Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- August 30, 2013
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20
Christ commands Christians to go into all the world and make disciples. The Lord’s vision is for all nations to come to know Him through faith in Jesus. There is a divine burden for the burden of sin to be lifted from those who need forgiveness. Our Heavenly Father wants all people around the globe to hear the good news of Jesus and to grow in a personal relationship with Him. Disciples are made by hearing the gospel, believing, and obeying Christ’s commands.
Is your faith expression land locked for fear of leaving your comfort zone? Have you experienced the joy of taking Jesus to other shores outside your homeland security? Jesus states very clearly that He accompanies us as we go forth by faith to share His love. He energizes. He empowers. He engages. His Spirit invites the lost to Himself. His overseas mission mobilization is not limited to the few “navy seals” of the faith. All disciples are called to make disciples.
I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth. Isaiah 49:6
Yes, there is spiritual preparation before you experience cross cultural missions. Make sure you are ministering to those in your home before you export your faith to foreign families. The Lord’s first opportunity to live out what you believe is with those who know you the best. Furthermore, unpack emotional baggage here before you attempt to make disciples over there, so you do not carry a weight of guilt or shame. Emotional health frees you to serve in the Spirit.
Moreover, manage your money well, so debt is not an obstacle to obeying God. Be free from the shackles of financial entrapment, so you are free to serve the Lord in different time zones. Perhaps you start with a short-term mission trip to “test the waters.” In fact, most will not be called to a permanent overseas assignment in disciple making, but many can travel temporarily. Own a passport, so you are ready to follow Christ’s command and make disciples of all nations.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8
Prayer: Heavenly Father, grow me into a faithful disciple, so I can make disciples of all nations.
Related Readings: 1 Chronicles 16:8; Psalm 48:10, 67:2; Zechariah 2:11; Luke 24:47; Acts 13:47
Post/Tweet today: Disciples are made by hearing the gospel, believing the gospel and obeying Christ’s commands. #ownapassport
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