Last time I shared how my view of evangelism changed through my understanding of I Corinthians 3:6. I also shared that I view sharing my faith as a form of worship - the overflow of gratitude to my Savior - rather than a mere duty. Before reading this post, I recommend you read that one first, as it will set the tone for this post - biblical mandates to share.
Therefore Go
Matthew 28:18-20 is, quite possibly, one of the most direct mandates from Christ, "And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, 'All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.' Amen."
One of the last instructions Jesus left before He left earth was to go make disciples. His command was to share and baptize. This isn't a suggestion; Christ gave a direct command, and it was to all of us. Go. Make disciples. Baptize. Teach. Nowhere in these mandates does Jesus leave any room for "if you want to." This was a direct command.
This was not just to the 120 disciples that were still around after Jesus rose. It certainly wasn't just a command to the the 12. And it certainly wasn't limited to Jesus' 3 closest friends and disciples. This command rings true until His return. We are commanded to go and share. No exceptions.
How Will They Know?
Paul didn't change Christ's command from Matthew 28:18-20. No, he actually doubled down, and He added a reason to share. Romans 10:14-15 is a very clear mandate to share...and why. "How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of thos who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!'"
This is a strong mandate whrere Paul expounds on the command from Christ. He shares why we are to share and how we are to share. God's choice to share the Good News is through the voices of His followers. That's how He chose to have His message shared. And we're the messengers.
Think Back to Your Salvation
Do you remember your moment of salvation and the journey to your salvation? While there are precious few exceptions, chances are you heard the Gospel preached. It was possibly from a minister, an evangelist, possibly a TV or radio show. Most likely it was through a person you knew. And, most likely, it was through several voices.
Voices are key. I am called, and you are called, to be the voice to the Gospel. It's not an option; we're called to share. And what a privilege it is.
Next time I will share a couple of my favorite methods to sharing my faith. In the meantime, I ask that you join me in praying for the lost we know and will come in contact with. Pray for their salvation, for the other believers that will share with them, and pray for the opportunity to be one of those who have the great privilege to share.
All passages are quoted from The Nelson Study Bible, Copyright 1997 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used with Permission.
Therefore Go
Matthew 28:18-20 is, quite possibly, one of the most direct mandates from Christ, "And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, 'All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.' Amen."
One of the last instructions Jesus left before He left earth was to go make disciples. His command was to share and baptize. This isn't a suggestion; Christ gave a direct command, and it was to all of us. Go. Make disciples. Baptize. Teach. Nowhere in these mandates does Jesus leave any room for "if you want to." This was a direct command.
This was not just to the 120 disciples that were still around after Jesus rose. It certainly wasn't just a command to the the 12. And it certainly wasn't limited to Jesus' 3 closest friends and disciples. This command rings true until His return. We are commanded to go and share. No exceptions.
How Will They Know?
Paul didn't change Christ's command from Matthew 28:18-20. No, he actually doubled down, and He added a reason to share. Romans 10:14-15 is a very clear mandate to share...and why. "How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of thos who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!'"
This is a strong mandate whrere Paul expounds on the command from Christ. He shares why we are to share and how we are to share. God's choice to share the Good News is through the voices of His followers. That's how He chose to have His message shared. And we're the messengers.
Think Back to Your Salvation
Do you remember your moment of salvation and the journey to your salvation? While there are precious few exceptions, chances are you heard the Gospel preached. It was possibly from a minister, an evangelist, possibly a TV or radio show. Most likely it was through a person you knew. And, most likely, it was through several voices.
Voices are key. I am called, and you are called, to be the voice to the Gospel. It's not an option; we're called to share. And what a privilege it is.
Next time I will share a couple of my favorite methods to sharing my faith. In the meantime, I ask that you join me in praying for the lost we know and will come in contact with. Pray for their salvation, for the other believers that will share with them, and pray for the opportunity to be one of those who have the great privilege to share.
All passages are quoted from The Nelson Study Bible, Copyright 1997 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used with Permission.
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