“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth, 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 things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20(NKJV)
This is a portion of Scripture we refer to as “The Great Commission” as use it as a point of reference with regard to evangelism by the church. There are many ways to practice the command to “Go”. One of the ways is what we will hear about this morning. This is not new to us any more than the Scripture I used. But we all need to be reminded about doing what we can.
We have a Gideon member with us today that is doing his part at his own expense to keep the “Great Commission” vision active. The Gideon organization has taken Bibles around the world making it possible to teach all nations about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that we here in the United States have multitudes of commentaries and study books that we can use to study the Word of God.
But, what would it be like if the only thing you had was one Bible? Would you have enough information to know Jesus and how to live a Christian life? The answer is “yes.” The Bible needs no help in presenting the message of life in Christ. All the other sources are like gravy with the Bible being the meat. The Bible itself reminds us that it is “meat of the word.”
You may never have the opportunity to set foot on foreign soil, but you can plant a seed that someone from the Gideons can carry for you. You can start the process today by putting your financial “seed” in the special offering taken at the end of today’s service.
“Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things send from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. And My God shall supply ALL YOUR need according to His riches in glory by CHRIST Jesus.”
Philippians 4:18-19(NKJV) AMEN!