The Great Commission ติดตามพระมหาบัญชา

Introduction

As children of the Almighty God, what do Christians fear most? What sends shivers down the backs Christians, causes their knees to knock, easy and hearts tremble uncontrollably even just at the mention of the word? Is it the devil, persecution, death, sickness, cancer, the unknown, ghosts? So, what do we Christians fear most? It’s Evangelism!

Introduction

As children of the Almighty God, what do Christians fear most? What sends shivers down the backs Christians, causes their knees to knock, easy and hearts tremble uncontrollably even just at the mention of the word? Is it the devil, persecution, death, sickness, cancer, the unknown, ghosts? So, what do we Christians fear most? It’s Evangelism!

Fears

As children of the Almighty God, what do Christians fear most? What sends shivers down the backs Christians, causes their knees to knock, easy and hearts tremble uncontrollably even just at the mention of the word? Is it the devil, persecution, death, sickness, cancer, the unknown, ghosts? So, what do we Christians fear most? It’s Evangelism!

Fears  I am afraid to share the gospel I am afraid I get rejected I am afraid to be seen as a religious fanatic  I am afraid I might be a hypocrite I am afraid I may jeopardise my friendship  I don’t know what to say. What if I cannot answer their questions.

 I am afraid to share the gospel

I am afraid I get rejected

I am afraid to be seen as a religious fanatic

 I am afraid I might be a hypocrite

I am afraid I may jeopardise my friendship

 I don’t know what to say. What if I cannot answer their questions.

The word evangelism not only strikes fear, for many, it also brings guilt because we rarely do it.

Fears

 I am afraid to share the gospel

I am afraid I get rejected

I am afraid to be seen as a religious fanatic

 I am afraid I might be a hypocrite

I am afraid I may jeopardise my friendship

 I don’t know what to say. What if I cannot answer their questions.

The word evangelism not only strikes fear, for many, it also brings guilt because we rarely do it.

The late Anglican Bishop Sam Shoemaker, said “In the Great Commission the Lord has called us to be—like Peter—fishers of men. We’ve turned the commission around so that instead of being fishermen, we have become aquarium keepers. We maintain and beautify our aquarium (church). Occasionally I take some fish out of your fish tank and put them into mine, and you do the same with my tank. But we’re all tending the same fish.”

Hopefully this morning as we gain a better understanding of the Great Commission, it will not only help us overcome our fears but encourage us to fulfil the Great Commission with great confidence and zeal.

The late Anglican Bishop Sam Shoemaker, said “In the Great Commission the Lord has called us to be—like Peter—fishers of men. We’ve turned the commission around so that instead of being fishermen, we have become aquarium keepers. We maintain and beautify our aquarium (church). Occasionally I take some fish out of your fish tank and put them into mine, and you do the same with my tank. But we’re all tending the same fish.”

Hopefully this morning as we gain a better understanding of the Great Commission, it will not only help us overcome our fears but encourage us to fulfil the Great Commission with great confidence and zeal.

The Great Commission

The Great Commission is the last command Jesus issued before he ascended into Heaven. It is often regarded as the most important. A commandment obeyed by the disciples that allowed the gospel to spread around the world. Let us read the Great Commission aloud together:

The Great Commission

The Great Commission is the last command Jesus issued before he ascended into Heaven. It is often regarded as the most important. A commandment obeyed by the disciples that allowed the gospel to spread around the world. Let us read the Great Commission aloud together:

“เพราะฉะนั้น ท่านทั้งหลายจงออกไปและนำชนทุกชาติมาเป็นสาวกของเรา จงบัพติสมาพวกเขาในพระนามของพระบิดา พระบุตร และพระวิญญาณบริสุทธิ์ และสอนพวกเขาให้ถือรักษาสิ่งสารพัดที่เราสั่งพวกท่านไว้ และนี่แน่ะเราจะอยู่กับท่านทั้งหลายเสมอไป จนกว่าจะสิ้นยุค”

“19 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, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”

“19ดังนั้นจงไป สร้างสาวกจากมวลประชาชาติ ให้เขารับบัพติศมาในพระนามของพระบิดา พระบุตร และพระวิญญาณบริสุทธิ์ 20สอนเขาให้เชื่อฟังทุกสิ่งที่เราสั่งพวกท่านไว้ และแน่นอน เราจะอยู่กับท่านทั้งหลายเสมอไปตราบจนสิ้นยุค”

Rightly speaking, there is only one command in the Great Commission - “make disciples”. The rest of the verbs describing how we make disciples of all nations – by going, baptising and by teaching.

