Tag: evangelism

Partnering for the Truth in a Digital Age (3 John 5–8)

In this instalment of our series exploring the Book of 3 John, we examine verses 5–8, where the Apostle John commends Gaius for supporting travelling missionaries. This passage underscores the critical role of hospitality and partnership in advancing the gospel. As we study each verse, we’ll explore its significance and consider its application in our modern context, where physical itinerant preaching has largely been replaced by digital ministries. These “digital missionaries” spread the gospel online, and this passage offers guidance for supporting their work. We’ll also delve into verse 7, which highlights the missionaries’ refusal to accept support from non-believers, emphasising how this choice serves as a powerful witness to the world while preserving the gospel’s integrity. Additionally, we’ll clarify that while our tithes belong primarily to the local church, our offerings can be directed as the Lord leads to support missionaries, digital or otherwise, with discernment to ensure our giving aligns with God’s purposes.

3 John 5 – Faithful Hospitality

“Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters, even though they are strangers to you.”

John praises Gaius for his faithful support of fellow believers, particularly travelling missionaries, whom he calls “brothers and sisters.” The inclusion of “strangers” underscores Gaius’ generosity toward those he doesn’t personally know, reflecting a selfless commitment to God’s work.

Gaius’ faithfulness shines through in his practical support for missionaries, providing resources like food, shelter, or funds despite lacking personal ties with them. This hospitality was essential for enabling itinerant ministers to spread the gospel, demonstrating a love that transcends familiarity and fosters unity in the early church’s mission.

3 John 6 – Commending Generosity

“They have told the church about your love. Please send them on their way in a manner that honours God.”

The missionaries Gaius supported shared testimonies of his love before the church, affirming his reputation for generosity. John urges him to continue equipping these workers “in a manner that honours God,” ensuring their journey is supported with dignity and resources.

Gaius’ support not only sustained the missionaries but also strengthened the church’s witness through their public praise. The call to send them off honourably suggests providing practical aid—such as provisions, encouragement, or travel assistance—that reflects God’s generosity and upholds the mission’s integrity, ensuring missionaries could continue their work unhindered.

3 John 7 – Sacrificial Service and Witness to the World

“It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans.”

John highlights the missionaries’ sacrifice: they ventured out “for the sake of the Name” (Christ), relying solely on believers’ support and refusing aid from “pagans” (non-believers). This choice ensured their mission remained a clear testimony to the world.

Primarily, refusing pagan support allowed the missionaries to present a powerful witness to non-believers. By depending solely on the church, they demonstrated that the gospel is self-sufficient, sustained by God’s provision through His people, not by worldly resources. This independence signalled to pagans that the message of Christ stood apart from secular agendas, inviting curiosity and respect for the faith. A notable example is the Apostle Paul, who worked as a tentmaker to support himself, as described in Acts 18:3: “and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them.” Paul also writes in 1 Thessalonians 2:9, “Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you.” By labouring with his hands, Paul avoided burdening those he ministered to, reinforcing the gospel’s credibility as a message free from reliance on non-believers. Additionally, this practice preserved the gospel’s purity, preventing entanglement with external influences that might dilute or compromise its truth. While both witness and integrity were crucial, the outward testimony to the world was paramount, showcasing the missionaries’ trust in God and the church’s unity in supporting the mission.

The Need for Discernment in Giving

When supporting missionaries, particularly digital ones, we must exercise wisdom and discernment in our giving. Unlike travelling ministers, whose character and lifestyle could often be observed directly by the communities they served, digital missionaries operate in a virtual space, making it harder to assess whether they bear good fruit for the gospel. While we can evaluate their teaching at face value, their personal conduct—how they live out their faith behind the scenes—remains less visible. To ensure our offerings honour God, we should seek ministries that demonstrate transparency, such as those publishing financial accounts or clearly outlining their mission and impact. For example, supporting a digital ministry that provides detailed reports on how donations are used reflects wise stewardship, ensuring our gifts advance the gospel through trustworthy channels.

3 John 8 – Partners in Truth

“We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth.”

John concludes by urging believers to support these missionaries, becoming “fellow workers for the truth.” By aiding them, Gaius and others actively participate in their gospel mission, sharing in its impact.

Supporting God’s workers makes believers partners in spreading the truth. The term “fellow workers” implies a collaborative effort, where every act of hospitality—however small—contributes to the mission of proclaiming Christ, uniting the church in a shared purpose.

