While the great commission is one, there are three parts to it. Not getting the right balance will result in an unfruitful church.The Great Commission:
[ESV] Mat 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
Mat 28:20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
There are 3 parts to the commission:
- Go & Make Disciples & Baptise them - all nations
- Teach them to follow what Jesus taught
- Jesus is with us when we are doing 1&2 - all the time even till the end.
The Balance:
Neglecting anyone one of three will result in imbalance and sickness.
Doing just 1 without 2 will result in many baby believers who are unstable and easily misled and/or always needing people to care for them.
Doing just 2 without 1 will be stagnation. It is too inward looking and the church could be a social club for members only.
Not knowing 3 will make all work difficult and unproductive.
Having all 3 will make a lively, growing church with joyful pre-believers(BEST of Taiwan's Happiness Group) and believers with miracles testifying the presence of Jesus and the truthfulness of His Words.
The 3 parts applying to Church will we find the five-fold ministries of Eph 4:11-12, and operational ministries of Rom 12:6-13, and the exercising of spiritual gifts of 1 Cor 12:28, with all working together to build up and grow the Church.
The 3 parts will apply to every believer's personal life too. While we may excel in certain gifts and the corresponding ministry, we need to do all to live a meaningful and satisfying life.
Are you living a balanced life?
- Time with Jesus?
- Time in sharing the gospels with others?
- Time in fellowship with Jesus and His Words?
- Time is caring and developing others?
- Time in prayers for His will to be done on earth through us.
Lim Liat (C) 12 Mar 2019
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