The Great Commission is the last command Jesus issued before he ascended into Heaven. It is often regarded as the most important. A commandment obeyed by the disciples that allowed the gospel to spread around the world. Let us read the Great Commission aloud together:

What is Toyota known for? Making cars. What is Starbucks known for? Making coffee. What is Hollywood known for? Making movies. What is the church known for? Making disciples! The core purpose of the church is producing disciples. And how do make disciples? By going, baptising and teaching. Going is about evangelism, baptising is when the person becomes a believer, and teaching is the process of growing the person who is like Jesus. The command to teach is not just to transfer information, but to teach them to “obey everything that I have commanded.” So, making disciples is taking a person who does not know God to become a believer and then growing them to become like Jesus. Going, baptising and teaching is a life-long process. Evangelism is only the first part of making disciples.

“19 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, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”

“19เพราะฉะนั้น ท่านทั้งหลายจงออกไปและนำชนทุกชาติมาเป็นสาวกของเรา จงบัพติสมาพวกเขาในพระนามของพระบิดา พระบุตร และพระวิญญาณบริสุทธิ์ 20และสอนพวกเขาให้ถือรักษาสิ่งสารพัดที่เราสั่งพวกท่านไว้ และนี่แน่ะเราจะอยู่กับท่านทั้งหลายเสมอไป จนกว่าจะสิ้นยุค”

Today, I am just going to focus on the first part, evangelism - the part in which we fear most!

Rightly speaking, there is only one command in the Great Commission - “make disciples”. The rest of the verbs describing how we make disciples of all nations – by going, baptising and by teaching.

“19 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, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”

What is Toyota known for? Making cars. What is Starbucks known for? Making coffee. What is Hollywood known for? Making movies. What is the church known for? Making disciples! The core purpose of the church is producing disciples. And how do make disciples? By going, baptising and teaching. Going is about evangelism, baptising is when the person becomes a believer, and teaching is the process of growing the person who is like Jesus. The command to teach is not just to transfer information, but to teach them to “สอนเขาให้เชื่อฟังทุกสิ่งที่เราสั่งพวกท่านไว้” “obey everything that I have commanded.” So, making disciples is taking a person who does not know God to become a believer and then growing them to become like Jesus. Going, baptising and teaching is a life-long process. Evangelism is only the first part of making disciples.

Rightly speaking, there is only one command in the Great Commission - “make disciples”. The rest of the verbs describing how we make disciples of all nations – by going, baptising and by teaching.

I. Evangelism is a Process – not just an Event

What is Toyota known for? Making cars. What is Starbucks known for? Making coffee. What is Hollywood known for? Making movies. What is the church known for? Making disciples! The core purpose of the church is producing disciples. And how do make disciples? By going, baptising and teaching. Going is about evangelism, baptising is when the person becomes a believer, and teaching is the process of growing the person who is like Jesus. The command to teach is not just to transfer information, but to teach them to “สอนพวกเขาให้ถือรักษาสิ่งสารพัดที่เราสั่งพวกท่านไว้ “obey everything that I have commanded.” So, making disciples is taking a person who does not know God to become a believer and then growing them to become like Jesus. Going, baptising and teaching is a life-long process. Evangelism is only the first part of making disciples.

Today, I am just going to focus on the first part, evangelism - the part in which we fear most!

