Matthew 28
We are called to make disciples.
Do not allow this Commission to be an omission in your life.
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 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 alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.—Matthew 28:18-20
1. Is repentance necessary for salvation?
How can repentance not be necessary? The Greek word for repent means to think differently or afterward, that is to reconsider. Repentance is a (1) acknowledgment/ recognition of your state of sin, (2) a declaration/ commitment to turn from sin, and (3) a focus to turn to God in righteous conduct according to His standard. It is part of the process leading toward the forgiveness of sins as identified in Acts 2:38.
In today’s age, many people are goal-oriented; filling up a checklist of goals and completing them as quickly as possible. Studying the Bible is often no different.
1 Corinthians 3:9-11 – For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
When speaking to the Corinthians about their divisions (of following specific people), Paul wanted them to understand that they (the leaders) were all laborers together with God (1 Corinthians 3:3-8). He was given the grace of God to be a wise masterbuilder and have laid a foundation of Jesus Christ.
What is Doctrine?
Doctrine is considered an instruction or teaching that can be learned or developed through experience. Doctrine is associated with a person’s beliefs; the way they ‘see,’ perceive, or relate to the world around them. Each person has a countless number of doctrines on the issues, people, and situations they experience on a daily basis. The number of doctrines a person has is countless and continues to be shaped and expanded throughout a person’s lifetime.
Within Christianity, sound biblical doctrine is based on the biblical teachings, experiences, pastors, ministers, and interactions with fellow brothers and sisters in the local church community. Within the context of this message, doctrine will encompass God’s Word. God’s Word is the foundation of good sound doctrine:
2 Timothy 3:16-17 – All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
We were made for the Lord’s glory and to show forth His praise upon the earth (see Isaiah 43:7, 21). In discipleship, we are pupils and learners of Jesus, obedient to His commands (Matthew 28:18-20). Disciples reflect the example of Jesus they have purposefully studied.
God conforms us into the His Son in word and deed (Romans 8:29). Disciples will think and act like Jesus, and even accomplish greater works (John 14:12). This fact is evident throughout Acts as the disciples healed, taught, and proclaimed Christ. When before the many leaders at Jerusalem in Acts 4, they understood Peter and John to be unlearned and ignorant, but they knew they had been with Jesus (Acts 4:13). They were like Jesus, sharing in His sufferings, in order to bring glory to the Father.
A disciple is a person that is conformed into the image of Jesus through careful study and obedience to His life example, commands, and guidance through the Spirit.
Jesus outlines what one must do to be a disciple, how a disciple is identified, and how they are to live. Below is a listing of scriptural references that further outline the preceding sentence. Disciples:
1. Are not forced to follow Jesus (John 6:43-71).
2. Are drawn by the Father (John 6:44).
3. Must hate their father, mother, wife, children, and their own life (Matthew 10:32-39; Luke 14:26-33).
May 9, 2009
Being Born Again
John 3:1-7 – There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
As Nicodemus conversed with Jesus, He explains that a man cannot see the kingdom of God unless is he born again. Though Nicodemus considered the physical aspect of being born again (enter the second time into his mother’s womb), Jesus had another meaning altogether…
Matthew 28:18-20 – And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 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.
The corporate church worldwide would agree that the commission Jesus gave the 11 disciples has been transferred throughout the ages. Sadly, not many believers and churches take Jesus’ full commission to heart. However, there are two levels of responsibility that rest upon those who come unto the Lord.
1. Personal responsibility. Within this commission, there is not only a corporate responsibility, but also a personal one. With the advent of the bible in mass production, we have great access to the teachings and commands of Jesus. As individual disciples of Christ, we must each take up the charge (and decision) to learn of Him as pupils that we may become like Him in our behavior and actions. It is not enough for any of us to wait for the preacher to speak on Sundays or Wednesdays. We must take to the Gospels ourselves.
As the Gospels are readily available, we can choose to read a chapter a day. We can use audio tapes within our vehicles or even on our personal media players. There are many ways to study Jesus’ commands, but the important thing for us is to begin today.
2. Corporate responsibility. As the corporate church, our focus should be the teachings of Jesus. There are so many subjects that span Christian culture, but Jesus’ teachings should be first, often, and always. We should have a steady flow of Jesus’ teachings. As Lord, Savior, and King, Jesus has provided guidance on how we are to live before Him and among His people.
Jesus’ teachings must be our most important message before and after salvation. In reading Acts 2:41-42, after the 3,000 souls were added unto them, the apostles continued steadfastly (1) in the apostles’ doctrine and (2) fellowship, and (3) in breaking of bread, and (4) in prayers. The apostles’ doctrine was the doctrine of Christ. They were teaching what they had received from the Lord Jesus. (Four areas encompassed the business of the apostles, and it should be ours (corporately) as well.)
Jesus’ commission is a command – not a suggestion or something we should take into consideration!
Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/flaivoloka
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