Equipped and Commissioned Free Reprint Article

NotifySnack

Christian Articles for All of your Publishing Needs!

LIKE US

Translate this Page Here

Word Count: 919

Send Article To Friend

Print/Use Article

Contact Elizabeth Marks

Equipped and Commissioned

by Elizabeth Marks
11/30/2006 / Devotionals

since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, 7 and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, 8 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, 10 when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed. 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10 NKJV

The righteousness of God is sometimes difficult to understand. When that conflict occurs, we need to remember, He is God and we are not. We do not know the full picture otherwise wed side with God every time. In the verse above, it tells of Gods vengeance on those who refuse Him. The punishment for denying the Lord during our life time, will mean everlasting destruction when we do see Jesus Christ in that Day.

What does that stir in you? Do you shudder at the thought of people you love, who have not accepted Christ yet, being punished with everlasting destruction? What about others you dont know? Does it bother you at all they may be going to a place of torment?

Believers, these verses should affect you immensely. If not, you may want to stop, think and pray about why it doesnt affect you. Jesus Christ equipped and commissioned us to share His good news with the world.

Equipping
Acts 1:8 NKJV But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.

When God calls us, He also ensures we have everything we need to carry out that calling. Notice in Acts 1:8 how power is combined with the Holy Spirit. His Spirit now dwells within us giving us the power we need to live for Christ, fulfilling all He has desired for us to do.

Commissioning
Matthew 28:18-20 NKJV And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 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. Amen.

What does He want us to do? I think its pretty clear from the Matthew verse above. He wants us to make disciples, baptize them and teach them to observe all the things Christ commanded us.

How do I make a disciple? First off, you begin by asking God to lead you to someone who wants to grow in the Lord. Next, you might keep your eyes and ears open for people around you that show signs of wanting to know the Lord more intimately. You, then, might strike up a conversation with them about the Lord and begin a relationship with them. Maybe you invite this person to a bible study for deeper look at Gods Word. As your relationship grows with this person, so does your conversation about the Lord and over time both of you will grow in your walk with the Lord.

Regarding the baptizing, while I have not personally baptized anyone, I usually leave that to my church pastors to do. Although, scripture indicates that we all can baptize when were called to. Remember, Philip and the Eunuch? He baptized the Eunuch besides a road in the middle of the desert. Theres nothing magical or sacred about baptism that only certain people within the church may perform it. Its simply an outward symbol of the change that occurs within the heart. Its an external declaration you now belong to Christ.

About teaching others what the Lord commanded us, this one is easy as long you, yourself are following His commands. We lead by example. We are role models for all who want to know what it means to be a Christian. Those on the outside are watching us to see if really believe all that we say about the Lord. We also teach through bible studies, and one on one mentoring. Start with living out His commands, like Love the Lord with all your heart and Love your neighbor as yourself and whether you go on to teach bible study or not, you are still teaching others about the Lord with your life.

Lord Jesus, thank you for giving us the courage to activate the power You have given us by Your Holy Spirit. Let us obey Your commands and make disciples, baptize them and teach them Your ways. In Your precious name, Jesus we pray these things. Amen.

Lets review. The Bible is very clear there is a place of torment for those who refuse, deny and reject the Lord Jesus Christ. It is also clear that we, believers, are giving power to carry out Gods call in our lives to make disciples, baptize them and teach them to observe all His commandments. May we go on to share Gods Good News with those around us for His Glory and His Kingdom.

Copyright Elizabeth Marks, author of ThinkOnIt Devotions, has a heart for encouraging believers with God's Word. Please visit http://www.ThinkOnItDevotions.com for more devotions, bible studies, book reviews and more!

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS

If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be! Click here and TRUST JESUS NOW