Application Today: The message of 3 John 5–8 resonates in our digital age, where online ministries serve as modern equivalents of travelling missionaries. Just as Gaius supported strangers for the sake of the gospel, we can back “digital missionaries”—pastors, podcasters, or content creators—who spread God’s Word through platforms like YouTube, social media, or apps. This support might include engaging with their content, sharing posts to amplify their reach, or contributing offerings to sustain their work, such as donations to maintain websites, fund outreach campaigns, or develop Christian apps. However, we must prioritise our tithes to the local church, which serves as the primary hub for worship, teaching, and community, ensuring its ministries thrive. Our offerings, beyond the tithe, can be directed as the Lord leads to support missionaries, whether digital or traditional, provided we use discernment to ensure their credibility. The principle of refusing pagan support, as seen in verse 7, remains vital. Many digital ministries avoid secular sponsorships to maintain a clear witness to the world, showing that the gospel relies on God’s provision through His people, not on commercial or ideological influences. By supporting these ministries, we help them uphold this testimony, demonstrating to non-believers the power and independence of the Christian faith. For example, donating to a Christian podcast that refuses secular ads or promoting a YouTube channel that relies solely on believer support reinforces this witness. As we partner with these ministries through our offerings, we become fellow workers for the truth, advancing Christ’s mission in a digital world.

Conclusion: The example of Gaius in 3 John 5–8 challenges us to support those who proclaim the gospel, just as he did for travelling missionaries. In today’s context, this means standing with digital missionaries who carry God’s truth to global audiences. While our tithes belong first to the local church, our offerings can be given as the Lord leads to support these ministries, using discernment to ensure they are worthy of our gifts. By refusing pagan support, these missionaries maintain a strong witness to the world, and through our resources, engagement, and prayers, we uphold the gospel’s integrity and become partners in spreading the truth in our time.

From Doubt to Disciples: the interview on YouTube 

It has been an excellent week on the blog, with lots of readers and comments so thank you to everyone who has contributed.

It was also exciting to feature on Pure 24/7 Radio this week to discuss my book, so a massive thank you to the team over there for having me.

If you happen to miss the interview, here is a link to it on YouTube so you can find out more about the book. And even grab yourself a copy…

Andy‘s interview on YouTube

Have a blessed day! 

Screenshot

Love in Action: Living out Jesus‘s Commands

Introduction: The Call to Obey God’s Commandments

What does it mean to love God in a world filled with challenges? The Bible provides a clear answer: loving God is inseparable from obeying His commands. In 1 John 5:2–3 (NIV), we read, “This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome.” The apostle John emphasises that obedience is the tangible expression of our love for God. Far from being oppressive, God’s commands are designed to lead us into abundant life.

This post begins a series exploring how we can live out our love for God by obeying the commands of Jesus. Today, we focus on three specific commands: loving our neighbour, forgiving others, and making disciples. Each command offers practical ways to reflect God’s love in our daily lives. By examining their meaning and application, we can take steps toward a deeper, more obedient faith.

A group of seven people, including both older adults and younger adults, standing together outdoors on a sunny day. They are smiling and appear to be enjoying each other’s company. Several of them are holding bags filled with fresh produce, such as leafy greens and other vegetables. The group is casually dressed, and they are standing on a paved street with yellow buildings and green trees in the background. In the distance, a church steeple is visible. The overall mood is cheerful and communal, suggesting they may have just come from a market or community event.

Examining Three Commands of Jesus

Command 1: Love Your Neighbour as Yourself (Mark 12:31)

Jesus declares in Mark 12:31 (NIV), “The second is this: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Paired with loving God, this command forms the foundation of Christian ethics. It calls us to treat others with the same care, respect, and selflessness we desire for ourselves.

Loving our neighbour does not mean accepting or endorsing sinfulness. True love seeks the ultimate good of others, which may involve graciously challenging sinful behaviour and sharing the Gospel. This command is radically inclusive, extending to friends, strangers, and even those who oppose us. It reflects God’s heart for all people, urging us to see others through His eyes.

Practically, we can obey this command by serving those around us—perhaps helping a struggling neighbour with practical needs or listening empathetically to a friend. Loving our neighbour might also mean gently pointing someone toward God’s truth through the Gospel, offering hope and redemption. For example, consider a church member who invited a colleague to a Bible study, patiently answering their questions about faith. Such actions embody Christ’s love. Reflect on your daily interactions: are they marked by this selfless, Gospel-centred love?

