The Great Commission | Northstar Church

“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,[a] 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.

The Great Commission is one of the most significant passages in scripture. First, it’s the last recorded personal instruction given by Jesus to His disciples. Last words are always important. People at the end of their days typically talk about what is closest to their heart. Second, these words are the blueprint for what Christians are to do until He comes again.

If this is the Great Commission of our Lord and Savior, then this ought to be our great commission as well. If this was His top of mind thinking, then it should be the top of our mind thinking as well. We are called to fulfill the great commission, and to be on mission with a church that is laser focused on those who are far from the heart of God.

Because the true health of a church is not the number of satellite locations, the size of the budget and staff, the technology, the facility or the worship band. The real mark of a church is winning people to Jesus Christ and then equipping them to be disciples. In Matthew 18:19, Jesus says, “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” Jesus is nor singling out those who went to seminary or those who have large portions of the Bible mesmerized. He is talking to everyone. Jesus calls all His followers to act and share the good news of salvation. It could be in Lithuania, it could be in Lynn Haven. The places and people who need to hear the Gospel are everywhere.

It could be sharing with less fortunate kids down the street or spreading the Word in a town two hours away. Wherever we go, every faithful Christian is compelled through obedience to share the Gospel. If you’re a believer in Jesus Christ, where has He called you to go? Who has God put on your heart to share the gift of salvation? What small or large steps can you take, with the knowledge that Christ will be by your side, “to make disciples of all the nations?”

Jesus have His church a difficult, but not impossible mission. Sharing the gospel becomes a lot easier when you have a clear idea of how and why you’re doing it. There are many resources to do just that and Northstar will conduct some training over the next few weeks to help you explore what sharing the gospel is all about.

Discussion Questions:

If you’re a believer in Jesus Christ, where has He called you to go? Who has God put on your heart to share the gift of salvation?
What small or large steps can you take, with the knowledge that Christ will be by your side, “to make disciples of all the nations?”