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 - Matthew 28:19
As some may remember, during college Kirk sold cutlery and kitchen accessories. The company marketing strategy was simple, start with family and family friends, then at each presentation, ask for three names of new people to give your pitch. You keep repeating this process, expanding a new sales base while keeping in touch with existing customers.
What does that story have to do with making disciples? Quite a lot. Remember, Jesus began his ministry with twelve hand-picked disciples and commissioned them to spread the word to all nations. According to a 2020 study, there are now approximately 2.4 billion Christians. Considering the number of saints who have passed before us in the 2000-plus years since Christ's death, you have many, many disciples. All from the humble beginnings of 12 men.
Though, the real power does not lie in the mathematical formula for exponential growth but the good news of Christ. Many religions have fizzled out, but Christianity remains because of the truth in the message. The truth of God's love for humankind. The hope for a better world here today, and the promise of Christ's coming kingdom. Isn't that cause to be excited and joyful? It is too good to keep to ourselves. The invitation given to the disciples all those years ago remains. He invites us to spread his living 2000-year-old message of truth to all we meet; family, friends, the family of friends … to all nations.
God, we give you thanks for your loving and living message. We give thanks for you as our Creator Father, your Son, our Redeemer Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit our Sustainer. We are grateful for the truth, hope, and promise found in your Word. We know this is true because we feel the change you’ve made in our lives. It’s too good to keep to ourselves; we need to share. Father, bless our testimonies; that what we say, and the actions we take, be for the transformation of the world. Please help us make disciples for you. In your Son, Christ Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Blessings!
Pastor Tim
