Revisiting the Great Commission

Rev. Dr. Kent L. Poindexter, Contributing Writer

Consider what would have happened if the disciples of Jesus Christ had not been inclined to literally “go into the world and make disciples,” choosing instead to confine the message to their local communities. Or if, somehow, they became aware of ways to spread the Gospel message without leaving home? What would be the status of the “Good News” today if it had not been taken to the streets?

One of the most pressing issues facing the Christian church in the 21 st Century is discerning what it means to go out and make disciples. Some have determined that the requirement is to “spread the Word” by any means necessary; this is vital! But the Gospels provide something that we tend to overlook if we think that all we have to do is “preach” the message, and people will come. Jesus “showed” the message and instructed followers to “live” the message. What good is the message if we do not live it? Is it really “good news” if we do not

There Is a War Going on

Rev. Dr. Maxine Thomas, Contributing Writer

You see, with all the different definitions, one reality remains constant. Democracy is advanced citizenship. It is a system that knows that free people cannot be ruled. We must be governed, and we must do it ourselves. We are a nation where there are no kings or queens, but citizens all beholden to no one save each other.

That is democracy, and, if we do not do something soon, that is what we stand to lose.

show how God intends for us to live by example?

Believe it or not, the challenge before the church is not how to spread the message but how to put it into action. For those who believe that technology is the way to reach the unchurched, here is a reality check—most of those who watch worship on Sunday would attend church if they didn’t have television or computer access. The current technology has been a boon for reaching the masses. Its obvious limitations are providing a real-life experience for onlookers— pastors can preach, and choirs can sing until the heavenly hosts come down—but they cannot serve communion through the screens. Make no mistake. Technology saved many churches during the pandemic and provided much-needed spiritual solace while the world was shut in. But it is not the way to reach the masses who need to know what God can do.

Here’s another reality—technology is not reaching the unchurched. The people who are tuning in are those who desire to but cannot physically attend worship or have decided to stay home, believing they can “worship” in front of the screen. For the most part, these are people who are already part of the faith community. As a whole, the church is attracting more new members through online worship.

This is a call for church leaders and congregations to consider the benefits and the challenges of dependence on “Internet ministry” as a viable way to grow our faith communities. Ministry is service; how can we serve if we ignore the Great Commission? Making disciples means far more than convincing people to believe. We must show people through our service that we are followers of Christ. Everything that Christ did “showed” us what God expects of us. It is ours to “go into the world, teaching and baptizing.” ❏ ❏ ❏

For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12

My friend, there is a war going on. Stop and consider the turmoil and strife within the world today—within our families and relationships. There is a war going on. Mothers and fathers are abusing their children, and husbands and wives are ending up in divorce courts. People are shooting, killing, stealing, raping, envying, backbiting, lying, cheating, gambling, and committi ng suicide. Yes, there is a war going on.

But what God would have us know is that this war is not physical; it is a spiritual war. It is an attack from the enemy. It is Satan trying to steal your joy. The Bible says that Satan “ prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour” (I Pe. 5:8). Satan does not like you. He wants to bring division into your home; he wants to destroy your marriage; he wants you to stay in bondage to alcohol and drugs; he wants to keep you bound by fear, depression, and oppression; he wants to utterly destroy you.

My friend, there is a word of hope. The battle has already been won. Jesus has already conquered sickness , death, and the grave. He was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed (Is. 53:5). Hallelujah! Satan is a defeated foe!

Yet, Satan, the father of lies, would have God’s people believe that we are defeated and powerless. Satan would have us believe that our boss is our enemy or that our husband is our enemy. Beloved, the war is not against your sister or brother. The war is against Satan. But the good news is that Satan is already defeated. That means when he begins to shoot fiery darts our way and when he tries to launch an attack against our mind, we can rest assured that in Christ Jesus, we are more than a conqueror.

You see, Satan knows he is defeated, but he is the great deceiver. He wants you to think that the ball is in his court, that he is the one who is calling the shots. But I’m so glad I can stand on the Word of God. I’m “blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms” (Ep. 1:3). I’ve got the power to speak to mountains, and they’ve got to move. I’ve got the power to lay hands on the sick and command infirmities and disease to leave in the name of Jesus. I’ve got the power to tell Satan to back up, and he’d better back up. Whatsoever I shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven. “Whatever [God] forbids on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever [God] permits on earth will be permitted in heaven” (Matt. 16:19).

My friend, we’ve got to put on the whole armor of God, that we may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil so that we may be able to stand against his lies and deception and that we may be able to put Satan in his place–under our feet.

Beloved, “Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere” (Ep. 6:14-18).

My friend, you have the victory! ❏ ❏ ❏