Matthew 28:19-20 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Luke 24:47-49 repentance andforgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”
Acts 1:5 …you will be baptized withthe Holy Spirit
Acts 1:8 …you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Above you see passages of our Lord Jesus explaining the Great Commission to His chosen apostles. Jesus says, “Go. Make Disciples. Baptize. Teach. Receive power.” These are our ultimate objectives and we know this. Be read to do whatever God tells you. Be on time. People should be following you if they see Jesus in you. Wash those around you with the Word of God. Tell them about Jesus! Yeah! (This is where you fist-pump.)
However notice what Luke says in chapter 24: But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high. (Put your fist down for a second.) This means that you must be baptized and contain power from the Holy Spirit to effectively be a regenerator for the Kingdom of God. By baptism, I mean literally – taken into a cold body of pool water with your church family, telling them your testimony of how Jesus saved your life, and symbolizing that you are a new creature. That’s cool. But look at it figuratively as well: God’s law and love must be immersed into your heart. All things should be viewed from the lens of God. It’s like turning a light on after being in a dark room for a while. You can see clearly.
Secondly, you must understand the exact power of Christ, given to you is in accordance with the gifts from the Holy Spirit. We must stop giving ourselves up to our futile thoughts when it’s time to evangelize (or tell folks about Jesus). The Spirit of God is at work in you and what He governs your direction. Jesus says, “… [Teach] them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always…” If you are a watchman, your prayers are effectual and fervent. If you are a bible study teacher, than explaining biblical concepts is easy! If you have the gift of serving, you can greet that new visitor of your church with the love of Jesus. That’s called power and authority from God Himself.
It’s very difficult to try and live out the Great Commission when we hold back or even block the Holy Spirit from witnessing for Jesus. But when we finally let go of our feelings of fear, insufficiency, ignorance and pride, His Word will flow out like water. When we are filled with the Holy Ghost, our hearts will be renovated – our brains will be mission-minded. Every situation you are in involves an assignment. Make sure it’s about Jesus.
Dominique A. Evans is a born again Christian from Lynchburg, VA. He currently resides in Harrisonburg, VA where he receives his degree in Accounting. Dominique is a spiritual author, co-founder online community Follow 4 Bible Study, and it’s online newsletter. He hopes to pursue full time ministry that involves counseling those who are struggling with sexual sin. This all depends on God’s will over Dominique’s life. Mr. Evans would like to give thanks to God, family, and friends for the outstanding support of his baptism, lifestyle change, growth, and book.
