Christians Go And Make Disciples

Preach the Word, be prepared in season and out of season, correct, rebuke and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction - 2 Timothy 4: 2

Here, then, is the purpose of the Church of Jesus Christ, and Jesus himself underwrites it with the words we call "The Great Commission" -


Then Jesus came to them and said,
"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples all nations baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age - Matthew 28: 18 to 20

This command has never been rescinded; it is still the first priority of the church. It is true that believers in Jesus Christ, must seek to alleviate poverty, must cry out against injustices and be in the forefront of everything that is positive and good, the apostle Paul endorses this - Finally, brothers whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me - put into practice. And the God of peace be with you - Philippians 4: 8 & 9

In another place in the New Testament the apostle says -

I will show you the most excellent way - Love is patient love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self - seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres - 1 Corinthians 13: 4 to 8

However, while the apostle would be the first to say that all this is of tremendous importance, and that any pretended Christianity without it is false, hollow and hypocritical; he would insist that the first priority is to win men and women to Jesus Christ and save their souls for eternity.

Jesus said: "Go and make disciples" - Matthew 28: 19. That is, followers whose lives reflect what they believe in all that they do, they are part of a body of people called to learn and practice what they have learned - Christ should be the motive of all that they do, and be at the central of their lives not at the periphery.

In spite of Europe being considered as one of the most needy mission fields in the world, there are many green shoots emerging from the mass of dead religion covering the continent. And where there is life, there is no boredom, but joy, enthusiasm, love and the reality of the presence of Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit.

Here in Spain you can find both Spanish and English speaking churches that are like this. May I challenge you to enquire where the nearest is to you, and then go and find out for yourself - What have you got to lose?

If you live near San Juan (Alicante) we welcome you to join with us at 11am Sunday mornings and see for yourself.

The address is "The Church of the Good Shepherd" C/ Juan Sebastian Elcano Nº 19, San Juan de Alicante... Google Map on sidebar!


God Bless You All!!!
P
astor
Gordon Guillermo Burgess

Alicante Church Of The Good Shepherd