The Great Commission Is A Joint Mission Between Us And The Holy Spirit

In their book, The Great Commission to Worship, Vernon Whaley and David Wheeler takes an in depth look at commandment from Jesus for His followers to go out and spread the Good News of salvation. Today’s Christian seems to have a misconception about their role in evangelism. As the authors stated, “many times in Scripture it appears

Acts 8:26-40 teaches us a variety of things about mission as well as evangelism’s role within it. It reminds us whose mission it is, that radical inclusion is anticipated, that evangelism is an important aspect of but is not in itself mission, and that the Holy Spirit plays a fundamental and essential role in mission and effective evangelism.

Acts of the Apostles chronicles the rapid advancement of the Gospel by way of the gift of the Holy Spirit. “The Holy Spirit in the Acts of the Apostles: The Charismatic Community in Mission” takes into account the narratives succeeding Pentecost including Spirit Baptisms from Samaria to Ephesus (Acts

“God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son and Holy Spirit “- Matthew 28:18-20 (The Message)

Let me explain, in the book of Acts, there is the history of how Christianity came about. The Apostle Peter preached boldly because of the Holy Spirit. In my opinion, the life application here is to turn to the Holy Spirit to give us courage also insight to accomplish what God wants us to do building His kingdom. However, change will take place as new churches are founded. The book of Acts tells us that by faith in Jesus, along with the Holy Spirit, we can face these new problems, challenges as well as give us significant ways to unravel them. The early church was founded by God’s Holy Spirit and His power with the help of his disciples just as it should be today (Acts 1-2

Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every nation. (Mark 16:15)

The book of ACTS calls for ACTion if we are Christians! If we have the Holy Spirit indwelling us, there is no reason for us not to be doing greater works and miracles than those that were done in Jesus' day.

Jesus says, “Open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest” (John 4:35). As a disciple of Jesus, I am to imitate his example. Therefore when He says, “Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15) it is my duty to go and proclaim to all of the world just as He did. Van Rheenen agrees and says that the basic message for a Christian should be the unashamed declaration of Jesus Christ. Paul reminds us of this truth when he said, “I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified” (1 Cor.

Our life is only so long to reach as many as we can. Where God places us is where God has placed people to be reached. This is really our ultimate purpose and not much else matters. We must recognize that we may be the only one who can reach a particular person that has been placed in our lives. Also, the more we tell and lead others to Christ, the faster we spur Christ's return as He will come when the number he has set has been fulfilled.

Since every Christian called to be evangelist, it is a challenge for every one that we should give effort

understand my call to ordained ministry as the same as other baptized children of God. My calling is, however, to the ministry of Word and Sacrament. This is to proclaim the gospel and administer the sacraments according to

The gospel message is the most important principle in missions, but apart from the message itself, obedience must take a close second. Jesus commanded His followers to, “make disciples of all the nations” (Matthew 28:19).Not being obedient to this mandate is to ignore the message itself. The Apostles were obedient to the commission of their master. Some scholars have argued that the early church leaders did not obey (or were at least slow to obey), and thereby delayed the progress of the gospel. In light of the instructions given by Jesus in Acts 1:4, the disciples did exactly what was commanded. They did not leave Jerusalem immediately. They stood as witnesses in their own back yard so to speak. Illustrating the importance of this strategy, Hawthorne writes, “Staying in Jerusalem was the surest and most public way to encounter the pressure of political and religious powers.” In other words, the apostles were to offer a prolonged testimony in a hostile and dangerous environment

As being part of God’s true people, I partake in the Abrahamic blessings. I am no longer of the world, God is my judge and I was called to spread the gospel (4:19-20). I need to share the gift of salvation and opportunity to repent and forgiveness of sin which was given to me by God to others. God confirms the first century Christian with the filling of the Holy Spirit and they spoke boldly (4:31). All people are lost without Jesus (11:17-18; 10:43), there is a great need for Christians to evangelize the good news. I am responsible as a steward of God to proclaim the good news to those around me and nothing can hinder God’s plan

In Acts 19 Paul arrived in Ephesus and there he found some disciples. He asked the disciples have they receive the Holy Spirit and asked them what baptism did they receive Acts 19:3. So Paul placed his hands on them and baptize them in the name of the Lord Acts 19: 5 and also they received the Holy Spirit and start speaking in tongues and prophesied. Paul was in the synagogue. For three month Paul talked about the kingdom of God put some people did not believe. So Paul took his disciples and they moved on. You had Jews driving out demands and evil sprits.

A very well known verse is Matthew 28:19-20 but it tells us “Go and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit…” This verse doesn’t tell us to just sit and home and wait for people to come to us and then tell them the Gospel of Jesus. It says GO! If we go, then God will reveal our purpose and assignment once we are walking and following in alignment with Him. One of my favorite quotes from the whole book is, “If you are living a Godly life, He will give you the right desires. (Macarthur page