Commissioned

But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead. Matthew 28:5-7 ESV

Those who sincerely seek are the ones who are blessed to be sent. 

He presented himself alive to them after his suffering, by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. Acts 1:3 ESV

Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. Mark 16:14-16 ESV

It is a real problem when Christians present a gospel they don’t actually know or believe.

Together was the context for and how the commission was to be fulfilled.

Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Mark 16:15 ESV

You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. John 8:32 ESV

And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. Acts 4:33 ESV

828 Church exist to see the lost found and the found free and following!

Jesus didn’t wave sin’s penalty. He paid it’s price, and and set us free from it’s prison and power.  

Real truth isn’t shaped by the world or church, rather the world and the church should be shaped by the truth!

I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Matthew 28:18 NLT

Power hungry people are a burden not a blessing to God’s gospel and mission.

If you think the mission is only about what God can do for you, you’ve missed the heart of the mission and may end up betraying the gospel the way Judas betrayed Jesus. 

Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19 NLT

A disciple is someone who does their best to follow Jesus and live according to His word and will!

Come follow me as I follow Jesus. 1 Corinthians 11:1 ESV

God’s heart is that in our following we will lead others to the life giving relationship we’ve found in Him!

Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. Matthew 28:20 NLT

A partial telling of the truth may be the worst kind of deception because it leaves people wondering why their empty. 

And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:20 NLT

To live your life to know God and to make Him known is to live close to the one who knows and loves you most.