The Church’s Marching Orders

Matthew 28:19

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Those who know me well – know that above most everything else – I would label myself an evangelical. As a Christian pastor – I believe that Jesus is Lord and that there is no other way to salvation except through Him. You could call me a John 14:6 kind of guy. In this passage Jesus tells us what is required to go to heaven. John 14:6 – Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Having said that – the passage for today has a lot of meaning. Today’s passage is part of the Great Commission found in Matthew 28 – Matthew 28:19 – Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

A number of pastors and church leaders as well as church members read my blog page each day. Our marching orders as pastors – as Christians – is The Great Commission. Because of the way some go about evangelism and the way that some have turned away from evangelism – in some circles – evangelism has become a dirty word. It is anything but!

Why Do We Follow Jesus?

Matthew 4:20

At once they left their nets and followed him.

Why do we do what we do in life? Often our answer would include our learning or life’s experiences. We follow a certain team – often because a parent did or our friends do or because we went to a game and a player was nice to us. We all have our own experiences. I have a friend who is a lifelong Yankees’ fan and if you asked him – he would tell you of his life’s experiences.

Why do we drive a certain make or model of vehicle? Again – it is often from our learned behavior (our parents were Ford people) or personal experience (I’ve always had a Honda and they never failed me). Same used to be why we used certain gas (my parents always used Shell gas – so I do).

We do a lot in life because of some learned behavior or some personal experience. We tend to be creatures of habit. Do we have a favorite restaurant? Do we tend to watch certain TV shows – even the same ones over and over (did someone say The Andy Griffith Show)?

Our Christian Faith and Our Love for Nation

John 3:16

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Have you ever watched golf? If so – you are well aware that at many golf tournaments – someone will probably have a sign behind the golfers (where the cameras catch it) that reads John 3:16. This passage hits home with me when I think of the topic of Christianity and Nationality.

We continue to watch on TV and in the news as the national and international scene unfolds around us. I understand nationalism (I think) and I think I understand our need to protect our boarders and our people from terrorists – other threats – and infrastructure overload. I listen to the debates about building a wall that have been raring from the last administration (and beyond) – and into this administration. The debate is about securing the borders – denying certain people entrance into the USA – and the need to keep track of people as they enter our nation. It can be very confusing at times and very mind blowing. The times – they are a changing. Things aren’t the same as years gone by when people crossed borders with little or no thought.

As Christians – who are from a certain nation – we are often caught dealing with our national interests and our Christian global interests. Christ died for the whole world (although all will not accept His free gift of salvation). Christ died for the people we are trying to keep out of our nation – even the criminal elements. It is a hard place at times. It is tough taking a stand because there are arguments on both sides of most discussions.

Defining Faithfulness

Galatians 5:22

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

What do you think of when you hear the word faithfulness? I first think of the vows we share at our marriages – to be faithful until death do us part. Throughout the Hebrew and Christian portions of the Bible – the relationship between God and His people – between Jesus and the church – is compared to that of a bride and groom. I like the love and passion shown by God for the church. Here is a passage from the Hebrew Bible.

Isaiah 62:5 – As a young man marries a maiden, so will your sons marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you.

God’s faithfulness is NEVER questioned. God is the groom that will never be unfaithful to His bride – the church. The question is – how faithful are we?

In the Christian text we read Paul urging the church to be faithful. Romans 12:1–2 – ¹ Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. ²Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Straining Toward the Future

Philippians 3:13

Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead

One of the biggest issues most of us face is forgetting the past and straining toward the future – what is ahead of us. Some of us tend to live in the past and the past – most often – will only hold us down and hold us back. Forgiving ourselves is often the problem – as we’ve mentioned numerous times. Long after we have confessed our sins to God – repented (grieved and turned away) of them – and God has offered grace and mercy – we still tend to hang on to the guilt at times. Anyone with me on this today?

Paul was focused on being holy – being perfect – striving after Jesus with all in his power. In striving for perfection – he couldn’t – he wouldn’t – allow himself to dwell on his past sin – having confessed it and repented of it – he was focused on the task ahead.

Satan wants us to dwell on our past sins. Satan wants to steal the joy of forgiveness – mercy – and grace – from us. Satan wants us to live in guilt and without the freedom that comes from forgiveness. Can anyone identify? Is Satan doing battle with your spirit even as we read this devotional?