Friends, this post was first published in August of 2020.
“All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 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: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
Matthew 28:18-20
The word “Go” is an action-packed and aggressive word. It requires, (as we learned in the previous lesson), the universal movement of all believers everywhere. Each generation, each tribe, tongue, and nation is depending on believers to follow Christ into His mission.
In what manner are believers to go? A quick examination of the Holy writ will instruct us to penetrate the world. Jesus spoke using symbols of salt, light, keys, water, and bread.
Salt is useless if it remains in the salt shaker. It must penetrate that which it is to flavor or preserve. In the same way, a lamp hidden under a bowl is worthless, it must be positioned on a lamp stand so that the light may penetrate and dispel the darkness. Keys cannot function unless they enter into the lock. Water and bread need to enter a person to quench thirst and abate hunger. Likewise, Christians must penetrate the world.
Here is the audio version of today’s teaching.
How has the enemy fought against this natural pattern of Kingdom expansion? Satan has subtlety changed our mentality from “go and tell” to “come and hear.” The biblical expectation is for the church to knock down the very gates of Hell. This cannot be done with a meek invitation to attend our worship shows. It must be done outside of the four walls of the church building and beyond our church programs.
“Come and hear” is not a substitute for “Go and tell.” Paul little once wrote: “The problem is not that the gospel has lost its power, the problem is that the church has lost its audience.” The audience for the church is always found outside of the church.
Here is the video version of today’s teaching.
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With much love,
The Downing Family
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