Passage – Matthew 28:18-20
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Go – introduce others to Jesus
We do this by:
Making Disciples
Baptising in the Name the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit
- Welcoming them into community: as we baptise we invite others into membership of the church.
A creative minority is a Christian community in a web of stubbornly loyal relationships, knotted together in a living network of persons who are committed to practising the way of Jesus together for the renewal of the world.
To become a creative minority is not easy because it involves maintaining strong links with the outside world while staying true to your faith, seeking not merely to keep the sacred flame burning but also to transform the larger society of which you are a part. This is a demanding and risk-laden and choice.
A Creative Minority, Jon Tyson & Heather Grizzle, p12
A strong faith community is important as we seek to introduce others to Jesus. How can as individuals and a church grow as disciples and serve the needs of others outside the church? What makes a faith community attractive to others?
In the Name of:
- as ambassadors – we are God’s ambassadors on earth
- on behalf of – God choses us as his instruments
- for the glory – all we do is for God’s glory (that people may appreciate his goodness)
- in the power of – we are empowered by the Holy Spirit
How do the four points above help us as we seek to introduce others to Jesus?
Teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you
- Lifestyle: our words and example; how we live is key to introducing others to Jesus; people learn from hearing us and seeing all we do.
- In relationship: why are good relationships and willingness to share life together important as we seek to introduce others to Jesus, and teach them his ways?
Evangelism is not just about bringing people to a point of making a decision for Christ, but it is also about helping them embark on a lifetime of obedience to Jesus.
J John: The Natural Evangelism Course
Jesus gave us the greatest commission – yet the church isn’t growing. Why do you think this is? As we continue this series we will see it is vitally important that we introduce others to Jesus.
Commanded by Jesus
Convinced by the Gospel
A church that does not do its best to help others to become Christians is disobedient and guilty of the sin of omission. Jesus said, ‘All who love me will do what I say’ John 14:23.
J John: The Natural Evangelism Course
If we are convinced by the Gospel and our mission, we will seek introduce others to Jesus.
- Jesus commanded us to go, why is it easy to be guilty of the ‘sin of omission’?
Compassion of Jesus
Convinced its the right thing to do
If we really love God, we will love other people. Jesus was deeply moved by human needs. In Matthew 9:36–38 we read:
The Workers Are Few
Matthew 9:35 Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
In the original Greek, ‘compassion’ is a very strong word, full of deep, gut-level feeling and emotion. It’s about being moved to the depths of one’s heart, ‘suffering with someone’ by entering into their despair and pain.
Evangelism is not just about numbers; we count people because people count. Because we are made in the image of God, every individual is a person of intrinsic worth.
J John: The Natural Evangelism Course
If we grasp the compassion of Jesus, we will be convinced that introducing others to Jesus is the right thing to do.
- Think about Jesus’ compassion and how it changed those he met.
- What do we learn from Jesus’ compassion?
- Why is compassion key to us being able to live out the great commission?
Conviction of Jesus
Convinced by the power of the Holy Spirit
Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Are you convinced that the Holy Spirit is working in you?
Think about your relationship with the Holy Spirit:
- What spiritual sifts do you have?
- Is the fruit of the Spirit evident in your life?
- When was the last time you felt prompted and convicted by the Spirit?
- When did you last feel empowered by the Spirit?
The Holy Spirit will help us to live with the same conviction Jesus had, as we seek the be obedient to the great commission.
Apply
As I reflect what have I found interesting?
As I reflect what has challenged my life, attitudes and actions?
Is there one practical step I can apply to my life to help me to become more like Jesus?
How would this help me to introduce others to Jesus?
Is there there anything I need to pray about, explore further or extra help I need?
Is there someone I should share with, pray with or encourage?
Trinity Deeper 