In the Synoptic Gospel accounts there are many events recorded which are similar. This is true concerning the event commonly referred to as “the Great Commission”. Many Gospel preachers frequently mention Matthew and Mark’s retelling of this great event (and rightfully so). However, Luke, the beloved physician, in his giving of “the Great Commission,” has some words to say which are worthy of our attention. Before we take a look at this account let’s first examine something Luke wrote about earlier in his book to get an understanding of the entire message the disciples were to preach on “the Great Commission”. 

At the crucifixion of our Lord we read of two criminals who were crucified with Him, one on the right hand and the other on the left. (Luke 23:32, 33). One of the criminals is recorded as saying to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom” (Luke 23:42). This is very significant seeing as this criminal knew about Jesus’ Lordship and His spiritual kingdom (which even Jesus’ own apostles thought was going to be an earthly kingdom (Acts 1:6)). These two subject matters are most important seeing as these are what Philip preached in the city of Samaria resulting in the salvation of the souls who believed the message (Acts 8:12).

With this background in mind, let us now look at Luke’s giving of “the Great Commission”. The Gospel according to Luke comes to a close with the risen Christ saying these words to the eleven: “’Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem’” (Luke 24:46, 47). At the opening of the sequel to this book, commonly called “the Acts of the Apostles”, we read of the Lord Jesus, Who before being parted from His apostles and carried up into heaven, commanded them saying, “’you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to  the end  of  the earth’” (Acts 1:8).  Therefore, when taking into consideration all of the aforementioned Scriptures, we learn that the message which the apostles were to preach to all nations was fourfold: (1) the authority of Jesus Christ, (2) the kingdom of God, (3) the repenting of a sinful lifestyle, and (4) the remission of sins. As disciples of the Lord, we ought to get a thorough understanding of these four topics so that we can help point others in the way of salvation. Additionally, there’s a great assurance that comes with the Gospel message in the power that it has to convert men and women today as it did back then! The word of God can lift people out of the pit of despair (Luke 4:18, 19), and break the calluses that have formed over the heart of an individual due to a lifetime spent in rebellion to the Father’s will (Heb. 4:12).

Furthermore, when it comes to the important topic of evangelism, how can we, as individual Christians, improve in this area of our walk with God? Let’s discuss some ways in which we can make this improvement possible. The theme for the month of March this year is: “Increasing Our Efforts in Evangelism”. We’ve had lessons that have been taught concerning this matter, and had an “Evangelism Seminar” back in February of 2024 with Rob Whitacre. These lessons and the seminar are indeed helpful when it comes to improving our knowledge of how to evangelize. However, it’s upon each individual Christian to go out and put them into practice. Therefore, we ought not let the things we’ve heard go to waste. If we have, though, let’s focus on this area of our Christian life, roll up our sleeves, and get busy in preparing for and the carrying out “the Great Commission” in order to make sure it doesn’t become “the Great Omission” in our lives. Remember the words which our Lord Jesus spoke before His ascension: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…” (Matt. 28:19). As we’ve heard before the phrase: “Go ye, means Go me”.

During “the Evangelism Seminar” a couple of years ago, our dear brother Rob mentioned three key roles when it comes to the numerical growth of the local church. These three key roles are: (1) the bringers, (2) the teachers, and (3) the keepers. The bringers are those who invite others to the worship service of the Church, the various Bible studies which happen throughout the week, and any events that we host. The teachers are those who study with those individuals whom the bringers invite in order to disciple them. The keepers are those who aid in the retention of those who have been converted. According to New Covenant teachings, each Christian must be at least two. Everyone must be a bringer (Mark 16:15) and a keeper (Heb. 3:12, 13), but not all are to be teachers (James 3:1). The 9th and Main congregation has members who have the ability to teach the word of God, which is greatly needed. If you’re an individual with this ability, continue to hone it because it’s vital in the process of making disciples! Moreover, though we may have teachers, what we as a congregation so desperately need is more bringers and keepers! Therefore, let us all strive to serve the best we can in our different functions (Rom. 12:4, 5), and let us remember that the Scripture says,“If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter. 4:11).

We’ve looked at the Gospel message which we’re to share with all nations, the three key roles of “congregational evangelism” and the main duty of each of the different functions. I encourage every one of us to continue in our reading and studying of God’s word as this time we spend getting acquainted with the Holy Scriptures is vital in helping us to point others in the way of salvation. Additionally, let us all pray for ourselves and for one another that we each live out our functions to the best of our ability so that the potential that lies within each one of us is not wasted. I leave you with these words which the great soul winner, Paul, wrote to the church at Ephesus: “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen” (Eph. 3:20, 21).