Whatsoever Things Are True
by Dan Coburn
Pastor, Emmanuel Baptist Church
pastordan@mtida.net
The Great Suggestion from Matt. 28: 19-20.  This is universally accepted as the Great Commission, so I admit my sarcasm. Most people never heard of it. Many Christians (professing) aren't familiar with it or at best have relegated it to an option in their Christian walk - much like options on a car. "I like power windows, but I don't have to have power seats or warmers. Telling others about Jesus is not for me, that's for paid clergy or missionaries to do."  
Jesus said "for this cause came I into the world, to seek and to save that which was lose". And - "As the Father has sent me, so send I you". In 2nd Cor. 5 19 and following, we are told that we (you and I) have been given "the ministry of reconciliation"; and It carries weight - "as though God did beseech you by us:" 
So now that we have established that we have it, what is it?  "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: an lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world."  
Nugget:  19 and 20 flow from 18 which says: "and Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth".  In other words, since Jesus has all power, and will be with you always, you can confidently Go anywhere and share your faith.
Let's turn the Spiritual Switch.  If heaven is the goal; the end game as most seem to think, and you are in fact Saved, Why didn't God just pluck you out of this sorry old dysfunctional world the second you gave your life to Him? It is because you have a mission. A Commission. You are Ambassadors For Christ's sake.  You are  here literally to facilitate the rescue of as many Prisoners of War as you can. We tend to think that just living the best life we can and occasionally helping others is a full time job, but it is just the foundation. Salvation isn't the goal, it is the door to being used of God.  
"I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I  in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."  "Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye me my disciples."  John 15:5 and 8.  
One of the first signs of a genuine born again Christian is that he will want to share his experience with others. It is important to provide opportunities for that to occur. "Let the redeemed of the Lord say so" - Psalm 107:2   "... be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason for the hope that is in you...." 1st Peter 3:15   
What about you?  Are you on the front line -- or just waitin for the bus?   Happy New Year. 

Cottonwood, Idaho 83522
 

Home

Classified Ads
 

COTTONWOOD
CHRONICLE
503 King St.
P.O. Box 157
Cottonwood, ID 83522-0157
editor@cottonwoodchronicle.com
or cotchron@qwestoffice.net
208-962-3851
Fax 208-962-7131
Template Design by: