Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

Before our Lord ascended to heaven, He gave the Great Commission to go and teach all nations (v.19). The word rendered “teach,” in verse 19 in the King James Version, is Greek “mathēteuō”. This word properly means “to disciple, or to make disciples of.” So, the Great Commission is better rendered: “Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations….” (v.19, ASV). The command is to make disciples, not merely converts. This is to be done by teaching, and by administering baptism. What is a disciple? A disciple is someone who adheres to the teachings of another; a follower, a pupil. The idea behind the word disciple is one who aims to be like his master. In this context, the Master is Jesus Christ. We are to make disciples who will be like Jesus and not like us: “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps” (1 Peter 2:21). Paul wrote we are called to be conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). Jesus calls us to “make disciples.” But, before we can make disciples, we must be disciples ourselves. Are we disciples of Jesus Christ? Are you a disciple of Jesus? Do you know what it takes to be a disciple of Jesus? Here is our Lord has to say about being a disciple: "And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple" (Luke 14:27). Bearing a cross does not mean primarily having hard times. Yes, our Lord says: “In the world ye shall have tribulation” (John 16:33). The people living in the time of Jesus know what the cross signifies. Under the Roman rule, the cross means death by crucifixion. Hence, bearing the cross means going to Golgotha. It means dying with Christ. What does it mean to die with Jesus? There are two ways: 1. Dead to the old self. Paul wrote: “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). A disciple is dead to the old attitudes of envy and strife and jealousy and anger and selfishness and pride; and turning to follow Jesus in newness of life. He aims to be like his new Master. 2. Dead to the world. Paul wrote: “But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ” (Philippians 3:7). Paul mentioned some things he had achieved before his conversion. At one time all those things were important to him. But because of Christ, he decided that they were worth nothing. Don’t talk about dying for Jesus if one cannot be dead to the world. Which is easier - to die to the world or to die for Jesus? We all love life and when we have to face death, few will not deny Christ. Even the great apostle Peter denied Christ because he loved his life (Matthew 26:69-75). A true disciple is dead to the world. His old self is crucified with Christ at Golgotha. His world is crucified with Christ at Golgotha. Paul’s life was never the same again when he became a disciple of Christ (Galatians 2:20). He did not do the things he used to do. He was a changed person; he did only the things that pleased Christ. Paul became a disciple of Jesus. What about us? Are we disciples or mere converts?

Act 1:1 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach.

Luke wrote two great books, the Gospel of Luke and The Acts of the Apostles, to an old friend named Theophilus. Theophilus means “friend of God”. Theophilus appears to be a certain very reputable Greek or Roman because Luke addressed him as “most excellent Theophilus” (Luke 1:3). And, we can conclude that Theophilus lived up to his name as "friend of God” because of the respect Luke shown to him and in entrusting him with two great books of the Bible. What does it take to be a friend of God? The first person that comes to our minds is Abraham. Abraham is called the friend of God in James 2:23. How did Abraham attain this honour? 1. Faith. Abraham believed in the promises of God. He believed Sarah could bear a son in spite all the circumstances against it (Romans 4:18-20). Later, when God commanded him to offer up his son Isaac upon the altar, He obeyed, believing that God would raise him up again (Hebrews 11:19). Abraham’s faith makes him a father of faith to all who believe in the promises of God (Romans 4:11). Whenever faith is mentioned, Abraham’s name appears. 2. Obedience. Abraham had an obedient faith. He obeyed when God called: “By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went” (Hebrews 11:8). Do you think it was easy for Abraham to just pack up and go when God called? What more, to a land he didn’t even know where and what kind! He didn’t know for how long and if he would return to his homeland. He was to forsake every comfort and security he had enjoyed. But Abraham obeyed! In this, we need to appreciate the sacrifices the missionaries make in leaving their comfort zones to go to remote places to preach the gospel. “Remote” places mean not places in America or New Zealand, but to places where the language is different, the country is backward, the food is strange, and the public transportation is poor. They go when the “Macedonians” call. Our Lord says: “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you” (John 15:14). 3. Submit. The reason Abraham could achieve this feat is because he was submissive. For most of us, we would question and argue with God. We would set certain conditions or certain salaries, or benefits: "God, if you will first promise me this, then I will go." Abraham did not question God nor demand an explanation; he submitted to the will of God. We cannot be called  "The Friend of God" if we question or resist the will of God. It is possible to be called a child of God and not have that intimate relationship with God that would qualify us as His friend. It is like a wife estranged from her husband; they are not in friendship terms. Theophilus means “friend of God”. God wants to be your friend: “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you” (James 4:8). If we expect to be the "Friend of God", we must follow the example of Abraham. We must have an obedient faith that submits to God’s will. We must live godly life like Abraham who chose not to live near Sodom. We cannot be called "the friend of God" and be a friend of the world at the same time (James 4:4). Are you “the friend of God”? Will you be “Theophilus”?