Command 2: Forgive Others (Matthew 6:14–15)

In Matthew 6:14–15 (NIV), Jesus teaches, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Spoken in the context of the Lord’s Prayer, this command underscores forgiveness as a cornerstone of Christian life.

Forgiveness means releasing resentment and extending grace, mirroring the forgiveness God offers us. It is not always easy—deep hurts, such as betrayal or injustice, can feel insurmountable. Yet Jesus calls us to forgive, relying on God’s strength to heal our wounds. Forgiveness does not excuse sin but frees us from bitterness and aligns us with God’s heart.

To apply this command, start by praying for those who have hurt you, asking God to soften your heart. Journaling can help process emotions, while seeking reconciliation—where appropriate—can restore relationships. For instance, forgiving a family member who apologised after a dispute can rebuild trust. Forgiveness is often a process, not a one-time act. Begin with small steps, trusting God to guide you toward healing and peace.

Command 3: Make Disciples (Matthew 28:19–20)

Jesus’s final charge, known as the Great Commission, is found in Matthew 28:19–20 (NIV): “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising 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.” This command calls every believer to share the Gospel and nurture others in faith.

Making disciples involves sharing the good news of Jesus, mentoring new believers, and living as an example of His teachings. This command connects directly to loving our neighbour: there is no greater act of love than sharing God’s love through the Gospel, offering others the hope of eternal life. While the scope is global, discipleship begins in our immediate communities—with friends, family, or colleagues.

Practically, you can obey by sharing your faith with a friend, joining a small group to grow together, or mentoring a new believer. For deeper insight into the Great Commission, I recommend my book, From Doubt to Disciples, which explores how to live out this command with confidence. Grab a copy to discover practical steps for disciple-making. By modelling Christ’s love, your faith can become contagious, inspiring others to follow Him.

Conclusion: Living Out Love Through Obedience

The commands to love our neighbour, forgive others, and make disciples are powerful expressions of loving God, as outlined in 1 John 5:2–3. Loving our neighbour includes sharing the Gospel, not affirming sin, ensuring our love points to God’s truth. Forgiving others reflects God’s grace, freeing us to live in peace. Making disciples, the ultimate act of neighbourly love, spreads God’s hope to others. These commands, though challenging, are not burdensome—they lead to a life aligned with God’s purpose.

Start small: choose one command to focus on this week. Perhaps offer a kind word to a neighbour, forgive a lingering hurt, or share your faith with a friend. God’s grace empowers us to grow in obedience, transforming our lives and communities. This post is the first in a series exploring Jesus’s commands. Future posts will examine others, such as “Do not judge” or “Follow me,” to deepen our journey.

Jesus said if you love me, you will obey me… How much will you love him this week?

From Doubt to Disciples: the interview on Pure 24/7 Radio

The book cover of Andy‘s new book… From Doubt to disciples 

As ever, it was a huge privilege to be interviewed on Pure 24/7 Radio by my good friend Andy B. In the interview, we discussed my new book From Doubt to Disciples which is now available on Amazon.

In the interview, we talk about the inspiration for the book, a bit of a summary of its contents, And then start talking about the importance of witnessing in our Christian faith.

The interview goes out today at 4 pm UK time on Pure 24/7 Radio, and if my maths is correct, that’s 11 am Eastern time in the US for those listening over there.

To tune in, go to pure247radio.org where you can listen live, or else search your Apple or Google App Store for Pure 24/7 Radio. If you have an Amazon smart speaker, you can also listen through that. Simply ask it to launch Pure 2-4-7.

If you are not able to listen live, then do subscribe to Pure 24/7 Radio’s podcast feed on your favourite app, and the interview will be released down the feed later tonight. You can also watch on YouTube by following the radio station on @pure247radio – so there’s really no excuse to miss it!

Finally, to find out more about the book or grab yourself a copy, simply head on over to the books section on this website will check it out on Amazon. Links below.

Andy’s Books

From Doubt to Disciples on Amazon (UK version)

Let me know what you think of the interview!

Beyond Doubt: John 20: 19–31

As ever, it was a tremendous privilege to speak at this morning’s church service. Continuing our Easter services, we were looking at the gospel of John and share below my sermon which I hope you enjoy.

