He made outrageous claims that, if not true, would be as C.S. He not only spoke these truths, but he also proved them through miracles, and ultimately his death, burial, and resurrection. It is Christ and the truths he has taught, exemplified, lived, and proclaimed that is the only basis of authority. Who could make such a claim as Jesus makes? The church must readily accept and proclaim that their authority rests in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
“And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matt.
It calls us to teach them, to ground them, to help them grow in conformity to Christ. Sproul speaking of the Billy Graham evangelistic crusades read that Graham wondered if those that decided for Christ were involved in discipleship programs or just left to their own? He says, “The Great Commission call us to do more than work to convert people. Many can recite them from memory, but do they grasp the reality and importance of how Christ has laid out the pattern? Today, the church wants a method “that works,” and in most cases, this means numerical growth. Most Christians that have spent time in the church have read or heard Matthew 28:16-20 quoted. We say that Jesus is the Lord of the church and that we believe in Him, and that means we must obey this mandate He has given us. It is a mandate from the King of kings, who possesses all authority in heaven and on earth. We have to understand that when we speak of the Great Commission, it is not the great suggestion. Has the church correctly understood the Great Commission and all its implications? Has evangelicalism sought to follow this in a manner that is consistent with Christ’s teaching? R. This paper will seek to build a theological case for outreach and church ministry built upon the commands of the Lord Jesus Christ, according to the Great Commission. Jesus also said the authority for these actions belonged to him.
Jesus left the disciples with a series of imperative commands to take the gospel into the world, to teach the nations, and to build the church. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matt. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. What is the beginning point for the foundation of ministry?
Ministers of the gospel must also seek to provide a framework for applying them to the modern church, just as they applied to the first-century church. What is a current prescription for outreach and church ministry in today’s context, and how does one apply Scriptural support for these strategies? These questions, among others, can be answered using the timeless truths of the Bible.