Monday, October 23, 2017
Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.
... AND TEACHING THEM ...
There's a slogan that was going around a few years back among some churches and denominations in an attempt to highlight their desire to serve as our Savior desires. The slogan was this: “Deeds, not creeds.” The idea was that the Christian should be more concerned with what we do rather than with what we teach or confess. Of course, we should be concerned about both! But the other thought behind this slogan has to do with the idea that we can somehow win souls for Christ by our actions and that words are not necessary. An expression like "actions speak louder than words" certainly has a place in the discussion of evangelism. Negative or hurtful actions can definitely detract from the message we are trying to proclaim. Jesus tells His disciples, He tells us that, "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:35). But when He sends out His ambassadors, He tells us to go out "teaching them." And this echoes the simple words of the Apostle Paul in Romans chapter ten:
For "whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? ... So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:13-17).
What is it that we are to teach? The answer is found in the first chapter of Romans:
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes..." (Romans 1:16).
What a privilege to be called and sent to proclaim the one message that has the power to call sinners out of the darkness of unbelief into the marvelous light of salvation through the life, death, and resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ.
And what a confidence boost to know that we proclaim the Word of God, not the word of man!