A cartoon image of doubting Thomas standing in the middle of a room looking sceptical 

New Book Announcement! From Doubt to Disciples 

I am very excited to announce the publication of my second book! From Doubt to Disciples: Unlocking the Great Commission is now available on Kindle e-book and paperback from Amazon. 

A photograph of the book cover for From Doubt to Disciples: Unlocking the Great Commission by Andy Brown 

I began writing this little book a number of years ago, based on a series I had written on the blog about the Great commission. While the manuscript was mostly complete, it sat untouched for awhile… I like to think it was maturing! I was very pleased to complete the final edit and get it published this week!

With huge thanks to Andy B of the Berry Bunch and Pure 24/7 Radio, who kindly wrote the foreward for this book.

The book takes a deep dive into the words of the Great Commission which Jesus left us. the commission goes far beyond simply telling others about Jesus, although that is clearly a part of it.

To find out more, I guess you’ll have to read it…

From Doubt to Disciples on Amazon

Here is the blurb from the back cover:

Jesus’ final instructions weren’t just a suggestion – they were a commission. This book delves deep into the Great Commission as revealed in Matthew and Mark, culminating in the vital understanding from Acts: don’t go it alone. Explore the call to make disciples, baptise, and teach, and grasp the essential role of the Holy Spirit in fulfilling this monumental task. Discover how to move forward prayerfully and powerfully, playing your part in God’s enduring mission to the ends of the earth.

If you read and enjoy it, please do recommend to a friend or leave a review.

Finally, a massive thank you to everybody who follows this blog-sporadic as it is-and praise to the Lord Jesus Christ for all that he has done for us. 

Preaching to the Choir – Andy Brown (Best of 2022)

Are you preaching to the choir? Is that wasteful, or does the choir need your encouragement as well? It was a great pleasure yesterday evening to meet (on video) a couple of fellow Christian bloggers, and lovely to share some of our stories, questions and experiences of ministering through this medium. It was humbling to…
— Read on andy-brown.org/2022/04/09/preaching-to-the-choir/

Talk It Out – Sunday Suggestion

Throughout this week, we have been thinking about the Great Commission as given to us by the Lord Himself and recorded in Matthew’s Gospel. I want this week’s Sunday Suggestion to carry on the theme.

Before I do, is there anything that has challenged you this week? If so, talk it out with a trusted friend at church. Perhaps you were moved by the fact that the Eleven disciples had doubts (see Matthew 28:16-17), or perhaps you felt a nudge from the Lord to “go”? Maybe the discussion about baptism prompted you to want to explore it for yourself, in which case why not take this chance to discuss with your pastor? Did the posts about making disciples or teaching challenge you to want to go deeper with the Lord, or help others do the same? Whatever it may be, grab a coffee after the service and sit down with someone. Share your thoughts and get their views.

If there was nothing in particular that stood out this week, then that is fine. Instead, take that same cup of coffee and talk to your home group leader or leadership team about how your church is fulfilling the Great Commission. Do not be critical of course, but look for ways you can get involved and support the church’s efforts. There are undoubtedly myriad ways you can get involved. You might like to help run the next baptism preparation class, or take the big step of offering to lead a small group and help make disciples? You could start a prayer programme for those who are going out and sharing the Gospel, or join them yourself.

Ask your pastor or trusted friend to help you figure out your gifts and unique contribution, together make a plan on how you can use those talents to preach the Gospel – directly or indirectly.

As you discuss the Great Commission, see if there are ways you can encourage others. Some may be cautious or even fearful about stepping out, so give them confidence by supporting them and reminding them of Christ’s presence with them. It might be that they have a God-ordained idea in their heart to reach people with the truth, but they cannot do it alone. You may be the person they need to help turn their idea into a reality.

There are countless ways in which we as individuals and as part of a church, can seek to fulfil Jesus’ commands here. Perhaps you are desperately seeking a way to do so, but just can’t seem to find the right avenue. Talk to someone about it, and listen not just to them, but to the Lord through them as well.

I do hope you have enjoyed what you have read this week, but do not allow it to just pass you by. Let it prompt you to action, and to “go” as Christ instructed. Don’t dive in without thought, but do take definite action. Take the counsel of fellow believers and work with them in whatever way God is directing you.

