Fulfilling Christ's Commission
How do you participate in the great commission of the Lord Jesus Christ? Do you find it a dominant part of your life? Or do you think only the preachers should be doing the work of sharing the Good News? I used to think that only preachers can do the work of Gospel sharing. Perhaps that was one of the reasons I had this desire to preach the Word of God, together with the call.
Here’s what Jesus said to His disciples before He went to heaven:
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.
- Matthew 28.19, 20 (KJV)
Christ called for His disciples to share the Gospel to the nations. But it was not to be ministry confined to the preachers. Jesus also said in John 14.12, “He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater [works] than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.” (KJV) In other words, Jesus Christ expects all His believers, young and old, men and women, to become active participants in His Kingdom work.
It is not surprising that a lot of our church members are not compelled to share the Message. They have become passive, idle and barren, due to a misunderstanding of the Word. However, I must tell you that the time has come for us to realize that we are all Christ’s spokespersons in this world. We are to shine His light by telling the people of the greatest Message that ever came down to mankind. He gave His Holy Spirit power to us so we can do His works.
Bring them to the house of worship! Let them hear the Message! Use whatever opportunity you have in your hand to invite. And pray for the power of the Holy Spirit to work as they listen to and witness the unveiling of the Word through the mouths of God’s ordained ministers.
However, there are certain things we need to possess as disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ. I hope and pray that the following guidelines may be able to help you fulfill the great commission:
- Develop a love for people. I believe it is not possible to reach out to other humans without love. We all be hypocrites without it.
- Seek to understand God’s heart and mind about humanity. Reading the Bible, especially the Gospels, the Book of Acts and the Epistles, can greatly increase our understanding of God’s plan for humanity. Seek to understand – and experience – God’s grace, mercy, longsuffering, kindness, joy, and faithfulness.
- Open your home. The first window to your faith is practically your home. Invites unbelieving friends to your homes so they will see how your faith is expressed in all areas of your lives. Create events where they can be comfortable listening to your testimonies. These can help them realize you may the one who can provide the answer to their problems. Let them speak, and listen with your ears and your heart.
- Make yourself available. Helping people get on with life helps build their trust in you. It may be a sacrifice of your time, and perhaps resources, but it’s worth it because you will be investing for their souls’ salvation.
- Be ready to answer questions. As you make friends, you will begin to hear questions about your faith. You’ve got to be ready to answer their questions. As you answer their questions, try to make simple, straightforward statements.
- Openly discuss evangelism with others. Let your pastor know your desire to share the Message. Let him know how you do it. He may be able to guide you where needed. Share your experiences with other Christians also.
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