The Great Ommission

Recently I was seeking the Lord regarding keys to understanding why the church in America has been relatively ineffective in reaping the harvest and expanding the kingdom of God. The Lord said that as a nation we had failed to complete His “Great Commission”, and that there were keys in each Gospel account in Matthew, Mark and Luke that we had overlooked. As I studied the accounts in each gospel there were many similarities, yet each had a unique charge that the others did not have. I believe these unique charges are key to unlocking the door to the greatest harvest of souls the world has yet to see.

Preach Repentance to All Nations

Luke’s account of the “Great Commission” is special in that it emphasizes that repentance should be preached to all nations. Both John the Baptist and Jesus’ ministries commenced and were characterized by repentance preaching. This is one of the missing keys to the harvest in America today.

Luke 24:47 “Repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”

Instead, we have substituted repentance preaching with seeker sensitive monologues where sinners are encouraged to “try Jesus”. Multitudes are being led into a sinner’s prayer to accept Christ as Savior, without repenting of their sins and making Him Lord. As a result, we have inoculated millions from the true saving gospel of the kingdom that requires not only repentance, but also bearing fruits worthy of repentance including water baptism, sanctification, discipleship and submission to the King’s delegated authority.

The second key is found in Matthew’s account of Jesus “Great Commission”.

Matthew 28:19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations. . . “

Make Disciples of All the Nations

In America, we have made converts, not disciples. Preachers have been more interested in putting a notch in their pulpit for every hand raised and sinner’s prayer prayed than in the number of true disciples made. The following statements characterize the difference between converts and disciples. Which one are you?

Converts pray a “sinner’s prayer” one time. Disciples pray effectual, fervent prayers over a lifetime.

Converts bend their knee at the cross once. Disciples daily take up their cross and follow Him.

Converts save themselves, have “fire insurance” and sit on their “blessed assurance”. Disciples save sinners, pulling them out of the fire, hating their garments defiled by the flesh.

Converts know Jesus as Savior. Disciples know Jesus as Lord.

Converts memorize John 3:16. Disciples study to show themselves approved unto God, unashamed workmen who rightly divide the word of truth.

Converts give to God to get back from Him. Disciples live to give to God to establish His covenant and kingdom in the earth.

Converts are content in being served. Disciples live to serve, loving not their lives even to death.

Converts make heaven. Disciples make history.

These Signs Will Follow Those Who Believe

According to Mark’s account, casting out demons, speaking with new tongues, and healing the sick are signs that should not only follow every five-fold minister, but also every believer. However, in America, we have left the signs up to the “superstars”.

Mark 16:17 “And these signs will follow those who believe . . . “

Ministers should be equipping the saints to perform works of ministry in every venue of our culture. Instead, some ministers are having “believers follow their signs” instead of having “signs follow their believers”. As a result, the church at large in America is devoid of power. Lord, forgive us and help us to fulfill your “Great Commission”!

Converts follow signs. Signs follow disciples.