Together, we can take the Gospel to the world that needs it so very much.

As a reminder, here are the words we have read so many times this week. Read them once again, slowly, and pay particular attention to those elements you have not noticed before. Importantly, read that last sentence more than once. Jesus is with you! Praise the Lord!

But the eleven disciples went into Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had sent them. 17 When they saw him, they bowed down to him; but some doubted. 18 Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go[b] and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Matthew 28:16-20 (WEB)

If you missed any of the post on the Great Commission, here is a list:

  • Bowing and Doubting
  • Go!
  • Make Disciples
  • Baptise Them
  • Teach Them
  • I Am With You

I Am With You

The Great Commission #6

Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Matthew 28:18-20 (WEB)

Over the course of this week, we have taken a good look at the Great Commission found in Matthew’s Gospel. I hope that you now appreciate (if you did not before) that it goes beyond simply sharing our faith – although that is clearly part of it.

In summary, Jesus tells His Eleven – and by extension, us as well – that they are to go, to make disciples, to baptise and to teach people to obey Him. We have explored each of these in turn, and I now ask you to reflect on how you can contribute to fulfilling each element.

I hope you agree that this is no small task! If you are feeling a little daunted by the idea of trying to fulfil this Commission, then you are not alone.

The first thing to remember is that God will never ask you to do anything that you cannot do. He would be unjust to do so. God is neither unreasonable nor sadistic, enjoying watching us struggle. Instead, God never lets us go through things we cannot bear.

No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (WEB)

Paul, talking of temptation here, points out that God does not allow any temptation beyond that which we can bear. He will provide a way of escape so that no temptation will overcome us.

In a similar way, I believe God will not lay a command us on that we cannot do. He equips us with all we need to succeed, be it gifts, talents, resources or indeed His very own Spirit.

#God equips us with everything we need to succeed. #Bible #Christianity #temptation

It is also important to remember that we are not expected to fulfil this task all on our own. We may have individual responsibilities yes, but it is not on any one person to complete this great work solo. We work together, as a family of believers, and united as the Church of God, we can complete the mission before us.

For as the body is one, and has many members, and all the members of the body, being many, are one body; so also is Christ. 13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free; and were all given to drink into one Spirit. 14 For the body is not one member, but many.

1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (WEB)

We, the church, are one body. We are made up of different parts, but all exist together as one, and only by co-operating can we hope to fulfil the Great Commission. I may be able to write (to some extent) but I surely cannot sing! What if someone is to be reached with a tuneful rendition of a biblical song? You will not be able to call on me to do this! Instead, you will need a different part of the body.

The truth is that you cannot do everything, but you can do something. God has purposely made us all different, and so each of us can bring our unique gifts, talents and experiences to bear. I cannot do it all, and neither can you, but together we can do a whole lot more.

I am with you

Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Matthew 28:20b (WEB)

Not only do we have one another’s help and support, we have Jesus’ too. Here, He tells us plainly that He is with us and will remain that way.

When we “go” in faith, stepping out to make disciples, baptise and teach, we do so with the Lord Himself. One of the keys to success is not trying to do this in our own strength, but in His. No one comes to the Father except through Christ Himself (John 14:6) so attempting to do this without Him is fruitless.

I recall a time when my wife and I had to move some furniture in our home. One of our children, who were rather young at the time, tried to help us. Their little amount of strength was insufficient to move the item, but with their father’s help, the job was completed.

Trying to fulfil the Great Commission without the strength and power of the Lord is like a little child trying to pick up and move a bed. It cannot be done.

I am reminded of Jesus’ words from earlier in Matthew’s Gospel:

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you will find rest for your souls.

Matthew 11:29 (WEB)

A yoke combines the power of two or more oxen, so that the plough is more easily moved and the work done. If you only put one ox in the yoke, it will be lopsided and likely move in circles. Jesus asks us to link up with Him, and together the task will be completed.

Do not go it alone, but go out with Christ. He has promised to be with you, and only by working with Him can you extend His kingdom and share the Good News with the world. It is a great mystery that God chooses to involve us in His plans, yet I rejoice in that mystery and in being a part of that family.

I leave you with this thought; in heaven, you will be able to pray, to worship, to study Scripture, to fellowship with God and His people, but the one thing you cannot do is fulfil the Great Commission. Let this spur you on, united with the church, and in the power of the Spirit. Let us go out, make disciples, baptise and teach, knowing that Jesus is with us. Amen!

