Making Disciples

Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and

teaching them everything he has commanded us.

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matt 28:18-20 NIV)

Go and tell! What stories do you share with others? Those of us who have children or grandchildren often talk about what they've been up to; their antics, their successes, the joy that they give to us. Sometimes we talk about our favorite hobbies or our careers. Way too often we find ourselves talking about nothing more than the weather. Day in and day out we muse about the weather! It's too hot. It's too cold. I wish the rain would stop already! But, how often do we talk about what Jesus has done for us?

So many "Christians" are so out of the habit of talking about the greatest love of our lives, Jesus the Christ, that they really don't even know how to begin to talk about him with others. Yet, Jesus gave us a command. Yes, it is a command and not a go ahead and do this if you feel like it suggestion. We have been given a commission to go and baptize people of all nations as we share everything that he has taught us, with both his words and his deeds. We share these things so that others will turn and follow him and ultimately also share the good news.

This command was followed by the first disciples and succeeding generations. The church on earth has grown because of the faithful witness of his followers. What part do you play in growing the church? Are you willing to share the good news that Jesus died for all people? He was crucified so that our sins might be forgiven and that we might be reconciled to God our Father for all eternity. So many who profess to be Christians do not wish to offend their neighbors by sharing this good news. But, we rarely consider the consequences for those who do not hear and believe. How offended are they going to be on judgment day when they stand before the Lord and he says, "I never knew you." 

Growing a church; making disciples is not about inviting people to a social club. Social clubs abound in our society and they come and go. Yes, we are social; but, the church is not a club, for a particular type of people. Everyone is welcome! As soon as someone is bored or unhappy with a social club they move on. But, the church will endure forever. The church is made of Christ's followers. It is made up of disciples who are willing to make more disciples by sharing the Good News of the Kingdom of God.

May God give us the courage to share the Good News of the Kingdom given to all who believe through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

God's Peace - Pr. J