The Great Commission

The Book of Acts begins by telling us how Jesus appeared to the apostles on several occasions after his death.

So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?” He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1: 6-8

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20

Somewhere along the way, these statements by Jesus became know as the Great Commission. What it is telling us, is that we, as Christians, have a responsibility to distribute the truth of Jesus. That he is the Son of God, He died on the cross and rose again, so that our sins may be forgiven.

To often in today's politically correct world, it seems, if you disagree with sin, you are not being "tolerant". When you speak from the Bible, about what most people, and definitely the media, consider to be today's important issues; abortion, immorality, covetous, jealousy, anger, depression, marriage, money, family, honesty, you will not be viewed as "tolerant" according to today's world view.

However, it is not just a right to explain the Bibles view, it is our responsibility as Christians. This is, I have to believe, easier said than done. In a recent survey, over 90% of Americans believed in God. I have to wonder, how many of those 90% believe in God's word, what God said, how God told us to live in His book, the Holy Bible?

Witnessing to others, takes awareness. When you are involved in conversation with friends or family, pay attention to what is being said. When you recognize a conflict with God's word, bring it to attention. Not everyone will agree with you, in fact, some people will actually be offended. Their response is not your concern. If what you say you know is the will, and the word of God, your assignment has been done. If an argument follows, all you may be able to do is use your faith in the Bible as your defense. When you know what God has said, and you can pass that along, than you know you will be right. For your thoughts and opinions will not be yours, but will come from the Lord.

We cannot stop telling about the wonderful things we saw Jesus do and heard him say. Acts 4:20

It's true that witnessing can be difficult. You may wonder what to say or what to do if someone asks a question you can't answer. You may be really scared about witnessing, but think of it as learning any new skill - practice makes perfect.

The point is, however, that you need to begin. The best beginning is to simply tell about what Jesus has done for you and what He means to you. You can't mess that up because it's your own personal story! You have a wonderful privilege to be able to share what you have learned and what God has done in your life. And if you're asked a difficult question simply say, "That's a good question. Can I find out the answer and get back to you tomorrow?" Then be sure to follow up.

 

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