The Great Commission…are we failing?

I copied this article from an email that a good friend of mine sent to me. It deals with the part of the Bible where Jesus is about to ascend back to heaven after he had been raised from the dead. These final words of Jesus to us is commonly refered to as “The Great Commission”. This commission is found in Mathew 28:18-20. These instructions are to be the main focus of the “Church” and all “Christians”…I recently preached a sermon that presented this passage of scripture and asked the question, “Are we failing?”. Read this and you decide…

Matthew 28:19 “Go therefore and make disciples…”
 
Part of the reason for this ministry is to follow the great commission and make disciples.  What are disciples?  Here are a couple of writings I have come across that help us see just what a disciple is all about.
 
I am a disciple of Christ
I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away or be still
My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure
I am finished with low living, sight walking, small planning, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, chancy giving and dwarfed goals
I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions or popularity
I don’t have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded or rewarded
My face is set, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow and my way is rough but my guide is reliable and my mission is clear
I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, diluted or delayed and I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy or meander in the maze of mediocrity
and I want give up, shut up, let up or slow up till I’ve preached up, prayed up, paid up, stored up and stayed up for the cause of Christ I’m a disciple of Christ and I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till everybody knows and work till He stops and when He comes to claim His own He will have no trouble recognizing me for my colors are clear.  That’s what a Disciple is.
 
Today I am stepping across the line. I’m tired of waffling, and I’m finished with wavering. I’ve made my choice; the verdict is in; and my decision is irrevocable. I’m going God’s way. There’s no turning back now!
I will live the rest of my life serving God’s purposes with God’s people on God’s planet for God’s glory. I will use my life to celebrate his presence, cultivate his character, participate in his family, demonstrate his love, and communicate his Word.
Since my past has been forgiven, and I have a purpose for living and a home awaiting in heaven, I refuse to waste any more time or energy on shallow living, petty thinking, trivial talking, thoughtless doing, useless regretting, hurtful resenting, or faithless worrying.
Instead I will magnify God, grow to maturity, serve in ministry, and fulfill my mission in the membership of his family.
Because this life is preparation for the next, I will value worship over wealth, “we” over “me,” character over comfort, service over status, and people over possessions, position, and pleasures. I know what matters most, and I’ll give it all I’ve got. I’ll do the best I can with what I have for Jesus Christ today.
I won’t be captivated by culture, manipulated by critics, motivated by praise, frustrated by problems, debilitated by temptation, or intimidated by the devil. I’ll keep running my race with my eyes on the goal, not the sidelines or those running by me.
When times get tough, and I get tired, I won’t back up, back off, back down, back out, or backslide. I’ll just keep moving forward by God’s grace. I’m Spirit-led, purpose-driven and mission-focused, so I cannot be bought, I will not be compromised, and I shall not quit until I finish the race.
I’m a trophy of God’s amazing grace, so I will be gracious to everyone, grateful for everyday, and generous with everything that God entrusts to me.
To my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I say: However, whenever, wherever, and whatever you ask me to do, my answer in advance is yes! Wherever you lead and whatever the cost, I’m ready. Anytime. Anywhere. Anyway.  Whatever it takes Lord; whatever it takes!
I want to be used by you in such a way, that on that final day I’ll hear you say, “Well done, thou good and faithful one. Come on in, and let the eternal party begin!”  What does this mean?  Today, I affirm this commitment to God and submit to his plans and purposes for my life, no matter what it takes.
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John 8:31 “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.”
John 15:8  “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.”
John 13:35  “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
 
Being a disciple of Christ is about fellowship with Jesus Christ.  Being a disciple of Christ is about commitment to Jesus Christ.  Being a disciple of Christ is about knowing Jesus intimately and following Him wherever He leads.

Are you a disciple of Christ?

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