importance. They saw it as their primary mission, and through their efforts, the message of Christ spread far and wide, establishing a movement that would change the world forever.

It's essential to examine our own lives and our role in the Great Commission. Are we, like the early believers, actively participating in spreading the Gospel, or are we leaving it to others—thinking it's the job of missionaries, pastors, or those more "qualified"?

The truth is that the Great Commission is a call to every believer. Jesus didn't say, "Go, those of you who are gifted in evangelism," or "Go, those who are in full-time ministry." He said, "Go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). This is a command for each of us, regardless of our position or gifts. Every Christian has a role to play in spreading the Gospel, whether through direct evangelism, supporting missions, praying for the lost, or living out a Christ-like example in our daily lives.

Are you sharing yourr faith with others?

Are you supporting missionaries or ministries that spread the Gospel?

Are you praying for opportunities to witness?

The early Church thrived because every believer took ownership of the mission.

Remember you are part of this grand mission, carrying forward the legacy of the early Church and that their involvement is crucial to advancing God's kingdom.

We are a part of such a grand mission. We need to consider how we approach the mission.

It’s not enough to simply carry the baton; we must do so with boldness and conviction, especially in a world that increasingly challenges the exclusivity of the Gospel.

Boldly Proclaiming the Message of Salvation

In Acts 4:12, Peter declares, "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved." This statement reverberates with the core of the Christian faith. This verse encapsulates the exclusive nature of salvation through Jesus Christ—a message that has been central to Christianity for over two millennia.

The power in Peter's words lies in their clarity and exclusivity. In a time when the Roman Empire was a melting pot of various religions and philosophies, Peter's bold assertion set Christianity apart. He didn't present Jesus as one of many possible saviors or paths to God; instead, he affirmed that Jesus is the only way to salvation. This exclusivity is crucial because it affirms the uniqueness of Christ's work on the cross, His resurrection, and the grace He alone offers humanity. Peter's courage and conviction in making this assertion should inspire and empower us in our faith journey.

Fast forward to today, and the message of Acts 4:12 remains just as vital but more countercultural than ever. We live in an age of pluralism, where the idea is that all religions are equally valid paths to God.

Relativism further complicates this, promoting the belief that truth is subjective, and each person can define their own reality. Yet, in the midst of this, the message of Peter in Acts 4:12 stands as a beacon of truth, connecting us to our faith and its enduring relevance. This enduring relevance should reassure us of the timeless truth of the Gospel.

The claim that salvation is found only in Jesus can seem controversial, even offensive to some. Yet, as followers of Christ, we are not called to alter or dilute this message to make it more palatable to modern sensibilities.

I’m not sorry that it is controversial. I’m not sorry that it offends someone.

The truth of the Gospel is not subject to the changing tides of cultural opinion. Instead, we are called to boldly proclaim this truth with love, compassion, and unwavering conviction, regardless of how it is received. Our unwavering conviction should make us feel committed and steadfast in our faith.

The mission Christ gave us is clear: to stand firm in the truth of the Gospel and proclaim it without hesitation. This means we must resist the temptation to conform to Christ's message to fit cultural norms or trends. Instead, we are to be countercultural, holding fast to the truth that Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation.

This calling requires courage, especially in a world that often values inclusivity and tolerance above all else.

It is into these challenging environments that the Gospel's power is most evident. When we boldly proclaim that Jesus is the only way to salvation, we are not merely offering an alternative. We are offering the hope of eternal life and a relationship with the Creator.

For the Church today, this means fully embracing our responsibility as carriers of a radical and life-changing message. We are called to demonstrate a boldness that is not rooted in our own strength but in the power of the Holy Spirit. This divine boldness enables us to speak the truth in love, even when doing so is difficult or unpopular. By faithfully proclaiming the Gospel, we are not just fulfilling a duty; we are actively participating in the transformative work of God in the world. We stand as living testimonies to the life-changing power of Jesus Christ, who alone offers salvation.

Acts 4:12 challenges us to hold firm to the integrity of the Gospel message in a world that often urges us to compromise or soften our stance. It serves as a clear reminder that our mission is not to blend in with the world but to declare that salvation is found only in Christ courageously. We are entrusted with this message, and we must carry it forward with unwavering courage, trusting in God's ability to use it to change hearts and lives. The truth of the Gospel is powerful, and when proclaimed boldly and faithfully, it has the potential to transform the world around us.

it's essential to recognize that this mission is not one we carry out alone. The Great Commission is a collective effort, a charge given to the entire body of Christ. As we stand firm in the truth of the Gospel, we must also take up the responsibility to equip and encourage others to do the same.

