Make Disciples of ALL Nations

Aug. 12, 2013 Monday Message:

"God had given all authority in heaven and earth to his Son. So Jesus commanded, 'Therefore go and make disciples of all nations.'” (Matt. 23:19a)

But let’s look at history: In spite of this Great Commission, the disciples – and therefore Christianity - remained in Jerusalem. The disciples continued to teach at the temple from time to time, and in Acts 2 baptized 3000 people in one awesome day. But they did NOT take Christianity to “all nations.”

So Jesus recruited (coerced, usurped, kidnapped – you pick the word) a new leader, Saul of Tarsus. We know him as St. Paul. Paul’s world was turned upside-down when Jesus himself struck Paul blind on the road to Damascus, and spoke directly to him. It was Paul who planted churches in other cities and wrote half of the New Testament. Paul became the itinerant preacher that Jesus called him to be.

So the lesson here is that if your church stalls, it may be time to call up a new leader, fresh blood, with new ideas, exuberance and enthusiasm. Get a “Paul.”

The old leaders weren’t bad. In fact, they grew a healthy church in Jerusalem and maintained connections with their Jewish heritage while establishing new traditions.

But it was Paul who carried the Good News to ALL nations.

Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) gathers every Sunday at 10:30am in the North end (gym) of the Oliver Ministry Building, 2647 Bloomington Ave., Minneapolis. Sunday, Aug. 18, Pastor Van opens up Luke Ch. 13: Jesus calls people to repent and return to the Lord. See you at church!

NL