The Mission of the Church
by Anna Robinson-Worley
We are not called to be social do-gooders. Nor are we called to feed and clothe the world. We were called to a mission which may require us doing things that we are not comfortable doing and going places that we don't want to go. We must be careful not to allow our methods to be more important than our message. " Jesus came and spoke these words to them, “All power in Heaven and on earth has been given to me. You, then, are to go and make disciples of all the nations and baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Teach them to observe all that I have commanded you and, remember, I am with you always, even to the end of the world.” Matthew 28:19-20
Here we see that the command is clear, unclouded and undebatable. He said go and make disciples of all nations. His method is equally clear. He said to baptize them to confirm their faith after they have become believers. His message was simple and yet profound he wanted them to teach others to observe and do all that Jesus had commanded them to do. Please note that Jesus commanded them to do things and HE did not just make a simple suggestion. When someone observes something they put it into practice it is no longer on their to do list. Jesus promised them that if they did as HE commanded that He would be with them.
Then he said to them, “You must go out to the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature. He who believes it and is baptized will be saved, but he who disbelieves it will be condemned. These signs will follow those who do believe: they will drive out evil spirits in my name; they will speak with new tongues; they will pick up snakes, and if they drink anything poisonous it will do them no harm; they will lay their hands upon the sick and they will recover.” Mark 16:15-18 Here we see that His command, the message and His method are reaffirmed. The conditions of salvation are clearly set forth. He who believes shall be saved. His belief is to be demonstrated by baptism. The penalty for unbelief is now introduced. "He who does not believe shall be condemned."
The effects of us being believers can drive out demons not only from individuals but entire regions. As we speak with new tongues it cleanses our heart and renews our tongue. Salvation is the foundation to our baptism in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues. The man who speaks in a “tongue” addresses not men (for no one understands a word he says) but God: and only in his spirit is he speaking spiritual secrets. But he who preaches the word of God is using his speech for the building up of the faith of one man, the encouragement of another or the consolation of another. The speaker in a “tongue” builds up his own soul, but the preacher builds up the Church of God. 1 Cor 14
Deadly substances and even serpents cannot harm us as believers because the fear of death has been removed. The sick shall be made whole. Mankind is always looking for miracles so when they happen they get the attention of the unbelievers. Notice how often Jesus used healing miracles to bring the word of salvation to the people?
Then he opened their minds so that they could understand the scriptures, and added, “That is how it was written, and that is why it was inevitable that Christ should suffer, and rise from the dead on the third day. So must the change of heart which leads to the forgiveness of sins be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are eye-witnesses of these things. Now I hand over to you the command of my Father. Stay in the city, then, until you are clothed with power from on high.” Luke 24:46-49. The heart of our message should be repentance and forgiveness which only Christ offers. We are to be witnesses of His saving grace and He promised to send us power to enable us to His commands.
You are to be given power when the Holy Spirit has come to you. You will be witnesses to me, not only in Jerusalem, not only throughout Judea, not only in Samaria, but to the very ends of the earth! Acts1:8
