The Great Commission (1)

Memory Verse: And he said to them, Go into the whole world, and preach the gospel to every creature, Mark 16:15.

Bible Passage: Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:15-20

Introduction
A commission is a command and authorisation to carry out a clearly defined important assignment. Jesus commissioned all believers before He ascended into Heaven. Every believer is therefore a commissioned soldier of the cross. So, what is the commission?
The Great Commission

It is to preach the gospel to the whole world, Mk.16: 15. The command is “go and preach.” The duration is marked by the death of Jesus and will end at His second coming. The commission is not optional.
Every believer is supposed to be a soul winner. In Mark 1:17, Jesus commands, come after me, and I will make you fishers of men. We are commanded to go and preach to every creature, irrespective of race, colour or nationality, Acts 1:8. We are to be witnesses of Jesus in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the very ends of the world. We should start in our immediate location and as led by the Holy Spirit.
Dimensions

There are at least three distinct dimensions to the Great Commission:

• Personal Evangelism: This calls for every believer to bring and lead a sinner to Christ, John 10:11; Romans 5:6; I Cor. 15:3. This is a one on one by word of mouth witnessing. It is the most effective way of winning souls for Christ. Your behaviour must match your words at all time.

• Mass Evangelism: This could be in form of open-air crusades, radio or television programmes, seminars, newspapers and other publications, Christian literature and Christian magazine, to spread the gospel. It is indiscriminate, Mark 2:1-12; 3:1-5, Lk. 9:11. This was practised in the early church, Acts 2:14, 41; 17:22; 7:1-2.

• Follow-Up: This is a form of evangelism in which a believer gives a new convert “spiritual guidance” and care on the basic doctrinal milk, meat and then hard bone of our faith. This is to mature the new convert to maturity, Mat. 28:19-20, Prov. 27:23, Acts 20:28.

Conclusion

Are you carrying out the Great Commission? God is relying on you, Mathew 24:14. Your failure is delaying the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. You will diligently discharge the great commission in Jesus’ name.