CHAPTER 10:
DECISIONS OR DISCIPLES?
You hear often of the “Great Commission” of Jesus, but do you really understand the mission
which Jesus actually gave His followers? Was the command just to win new converts? Did He
challenge them to conduct city wide rallies and build great church buildings? Did He tell them
the priority was feeding and clothing the poor?
Let us read His instructions again:
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 alway, even unto the end of the world.
(Matthew 28:19-20)
The priority was going to all nations, teaching them the Gospel, baptizing them, and then
providing further follow up teaching on all Jesus had commanded.
This was the priority. It still should be the priority. We can spend your life in many different
ways. We can do good works such as helping the poor. We can build great church buildings.
You can conduct great religious rallies.
But you must do one thing if you are to fulfill the mission of Jesus: You must participate in the
reaching of all nations with the Gospel message. All other activities–such as ministering to the
poor, building churches, etc.–are valid only as they contribute to this priority.
But this reaching of all nations is more than bringing people to a place of decision for Jesus
Christ. To accomplish the Great Commission you must progress beyond decisions to
discipleship.
Thank you