40 Favorite Scriptures
Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 FAVORITE Scriptures
Day 31 | GROWING IN CHRIST
40 FAVORITE Scriptures
Day 31 | GROWING IN CHRIST
GROWING IN CHRIST
Matthew 28:19-20
“‘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.” (NKJV)
Words are important. The words of Jesus are especially significant… many Bibles even have His words in RED.
These words, as recorded by Matthew, were the last words of Jesus, after His resurrection.
So, what were Jesus’ last words? A command to “go… and make disciples.”
It’s noteworthy that Jesus didn’t say, “Go make Christians,” as though we are to be in continual revival campaigns. Not that that’s wrong… just that Jesus’ words point to doing more than getting people to believe in Him as Savior and Lord. Making disciples means helping people learn to live and follow Jesus.
Jesus went on to say, “teach them” (new disciples) “to observe” (aka OBEY) “ALL the things that He (Jesus) commanded” of us.
To recap… ALL of the commands would go longer than the space allotted, but understand this, BECOMING a Christian – accepting Him as Lord and Savior – is vital, yes. But it is not the end of the journey.
Say you lived in San Diego somewhere (as I do) and wanted to walk to Los Angeles (as I don’t). You pack a bag and sit out front on the street waiting. That’s not going to get you to LA, but it is –as they say – a step in the right direction.
Two questions from our verses today. One – how are YOU doing in becoming a bona fide Follower of Jesus? You’re probably not perfect yet (read Philippians 1:6), but do you see spiritual growth? And… How are you doing in helping others do the same?
Prayer: LORD, help me observe ALL You taught us to do. And help me to help others too. Amen.
Matthew 28:19-20
“‘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.” (NKJV)
Words are important. The words of Jesus are especially significant… many Bibles even have His words in RED.
These words, as recorded by Matthew, were the last words of Jesus, after His resurrection.
So, what were Jesus’ last words? A command to “go… and make disciples.”
It’s noteworthy that Jesus didn’t say, “Go make Christians,” as though we are to be in continual revival campaigns. Not that that’s wrong… just that Jesus’ words point to doing more than getting people to believe in Him as Savior and Lord. Making disciples means helping people learn to live and follow Jesus.
Jesus went on to say, “teach them” (new disciples) “to observe” (aka OBEY) “ALL the things that He (Jesus) commanded” of us.
To recap… ALL of the commands would go longer than the space allotted, but understand this, BECOMING a Christian – accepting Him as Lord and Savior – is vital, yes. But it is not the end of the journey.
Say you lived in San Diego somewhere (as I do) and wanted to walk to Los Angeles (as I don’t). You pack a bag and sit out front on the street waiting. That’s not going to get you to LA, but it is –as they say – a step in the right direction.
Two questions from our verses today. One – how are YOU doing in becoming a bona fide Follower of Jesus? You’re probably not perfect yet (read Philippians 1:6), but do you see spiritual growth? And… How are you doing in helping others do the same?
Prayer: LORD, help me observe ALL You taught us to do. And help me to help others too. Amen.