What is the Great Commission?
It is a command from Jesus to his first disciples what he wanted them to do after he left earth.
This command is also directed to all those who know Jesus through all the centuries since 33 CE (common era also known as AD) and leading up to this moment and to you and to me.
Here's how it happened
After rising from the dead and showing himself to many, Jesus asked his closest associates, his disciples, to meet him on a mountain in Galilee. They met as planned.
"And when they saw Him, they fell down and worshipped Him: but some doubted. Jesus approached and breaking the silence said to them, All authority (all power and rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go then and make disciples of the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you, and behold, I am with you all the days (perpetually, uniformly, and on every occasion), to the [very] close and consummation of the age. Amen (so let it be)." (Matthew 28:17-20 The Amplified New Testament)
What it means to us
It's people like you and like me who help other people to follow Jesus and then we help them to help still other people to follow Jesus. It's a huge "Whisper down the Lane" except that the message and effect remains the same over time. It's so wonderful to have a relationship with Jesus but you must pass on the good news!
The effects
Your obedience to the Great Commission, sharing your faith in Jesus and helping new believers get on their feet, will have a wonderful effect now and forever. You will be one God's shining stars forever. He will not love you more (he already loves you 100%) but your life will have eternal effects.
"Those who turn many to righteousness (to uprightness and right standing with God) [shall give forth light] like the stars forever and ever." (Daniel 12:3 Amplified Old Testament)
Dr. James Dobson of Focus on the Family, a non-profit in Colorado Springs, Colorado, U.S., speaks of the Prominence of Evangelism:
"We believe that the ultimate purpose of living is to know and glorify God and to attain eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord, beginning within our own families and then reaching out to a suffering humanity that does not know of His love and sacrifice."
To continue this discussion click here http://www.thegreatcommission.mobi/news_7.html
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You don't just have to read the Bible or books about the lives of strong obedient believers throughout the centuries! You can become such a person yourself! Talk to God about your life and ask him what you can do!
Last updated: 10/20/2009
Last updated: 10/20/2009
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