What will you do?

Ask yourselves these questions today:

  • What comfort do you gain from knowing Christ is with you?
  • How can you practically draw on His strength more?
  • Having read this series of posts, what three things can you do now to participate in this great mission?

Our First Testimony Tuesday post – My Story in 100 Words, by Jo

If you have not checked out the Berry Bunch Family already, then I strongly encourage you to do so. i’m truly excited to hear more of their testimony and about gods faithfulness in their lives and ministry.

It was something of an honour to be mentioned in this post as well!

Do give it a read, and start following their site. you won’t regret it!

I’ve written, edited, and scheduled our first #TestimonyTuesday post. This is an exciting new, and regular, output for us, and we have Nicola to …

Our First Testimony Tuesday post – My Story in 100 Words, by Jo

Teach Them

The Great Commission #5

Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Matthew 28:18-20 (WEB)

The substance of our Christian lives ought to be different from that of the world. If we talk the same, act the same, think the same, and do all the same things that the world does, then we must question whether we are truly born anew. Disciples are not meant to be the “same” as those who follow their own fleshy or sinful desires.

If that is a shock to you, then perhaps the Great Commission has yet to be fulfilled in your life. Maybe you have believed in Christ, accepting Him as Lord and Saviour, yet no one has taken the time to teach you to obey.

And so, we come to the third part of the Great Commission which Jesus gave to us. To teach disciples all that He commanded.

Obedience may not seem like a very exciting topic to you, yet it is crucial we learn to observe what Jesus told us to do. It will lead us to God’s kind of success, blessing and most importantly, the glory of God.

Having made disciples, and baptising them in the name of the Father, Son and Spirit, we must then teach them. This task will take a lifetime, and most people (myself definitely included) are slow learners!

Where do we begin? I suspect there is no right or wrong answer to this, and it might be different for everyone.

Firstly, we are to teach people to obey all that Jesus commanded. We might strictly interpret this to mean following only the red letters in our Bible, and thus dismissing most of the epistles and the entirety of the Old Testament… I do not think this is so however!

Every Scripture is God-breathed and[a] profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness,

2 Timothy 3:16 (WEB)

The entirety of Scripture, the totality of God’s Word in both the Old and New Testaments, the letters, the history and the prophecy are all inspired by the Spirit of Christ. In my opinion, it is all to be taught and learned.

Now can you see why it might take a lifetime?

How can we teach the entirety of the Bible ourselves? Again, I believe it is a team effort. If you are a pastor, or are called to teach, then it might be more obvious how you can fulfil this part of the Great Commission. Use your pulpit, wherever it is, and teach the people to obey Christ. You may lead a church or be privileged to speak at one, you may write a blog or books, or you may be recording and sharing videos on YouTube or other media platforms. All of that contributes to the teaching of God’s people.

For the rest though, who do not have such platforms, or who do not feel called to teach, how can they comply with Christ’s instruction to teach?

Parents can and should teach their children. Older members of the church family may instruct the younger. The members of a small group will encourage and challenge one another, whether they are leading the discussion or just participating. As we do life together, the church ought to be helping each other to grow in faith and obedience.

Even if you personally have little opportunity to teach someone with your words, let your actions be the lesson.

If you have little opportunity to #teach someone with your words, let your actions be the lesson. #Bible #Jesus #Christianity

Be imitators of me, even as I also am of Christ.

1 Corinthians 11:1 (WEB)

Here, the apostle Paul, urges the Corinthian church to follow him, as he follows Jesus. Imitate me, he cries, as I imitate Christ. This is not easy, and if we take a hard look at ourselves, we may not feel like the best examples of Jesus’ lifestyle. But each of us should be striving forward to observe what Christ has taught us, and as we do, let us bring others along for the ride.

Sometimes we think of the Great Commission as only relating to evangelism. I hope these words have shown you that it is not so. Fulfilling this Commission does, of course, involve telling others about our faith, but it also encapsulates our journey into maturity as believers. I do not think there is one Christian who can claim to observe all that Jesus commanded us, and so we are all to keep walking with Him, bearing fruit and growing in faith.

What will you do?

I want to ask you:

  • How well do you feel you obeying Jesus at the moment?
  • What is your “pulpit”? i.e. in what ways can you be a teacher and encourage others to obey Christ?
  • What one thing can you do to be a better example for Jesus?

