Saturday, February 28, 2009

Great Commission

In Matthew's Gospel Jesus said, "Go ye into all the world and make disciples..." What does "make" mean? It connotes that a process is required when developing people into Christlikeness, does it not?

I believe Jesus alludes to this process in the "parable of the sower" found in Matthew 13, Luke 8 and Mark 4 in His reference to various "soil" conditions. Some soil, Jesus says, is not conducive to seed growth. Seed sown under or around tree and shrub will be consumed by birds. Seed scattered on a crusty path will be trampled under foot. Finally Jesus indicates that planting seed in rocky soil is nothing more than an act of futility on the part of the sower because it will not root properly and will be scorched by the sun.

Being effective in "making disciples" requires soil preparation on the part of Christians today. We must be intentional and responsible with the broadcasting of spiritual seed in that we discern the readiness of the soil.

Effective sowing of the Gospel requires relationship building. Heart-soil must be prepared by drawing near to others and showing interest in their life and family. It requires a concerted effort by the church body as a whole in addressing the social needs of our community through "Matthew 25" ministry.

Social action and loving one's fellow man is not a substitution for the Gospel it is the proper preparation for the Gospel. Solomon reminds us in Ecclesiastes that "there is a time and a season for everything. A time tilling, planting and harvesting" and the same is true for the Gospel.

Paul tells us that one must "believe in their heart that Jesus is the Christ and confess with their mouth to be saved" from eternal damnation and go to heaven. However, bringing people to this point requires a process. The process of "soil preparation." I believe balanced evangelism as described above is required in order to "make disciples." What say you?

Thanks for stopping by!
------
Adrian

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