Word for the Day March 23 Sunday
By: Evang. Cascille
Hammack
"Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in
heaven and on earth has been given to Me. 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 28:18-20
After Jesus was resurrected, just as He had said, the angel of the Lord instructed Mary Magdelene and the other Mary to tell
the disciples He was risen and that He would see them in Galilee. Then Jesus Himself met them and told them to tell
the disciples they would see Him in Galilee. Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus
told them to go. The above words of Matthew 28:18-20 are what He said to them. Notice, His instructions were not
to witness to people only to make conversion decisions. His command was plain to them, "...go and make disciples...baptizing
them in the name of the Father the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.."
(Mt. 28:19-20) In baptizing the preaching of the gospel is centered on "repentance and the forgiveness of sins"
(Luke 24:47), the promise of receiving His Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38) and to separate from this corrupt world (Acts 2:40) while
we wait for His return (Acts 3:19,20, 1 Th. 1:10). Followers of Christ should not be focused only on church membership,
but in making true disciples of Christ who will separate themselves from the world, follow the commands of Christ and follow
Him with all their heart, mind and will (John 8:31). Those who believe must come out of the evil world system and
be separated from its immorality (Mt. 28:20, Mt. 1:23, Mt. 18:20), and expose evil (Eph. 5:11). You do not
have to become like the world to win the world to Christ. His words have never changed neither have His commands and
instructions to His followers. They are exactly the same today as they were then. Only following His way
will bring His true results for His eternal glory. Only following His way will be rewarded with the presence
and power of the Holy Spirit. This is obvious today.
His command to be baptized represents the pledge
to renounce immorality, the world and the sinful nature and to be committed completely to Christ and His purposes. This
outward symbol is to show what is happening in the heart that is being washed from sin and separated from the world.
His promise to be with His followers always to the very end of the age is His assurance to those
following His command to win the lost and teach them to obey Him. He is present in the Holy Spirit (John 14:16, 26)
and through His Word (John 14:23). He is the answer to every fear, doubt, trouble, heartache, discouragement and disappointment.
He way is true. He is faithful.