Firstly when we think about evangelism, we think about telling the good news and when the person believes, we have succeeded. Correct? That is not quite right. Making Disciples and Evangelism are a process, not just an event. It’s like when we grow a plant, we need to take steps. We need to prepare the soil, plant the seed, fertilize the soil, provide water and give it sunlight.

I. Evangelism is a Process – not just an Event

This a diagram called the Engel Scale which shows that evangelism is a process. Step -8 to -5 shows a person who has no idea about the good news to having an awareness. This is not the time when you share the gospel and challenge them to pray for receive Jesus. Priority is to give a positive impression of what God is like and what Christians are like. It’s intentionally developing relationships, through spending time, caring and helping them in times of need.

I. Evangelism is a Process – not just an Event

You may not know this, but when people know you are a Christian, they will observe your life. If you are living like a good Christian, this will help them move to step -4 is having a positive attitude towards God and Christians. Right now, perhaps they are ready to attend a church event, Alpha course or church camp. You can share your testimony on how you became a Christian or how God good is to you. Ask the Holy Spirit to work in their hearts.

Firstly when we think about evangelism, we think about telling the good news and when the person believes, we have succeeded. Correct? That is not quite right. Making Disciples and Evangelism are a process, not just an event. It’s like when we grow a plant, we need to take steps. We need to prepare the soil, plant the seed, fertilize the soil, provide water and give it sunlight.

This a diagram called the Engel Scale which shows that evangelism is a process. Step -8 to -5 shows a person who has no idea about the good news to having an awareness. This is not the time when you share the gospel and challenge them to pray for receive Jesus. Priority is to give a positive impression of what God is like and what Christians are like. It’s intentionally developing relationships, through spending time, caring and helping them in times of need.

When the person reaches steps -2 or -1. He or she is ready to accept Jesus. You can share the gospel message and asking if they would like to be a believer. People take time when buying a new house or car because they are important decisions. Likewise people need time to evaluate the Christian message and their experiences with Christians. If they have gone through stage -8 to -1, they will be more ready to receive Jesus and their decision is more certain than someone who is in stage -6.

This a diagram called the Engel Scale which shows that evangelism is a process. Step -8 to -5 shows a person who has no idea about the good news to having an awareness. This is not the time when you share the gospel and challenge them to pray for receive Jesus. Priority is to give a positive impression of what God is like and what Christians are like. It’s intentionally developing relationships, through spending time, caring and helping them in times of need.

So, evangelism can be as easy as having a cup of coffee with someone, building relationships, loving and caring, being a positive example, sharing your testimony, or inviting them to a church event. But the goal is to take the person from one step to the next, until he or she can decide to follow Jesus. You can see, evangelism is a process not just an event.

You may not know this, but when people know you are a Christian, they will observe your life. If you are living like a good Christian, this will help them move to step -4 is having a positive attitude towards God and Christians. Right now, perhaps they are ready to attend a church event, Alpha course or church camp. You can share your testimony on how you became a Christian or how God good is to you. Ask the Holy Spirit to work in their hearts.

When the person reaches steps -2 or -1. He or she is ready to accept Jesus. You can share the gospel message and asking if they would like to be a believer. People take time when buying a new house or car because they are important decisions. Likewise people need time to evaluate the Christian message and their experiences with Christians. If they have gone through stage -8 to -1, they will be more ready to receive Jesus and their decision is more certain than someone who is in stage -6.

II. Evangelism is Relational and not just a Task

When the person reaches steps -2 or -1. He or she is ready to accept Jesus. You can share the gospel message and asking if they would like to be a believer. People take time when buying a new house or car because they are important decisions. Likewise people need time to evaluate the Christian message and their experiences with Christians. If they have gone through stage -8 to -1, they will be more ready to receive Jesus and their decision is more certain than someone who is in stage -6.

How did you come to church or become a Christian?

So, evangelism can be as easy as having a cup of coffee with someone, building relationships, loving and caring, being a positive example, sharing your testimony, or inviting them to a church event. But the goal is to take the person from one step to the next, until he or she can decide to follow Jesus. You can see, evangelism is a process not just an event.

