God's Purpose & Mission For The Church - Part 3 - Pursuing Intimacy With God
God’s Purpose & Mission For The Church – Part 3
In Part 1 and Part 2 we studied God’s purpose & mission for the church. Specifically we looked into God’s top priority and passion. And how the church ought to have the same top priority and passion that God has. And we looked into the 1st part of God’s purpose & mission for the church.
Now in Part 3 of God’s Purpose & Mission For The Church we will begin to study the 2nd part of the mission.
God’s Purpose & Mission For The Church
Make Disciples Is The 2nd Part Of God’s Purpose & Mission For The Church
In a previous post we discussed the first part of God’s mission that He has for His followers and church. To follow Jesus and be “fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). In other words, to obey His command and share the Good News of Jesus with lost people. This command and part of God’s mission is for all believers, not just for pastors, church leaders, or missionaries.
A “fisher of men” is a believer that is actively in their daily life sharing God’s love and the Good News of Jesus with others. With people in their daily circle of influence.
God’s Purpose & Mission For The Church
The Great Commission
The second part of God’s purpose and mission for the church is found in Matthew 28:18-20. The “Great Commission”. Matthew 28:18-20 states:
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Analyzing the Great Commission
The following are the key points to understand in these verses and command of our Lord Jesus.
Jesus starts out in verse 18 saying that all authority in heaven and on earth was given to Him. In other words, Jesus is saying that He is Lord. The Boss. The Master. He is the head of the church and we need to follow and obey Him.
Therefore … because I am Lord here is what you need to do …
Go. This does not mean simply go on mission trips to or be full time missionaries in Africa or other places. The word used in this verse literally means “as you are going”.
It means as you are going about in your daily life. Sure God’s plan and call for some people is to go to Africa and other parts of the world. Like Nancy and I were called first to Brazil and then to other countries as full time missionaries.
But there is only a very small percentage of people that are called and led to do this. What about the rest of God’s followers ? Jesus call and command in Matthew 4:19 to be “fishers of men” is for every Christian. And the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 to “go and make disciples” is for every Christian also.
In Part 4 we will continue to look into God’s purpose & mission for the church. And specifically we will continue to look into the 2nd part of God’s purpose & mission.
Pursuing Intimacy With God is committed to helping you with the most important thing in your life… your intimacy with God , your fellowship with Him, and your partnership with God in His Kingdom work & mission.
There is much more information on Worship and Praising God in the Pursuing Intimacy With God Bible studies book
Other Links
Hear God’s Voice: Vital For Intimacy With God
Jesus: The Source of Abundant Life
Prayer Is Passion For Seeking & Knowing God
God’s Purposes For You & Your Church
Religion vs Relationship With God
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