No Excuses - GO!

Sermon Text

The Great Commission

18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 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, 20 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.

The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Mt 28:18–20.

• Jesus' command to go and make disciples moves his followers from learning to active, commissioned service rather than private or passive Christianity.
• Christian mission must include proclaiming the good news that Christ died for sins, was buried, rose bodily, and now reigns; humanitarian work may accompany mission but cannot replace that message.
• Those who go must themselves believe the apostolic gospel, confess Jesus as Lord, and rest in him alone before calling others to follow him.
• The scope of the Great Commission is global because Jesus possesses all authority in heaven and on earth and God's purpose is that all peoples praise him.
• The command begins close to home—in families, congregations, neighborhoods, and communities—while also sending and supporting those called to distant peoples.
• Fear and weakness do not cancel the command: the Holy Spirit gives strength, and Christ promises to accompany his church as it makes disciples.

• Do I believe that Jesus truly died for sins, rose bodily from the dead, reigns as Lord, and will return to judge?
• Have I treated Christianity as private belief instead of receiving Christ's command to go and make disciples?
• When I think about mission, have I allowed helpful humanitarian work to displace the explicit proclamation of Jesus Christ?
• Whom am I presently discipling in my family, congregation, neighborhood, or community?
• When did I last speak about Christ or invite someone to hear his Word?
• Am I willing to pray for, financially support, or personally explore cross-cultural missionary service?
• Do the realities of judgment, heaven, and hell move me to compassion for people who have not heard the gospel?

Great Commission

Jesus' command in Matthew 28:18-20 to go, make disciples of all nations, baptize them in the triune name, and teach them to obey all he commanded.

Apostle

A sent one who is authorized by another and entrusted with a mission; the disciples are sent by the risen Christ to bear his message.

Gospel

The good news that Jesus Christ died for sins according to the Scriptures, was buried, rose bodily on the third day, and is the living Lord.

Christian mission

Going in Christ's authority to proclaim the gospel and make disciples, while acts of mercy may serve and adorn that central work.

Disciple-making

Calling people to believe in Christ and helping them learn, obey, and pass on everything he has commanded.

Nations

The peoples and ethno-linguistic groups throughout the world to whom Christ sends his church with the gospel.