· Special Need (1-2%), Walk-in to church by themselves (2-3%), Evangelistic event (5-6%), Church Programme – Christmas, cell groups (2-3%), Visitation (1-2%), Contact with Church Pastors (5-6%), Friend or relative (75-90%)

Certainly, there are people who became believers because God showed himself to them, but by far, most people become Christians because of their friends or relatives. Because evangelism is primarily relational it means several things to us:

II. Evangelism is Relational and not just a Task

· For the people whom we know, family, friends, colleagues, classmates, neighbours – we could very well be the ones who will help them come to know Jesus. Pray and believe that God will use you!

How did you come to church or become a Christian?

· Special Need (1-2%), Walk-in to church by themselves (2-3%), Evangelistic event (5-6%), Church Programme – Christmas, cell groups (2-3%), Visitation (1-2%), Contact with Church Pastors (5-6%), Friend or relative (75-90%)

· It means that we have to make special efforts to befriends non-Christians – not just church friends.

Certainly, there are people who became believers because God showed himself to them, but by far, most people become Christians because of their friends or relatives. Because evangelism is primarily relational it means several things to us:

· Know that we are sometimes we are just one part of the process and it may take a long time.. We need to recognise that they then embark on a process which may take a long time. We (or someone else) may have planted a seed (like Andrew in or like Paul in ) but the 'seed' needs to be watered () even though it is God that makes it grow - we are part of the process.

Certainly, there are people who became believers because God showed himself to them, but by far, most people become Christians because of their friends or relatives. Because evangelism is primarily relational it means several things to us:

When I was in the army, some of my colleagues were Christians. We would often pray together for some of our non-Christian colleagues. One of them was Kay. He always had a lot of questions about Christianity and we would answer all his questions – every day, every week, every month – for 1 whole year! One day, I told my Christian friend that I give up on Kay, I shared enough, I am not going to answer any more of his questions. That afternoon, I met Kay and he said, “oh, I just became a Christian.” I was shocked and asked how? He said, he was in church last Sunday and the pastor asked if anyone wanted to be a Christian, to raise their hand, since he knew everything about Christianity already, there is no reason for him not raise his hand. So, never give up. After army, I lost contact with Kay. I only met him again 10 years later – in bible college. He is now a pastor!

· For the people whom we know, family, friends, colleagues, classmates, neighbours – we could very well be the ones who will help them come to know Jesus. Pray and believe that God will use you!

· It means that we have to make special efforts to befriends non-Christians – not just church friends.

Success of Alpha course – process and relational

· It means that we have to make special efforts to befriends non-Christians – not just church friends.

· Know that we are sometimes we are just one part of the process and it may take a long time.. We need to recognise that they then embark on a process which may take a long time. We (or someone else) may have planted a seed (like Andrew in or like Paul in ) but the 'seed' needs to be watered () even though it is God that makes it grow - we are part of the process.

III. Evangelism is the work of the Holy Spirit, not just Ours

When I was in the army, some of my colleagues were Christians. We would often pray together for some of our non-Christian colleagues. One of them was Kay. He always had a lot of questions about Christianity and we would answer all his questions – every day, every week, every month – for 1 whole year! One day, I told my Christian friend that I give up on Kay, I shared enough, I am not going to answer any more of his questions. That afternoon, I met Kay and he said, “oh, I just became a Christian.” I was shocked and asked how? He said, he was in church last Sunday and the pastor asked if anyone wanted to be a Christian, to raise their hand, since he knew everything about Christianity already, there is no reason for him not raise his hand. So, never give up. After army, I lost contact with Kay. I only met him again 10 years later – in bible college. He is now a pastor!

Success of Alpha course – process and relational

It is vital to remember that it is only God through the Spirit who draws people to himself and only God who can bring people to new life, we can do neither (, ). God, in his infinite mercy, allows us to be involved but we cannot persuade people into the kingdom. It is by God's direct revelation () and the work of the Spirit, maybe through us, that anything happens not by our argument.

