Commission

Matt. 28:19-20 "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." (Jesus gave the Great Commission to His assembled believers and their successors. He said His power would be with us till the world's end. If we know what Jesus has asked us to do then we will know if we are obedient to the Lord and really are a functioning New Testament church. These three actions tell us what we are to be doing. You don't need a church strategist to figure it out. These actions are: (1) Teach all nations. We can teach a lot from the Bible, but this is sharing the gospel with people because Jesus follows it up by saying we should baptize them, which comes after we trust in Christ many times by way of our Saviour. The gospel needs to be explained to as many people as possible. Some ignore the gospel, are apathetically treated by most, and are misunderstood by many. Despite varied reactions, we must share the gospel and teach people what it means. (2) Baptize believers in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This baptism is for believers and according to the method Jesus baptized and the early church practiced. Those who have sprinkled need immersion. Those who have not publicly declared their trust in Christ need to do so in baptism. We identify with Christ and the church through this ordinance. (3) Teach them to Observe All Things I have commanded you. We are commanded to love our enemies. We are commanded to love God, His word, and His church. We are commanded to baptize and be humble, as Jesus evidenced by washing the disciple's feet. We are not to give up praying. We are commanded to exercise our faith. Whatever Jesus taught His disciples to do we need to be doing. These are the tests of being a New Testament Church. Are we doing the same thing Jesus did and taught, and are we doing what He asked us to do? The choice is up to us.)