The work of spreading the Gospel is a shared mission, and it requires that we not only be bold ourselves but that we also invest in others, preparing them to carry this life-changing message to the world. Just as we have been entrusted with the truth, so too are we entrusted with the task of equipping fellow believers to be effective witnesses for Christ.

Equipping and Encouraging Others to Share the Gospel

The Church is not just a gathering of individuals; it is a community designed by God to build one another up. Ephesians 4:11-13 tells us that Christ gave "the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors, and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up." This passage emphasizes that the purpose of these roles is to prepare every believer for the work of ministry, which includes sharing the Gospel.

Equipping others means providing them with the tools, knowledge, and encouragement they need to share their faith confidently. This might involve teaching sound doctrine, mentoring, or creating opportunities for practical evangelism. It also includes fostering a supportive environment where believers are encouraged to step out in faith, knowing they have the backing of their Christian community.

Consider the transformative power of intentional equipping in a church that prioritizes discipleship and evangelism training. In such a community, members regularly receive teaching on sharing their faith, engage in role-playing exercises to build confidence, and are paired with more experienced mentors who guide them in real-life evangelism. This intentional approach can truly transform a congregation into a vibrant, active body of witnesses for Christ, inspiring and motivating each believer to step into their role of sharing the Gospel.

Another powerful example comes from the early Church, where believers "devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship" (Acts 2:42). This commitment to learning and growing together laid the foundation for a movement that would spread the Gospel across the known world. The apostles preached and equipped others to carry the message forward, ensuring that the Church's mission continued even after they were gone.

How can you be part of this equipping process? Are you actively involved in helping others grow in their faith? Are you sharing your experiences and wisdom with newer believers? Your role is crucial. I want to challenge you to take on the role of mentors and teachers, even informally, to help others become confident and effective in sharing the Gospel. Your responsibility and accountability in this process are significant, and your active involvement is key to the growth and strength of our Christian community.

Remember that equipping others is not just about imparting knowledge; it's about fostering courage, providing support, and encouraging one another to live out the Great Commission in everyday life. As we build each other up, we strengthen the entire body of Christ, making it more effective in carrying out God's mission in the world.

As we come to the close of this message, let's take a moment to recap the three vital points we've discussed:

The Responsibility of the Great Commission

Boldly Proclaiming the Message of Salvation

Equipping and Encouraging Others to Share the Gospel

The Responsibility of the Great Commission: We've been entrusted with the sacred duty of spreading the Gospel and making disciples. This command is not optional but is the primary mission of the Church and every believer.

Boldly Proclaiming the Message of Salvation: In a world that often challenges the exclusivity of Christ, we are called to stand firm and proclaim that salvation is found in no one else. Boldness in sharing this truth is essential, and the Holy Spirit empowers it.

Equipping and Encouraging Others to Share the Gospel: The Great Commission is a collective effort. We must be faithful in our own witness and invest in equipping and encouraging others to share their faith confidently. This ensures that the message of Christ continues to spread far and wide.

These three points remind us that advancing God's plan of salvation is not the work of a few but requires the active participation of every believer. Together, we form a powerful force for the Gospel, each playing a unique and essential role.

As we reflect on the significance of the Great Commission, I invite you to commit to actively participating in this divine mission.

This week, consider taking concrete steps to share the Gospel with someone in your life. It could be a conversation with a coworker, a kind gesture that opens the door to a spiritual discussion, or even standing up for your faith in a challenging situation.

Also, think about how you can help others in our church community to do the same. Whether it's mentoring a younger believer, participating in a small group, or simply offering words of encouragement, we can all contribute to equipping and empowering others to be effective witnesses for Christ.

Let's take a moment now for silent prayer. Ask God to reveal where He wants you to act, to whom He wants you to reach out, and how He wants you to support others in their witness.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the incredible privilege of being part of Your plan to bring salvation to the world. We ask for boldness to proclaim the message of Christ with courage and conviction. Grant us wisdom in our interactions, that we might speak Your truth in love.

Lord, empower each of us by Your Holy Spirit to step out in faith this week, to share the Gospel with those around us, and to encourage others to do the same. May we be a church that not only hears Your Word but acts on it, advancing Your plan of salvation in our families, workplaces, and communities.

In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.