Success of Alpha course – process and relational

Evangelism is also Spiritual Warfare. We are battling with Satan for the lives of souls.

III. Evangelism is the work of the Holy Spirit, not just Ours

3And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God

III. Evangelism is the work of the Holy Spirit, not just Ours

It is vital to remember that it is only God through the Spirit who draws people to himself and only God who can bring people to new life, we can do neither (, ).

Therefore, as much as we make relationships with others and share the gospel, we need to pray twice as hard. The secret to reaching your friends and family is prayer. Let the Holy Spirt.

ยอห์น 6:44 “ไม่มีใครมาถึงเราได้นอกจากพระบิดาผู้ทรงใช้เรามาจะทรงชักนำให้เขามา และเราจะให้คนนั้นเป็นขึ้นมาในวันสุดท้าย”

There was a man who attended an Alpha Course in St. James’ Church. His name was John. He was a clever man – an engineer and an inventor. During the Alpha Course, he would often argue against Christianity and no one could beat him. He would be very proud of that. And every week he would come up with more questions which we could not answer. One day, some of us visited John in his home. Again, John asked difficult questions and the answers we gave did not satisfy him. He had won again. Before we left, a pastor asked if he could pray for John. John agreed. While the pastor prayed, John started crying non-stop. After the pastor prayed we asked John what happened. John said that he felt very happy when he won the debate but as the pastor prayed, he felt someone telling him that he was wrong, he was wrong about God. He knew it was God speaking to him and that God was so real at

ยอห์น 6:44 “ไม่มีใครมาถึงเราได้นอกจากพระบิดาผู้ทรงใช้เรามาจะทรงชักนำให้เขามา และเราจะให้คนนั้นเป็นขึ้นมาในวันสุดท้าย”

ยอห์น 1:13 “ซึ่งในฐานะนั้นพวกเขาไม่ได้เกิดจากเลือดเนื้อหรือกาม หรือความประสงค์ของมนุษย์ แต่เกิดจากพระเจ้า”

God, in his infinite mercy, allows us to be involved but we cannot persuade people into the kingdom. It is by God's direct revelation ()

มัทธิว 16:6 “เมื่อพระเยซูตรัสกับเขาทั้งหลายว่า จงสังเกตและระวังเชื้อของพวกฟาริสี และพวกสะดูสีให้ดี”

and the work of the Spirit, maybe through us, that anything happens not by our argument.

Evangelism is also Spiritual Warfare. We are battling with Satan for the lives of souls.

2 โครินทร์ 4:3-4 “3แต่ถ้าแม้ข่าวประเสริฐของเรายังถูกปิดบังไว้อีก ก็ถูกปิดบังไว้จากพวกที่กำลังจะพินาศ 4คือในกรณีของพวกเขา พระของยุคนี้ได้ทำให้ความคิดของคนที่ไม่เชื่อมืดมนไป เพื่อไม่ให้เห็นความสว่างของข่าวประเสริฐ คือเรื่องพระสิริของพระคริสต์ผู้ทรงเป็นพระฉายาของพระเจ้า”

3And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God

Therefore, as much as we make relationships with others and share the gospel, we need to pray twice as hard. The secret to reaching your friends and family is prayer. Let the Holy Spirt.

There was a man who attended an Alpha Course in St. James’ Church. His name was John. He was a clever man – an engineer and an inventor. During the Alpha Course, he would often argue against Christianity and no one could beat him. He would be very proud of that. And every week he would come up with more questions which we could not answer. One day, some of us visited John in his home. Again, John asked difficult questions and the answers we gave did not satisfy him. He had won again. Before we left, a pastor asked if he could pray for John. John agreed. While the pastor prayed, John started crying non-stop. After the pastor prayed we asked John what happened. John said that he felt very happy when he won the debate but as the pastor prayed, he felt someone telling him that he was wrong, he was wrong about God. He knew it was God speaking to him and that God was so real at that moment. Right after that, he said he wants to be a Christian!