Make Disicples of All Nations

Life Verse

The last time I spoke here I walked through James 1 , and I said that it was one of two life verses for me. Well today, I’ll discuss my second life verse – Matthew 28:18-20 – The Great Commission. I am extremely thankful to God and to obedient brothers and sisters in Christ for my being discipled among a people who believed this verse, recited this verse weekly, and lived out this verse daily. I knew very early on in my walk with Christ that as I did what I did in my life, I needed to make disciples as I go. I knew that the primary orientation of my life should be built around deepening disciples’ walk with Christ and helping the lost come to know and follow Christ.

The Great Commission

The Great Commission is not just a command – although it very much is that. The Great Commission for me has become a comfort in times of confusion, a guide in times of lostness, and a help when making life decisions. This commission displays God’s heart for the Gospel to be known by all people, not just the ones who we think deserve it or who we think have earned it. Jesus is calling the lost to be found, the blind to see, and the sick to be healed. Why wouldn’t we want to give our life to that?

Baptize, Teach, Serve

The way I see it, there are two distinct commands related to disciple making in this passage – Baptize and Teach. Baptism involves the outreaching of God’s people to those who need Christ, bringing them into the fold through salvation and obedience to Baptism. It’s the command given for those who wish to follow Jesus. Baptism is a one-time thing while teaching is an all the time thing - ongoing, not stopping until the day he returns. I feel compelled to over communicate my heart – my only desire is to embody the true Biblical definition of the word “minister” – a servant. I am praying for opportunities to serve the lost, to Baptize them, and opportunities to serve you and my family through teaching, supporting, development, and equipping in the name of Jesus Christ.

Why now? Why Newnan?

You might be asking yourself, “How is it that you come to stand here today? Why Newnan Church of Christ? Why now?” Put very simply, a series of events, conversations, and scripture passages have reminded me of the deep need of the Gospel in the world. I have prayed more desperately in the past 6 months than I have in my entire life. God wrecked me again as he has many times in the past. I see no other choice but to put the work of my hands to making disciples. I am also convinced that the timing of the need here at Newnan and the orchestrating of certain events by God is too much evidence that His hand is on it. I want to be where God is moving.

Prayer and Patience

I do have two small requests. Prayer and Patience. Please pray consistently and urgently for this Body, the Elders, Danielle and our family, and the lost in our communities. Also, please be patient with me. Many of you know I am transitioning out of the business world and I have certain tendencies that developed due to the nature of my work. Some of those will serve this Body well and some will need to be let go of and replaced. Please be patient with me as I discern how to do this effectively.

Will we help Him build it?

We have been reminded and encouraged today by our shepherds of many things. I challenge us all, especially myself, not to take these things lightly. I want to invite everyone to join with the shepherds, and myself, in unity in pursuit of the common goal given to us by Jesus in the Great Commission – “as you Go, wherever you Go, make disciples of all nations”. This is Jesus’ mission, Jesus’ calling, and Jesus’ kingdom.

Will we help Him build it?