Baptise Them

The Great Commission #4

Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Matthew 28:18-20 (WEB)

Jesus gave three primary instructions to His eleven followers on the mountain.

  1. Make disciples of all nations
  2. Baptise them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit
  3. Teach them to obey all He commanded

We now consider number two on the list, namely the instruction to baptise.

In some respects, I feel this is a forgotten element of the Great Commission. I have said previously that simply telling others about Jesus is not quite enough to fulfil the task at hand, and this particular instruction is relevant. Telling others about Christ and the Gospel does not equate to baptism.

We must not neglect the command of baptism in the Great Commission.

We must not neglect the command of #baptism in the Great Commission. #Bible #Jesus #Christianity

For the individual, this may feel somewhat difficult to fulfil. It is clear that we ought not to run around throwing holy water on people, baptising them with a super-soaker! For the most part, we tend to leave this instruction to be fulfilled by the church, rather than us as members of it.

To be clear, baptism is a symbolic event where water is sued to indicate the new life of a believer seeking to follow Christ. It is a public declaration of an internal change. When we surrender ourselves to Jesus, He gives us a heart of flesh instead of stone, and gifts us with His Holy Spirit to dwell with us. Baptism, then, is an outward sign of that commitment.

Different church traditions do this in a variety of ways. Some will completely immerse an individual in water, using a pool or even the ocean. Others simply sprinkle water over them as a symbol of cleansing. Some church traditions baptise children or infants, while others only adults.

On that last point, it is clear that as an infant, you cannot make the promises required for a real commitment for Christ. Instead, it is the parents and godparents who make those promises on the child’s behalf, and later in life it is hoped the child will make the promises for themselves. In the Anglican tradition, a baptised infant, when they reach an age of understanding, can then go forward for “Confirmation” which is essentially adopting the baptismal promises for themselves.

Whatever your tradition, and whatever your views on infant baptism or total immersion, the command from Jesus is clear – we are to baptise.

A friend of mine came to faith in his twenties, but was never baptised. He had not been baptised as a baby, and his church had not emphasised the need for it. When he moved home and thus changed to a different fellowship, he became involved in serving at the church. One day when the pastor was teaching on the subject of baptism, he came to the decision that he must be baptised as a sign of his belief.

Did it enhance his faith in any particular way? Was he not “properly” saved until he was immersed? Was it just a good excuse for a get-together? The likely answer is no to all of these (although some may disagree) but the point is it was a definite step of obedience. Baptism is a command of Christ, and this man fulfilled it.

As he climbed down the steps into the water, it represented the death and burial of his old life of sin. As he emerged from the surface of the water, it depicted his freshness as a “new creation” in Christ. This is what baptism is all about.

The Father, Son and Holy Spirit

Jesus instructs His followers to baptise in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. To be honest, there is some debate about this point. Are these not titles, rather than names? Some will ask. Is it not sufficient to baptise in the “name” of Jesus?

There is something of a rabbit hole to avoid here. The issue is not unimportant of course, and I urge you to investigate it for yourself. We do not have time in these brief words to give the topic justice.

The critical point for me here is that we are not baptised into any old name. We are not pinning our colours to any random mast. Instead, we are dedicating ourselves to the Triune God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He is the God of the Bible, and the One who raised Christ from the dead. You cannot easily separate the Father from the Son, nor the Spirit from Jesus. They are One God, in three Persons. To fully understand this is to comprehend God Himself, which is beyond any of us.

How we baptise is a matter for study and debate, and various church traditions have grown up over time with differing views. The point is we are to baptise.

Having gone out, as Jesus told us, and sharing the Good News about Christ, a natural step for those who believe is to be baptised. For many people, it is a key event in their lives of faith. Often it marks the beginning of something too.

Jesus was baptised by John in the River Jordan, which you can read about in Matthew 3. This was not to cleanse Jesus from sin, as He was without it, but instead marked the coming of the Spirit and the beginning of His earthly ministry.

In a similar way, perhaps you need to experience baptism for yourself, or renew the promises you or others made for you?

What will you do?

Some questions for you today:

  • Have you been baptised, and if not, does this encourage you to explore it?
  • Does your church teach about baptism and encourage it?
  • If you were baptised as a child, why not review the promises that were made on your behalf today, and commit yourself to keeping them?