Act 2:44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common.

The first century church grew because the Christians were together. It’s what fellowship is about – TOGETHER. You can’t have fellowship with your brethren until you are together with them. The Greek word for fellowship is “koinōnia” and it means “community, joint participation.” Fellowship is coming together and be part of the community. There are benefits in togetherness. Here are some: 1. TOGETHERNESS ENSURES SUCCESS. “Joint-participation” implies working together. There is an old African proverb which says: “If You Want To Go Fast, Go Alone. But If You Want To Go Far, Go Together.” We see the first century churches grew and were strong because they were working together. Together we can accomplish more things than if we do it alone. Henry Ford said: "Coming Together Is A Beginning; Keeping Together Is Progress; Working Together Is Success." Paul wrote: “For we are labourers together with God” (1 Corinthians 3:9). You+Me+God=Success. 2. TOGETHERNESS IS STRENGTH. Togetherness will make us stronger: “Two are better than one…. And if a man prevail against him that is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:9, 12, ASV). Failures result when togetherness is missing: “And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand” (Mark 3:25). 3. TOGETHERNESS PROVIDES COMPANIONSHIP. It is well said that no man is an island. We need one another (Genesis 2:18). When Christ sent out the twelve and the seventy on a mission, He sent them out two by two (Mark 6:7; Luke 10:1). Two can provide mutual support and encouragement. Solomon wrote: “Two are better than one….For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up” (Ecclesiastes 4:9, 10). 4. TOGETHERNESS HELPS US GET AWAY FROM THE NEGATIVE INFLUENCE OF THE WORLD. Paul warns: “Evil companionships corrupt good morals” (1 Corinthians 15:33). But, when we are with good Christian company, they help keep us from evil influence and help us exercise Christian love and virtues: “Praising God, and having favour with all the people” (v.47a). And, good things happen when saints are together: “The Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (v.47b). 5. TOGETHERNESS LEADS TO GROWTH. When you sum those things all up, togetherness leads to growth. We see that the Lord added DAILY those that were saved into the church. The first century church grew as a result of working together and staying together to provide the companionship, encouragement, and sowing the good influence. In this they achieved a common love: “And all that believed were together, and had all things common” (Acts 2:44). Togetherness is a hugely important aspect of life. It unites us, gives us security, gives us much-needed support and a sense of belonging, and encourages us to love one another. Only in togetherness, we can achieve a common love and growth. The family that eats and plays together stays together. The first century Christians ate and had fellowship with one another; they were together. They grew together. If you want to grow spiritually, you need to be together with the saints: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1). Are you dwelling together with the saints?

Act 3:6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.

