Matthew 28:16-20
"Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. 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 the 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.” Amen."
In the above passages of scripture Jesus is telling His eleven disciples, (they had also been chosen to be His apostles) to go (a command) and make disciples (a learner of Jesus) of ALL the nations, BAPTIZING them in the NAME of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (JESUS). Then Jesus told them to TEACH those disciples to observe ALL THINGS that He commanded them!
Now why don't we see this ministry pattern that Jesus Himself set, being done today? Let me tell you why, THE TRADITIONS OF MAN HAVE NULLIFIED THE COMMANDS OF GOD!
Here's another question: Was Jesus telling every believer in the first century to go and make disciples of all nations? And how about every believer today? The answer to both of those questions is NO!
So why do most believers today think they have to go out and make disciples or share their faith etc..? Let me tell you why, BECAUSE OF THE TRADITIONS OF MAN!
Jesus (God) Himself CALLED twelve men and said "Come Follow ME, And I WILL MAKE YOU FISHERS OF MEN". Nowhere in scripture do we see any apostle or minister of God going to any school to learn how to be a pastor! But yet that's what we see today and it has become the norm!
Today, ministry has become a business venture, and a career choice, not a calling and preparation by God to be used by Him to do HIS will. This is why people are mocking Jesus and Christians today, calling them hypocrites, even unbelievers can see that many professing Christians don't obey the teachings of Jesus, or practice what they preach!
Sadly, these words of Jesus can be applied to many of those who profess to be pastors and ministers of God.
Matthew 15:7-9
"Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: ‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men."
In the first century the apostles were led by the Spirit to do God's will, to preach, heal the sick, cast out demons, and raise the dead. They were called, chosen, and sent by God to do the ministry works of Jesus and it was the Lord Himself who added to their number, the apostles were willing vessels of God's glory and Spirit on this earth.
Acts 2:40-47
"And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved."
The day is coming again when the true apostles and prophets of the Lord will be sent out walking in the glory, love, and resurrection power of Jesus Christ! And the day is coming again when the saints of God will gather together and the gospel of the kingdom will be preached with the fire and anointing of the Spirit of God! They will once again be unified in the faith with ALL things in common and the Great I AM will perform mighty signs and wonders through HIS chosen vessels to prepare the way for the soon coming KING!!!
In Jesus,
"And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved."
The day is coming again when the true apostles and prophets of the Lord will be sent out walking in the glory, love, and resurrection power of Jesus Christ! And the day is coming again when the saints of God will gather together and the gospel of the kingdom will be preached with the fire and anointing of the Spirit of God! They will once again be unified in the faith with ALL things in common and the Great I AM will perform mighty signs and wonders through HIS chosen vessels to prepare the way for the soon coming KING!!!
In Jesus,
Tyrone