 

Peter and John were on their way to the Temple. A man who had been born lame sat at the Temple gate, known as the Beautiful Gate, and begged from the people who were going in. The man saw Peter and John entering the temple and he asked them for money. But Peter said to him: "Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk." Then Peter took the man's right hand and lifted him up. Immediately his feet and legs became strong. And, he jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk (v.1-8). Peter’s words must have sounded strange when he said “Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have I give to thee.” The man probably felt disappointed. But how excited he was when Peter took hold of his hand, lifted him up, and healed him. The Scripture says he was walking, leaping, and praising God (v.8). What Peter gave him was better than silver or gold. Money cannot serve this beggar’s problem. What if the beggar had got what he was asking for, silver and gold? For a short period of time things might have been a bit easier for him in some respects, but in due time the money would have run out. He would have been “back to square one”, begging again. Restoring his legs making him to walk was something the man did not expect but I’m sure he would say it’s the best gift he ever received. There are many things that are better than money. One example is health. It is often said that wealth is health. Solomon concurs and writes: “A man to whom God hath given riches, wealth, and honour, so that he wanteth nothing for his soul of all that he desireth, yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof, but a stranger eateth it: this is vanity, and it is an evil disease” (Ecclesiastes 6:2). I like to bring our attention to these seven words spoken by Peter: “Such as I have give I thee.” Peter had no money but he had the power of healing. His gift was the best of all. No money no problem; just give what you have. Too often we think that giving money is the only way to help a person in need. This account in Act tells us that money is not the only thing we can give to another person. Today, we don’t have the gift of healing. But we certainly can provide emotional healing. Solomon wrote: “Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones” (Proverbs 16:24). Words can either heal or destroy; use our words for healing. What about giving to God? What things do we have that we can give to God? I suggest we can also give our time, energy, talents, even ourselves to God. Paul exhorts: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1). The church in Macedonia was able to do exceeding in their giving because they first gave of themselves to God (1 Corinthians 8:5). We should do a self check: “Am I willing to give myself – my time, my energy, my money, and my talents, to be used anyway that God sees fit?” Giving “such as we have” to our Lord unreservedly for use in the service of His kingdom is what we should be doing. The reply from Peter to the lame man, “such as I have give I thee”, is God’s will for each of us today! We are so prone to settle for the “silver and gold” but Christ wants more from us. He wants us to deny ourselves and take up the cross and follow Him (Luke 9:23). He wants us to be fruitful in His kingdom (John 15:8). He wants us to give such as we have (Mark 12:44). God is looking at your giving: Are you giving such as you have to the Lord?

Act 4:20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

Peter and John were brought before the Sanhedrin Council. They were commanded not to speak nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter replied: “We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard” (v.20). Today, some governments are setting down a strong hand in order to restrict people from freely exercising their faith, especially the Christian faith. As Christians, we know that God has called us to preach the Gospel of Christ “in season as well as out of season” (Mark 16:15; 2 Timothy 4:2). Why do those governments not want the teachings of Jesus Christ to spread? One reason is perhaps they perceive it interferes with their authority. They could not have this Jesus spoken of as King; this doctrine threatens their authority. The citizens should have no king but them. It was the same two thousand years ago when the Jews cried out: “We have no king but Caesar” (John 19:15). Today, those who disagree with or blatantly hate the name of Jesus Christ continue to try to “command us not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus”. Today, the name of Jesus Christ is often banned from graduation speeches, in school textbooks, in government buildings, but it’s OK to use His name as a curse word in the daily conversations in those areas, and in movies and TV shows. It is simply not right! “We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard” (v.20). I love the hymn, I Love To Tell The Story. It is a great hymn. The hymn, written in first person singular, reflects the evangelical fervour in 19th century England and the United States of the spiritual awakening that gave birth to many reformers and later the restoration period in Christian history. The people then were hungry for the word of God. They could not stop talking and teaching in the name of Jesus. The first stanza reads like this: I love to tell the story Of unseen things above, Of Jesus and his glory, Of Jesus and his love. I love to tell the story, Because I know 'tis true; It satisfies my longings As nothing else can do. Before Jesus ascended to His heavenly throne to take His position as Lord and Christ, He gave His disciples this Great Commission: "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). The Great Commission is for us too. Jesus commands us to tell others about Him. We live in a country where we enjoy the freedom to practice our faith. Yet, are we telling the story of Jesus? No one will tell the world about Jesus except those who claim to be His disciples. It is our story; no one else will tell it. If we truly believe that Jesus Christ has done great things for us, we should be sharing the good news with others. Jesus once told a man whom he had cast out the demons from him these words: "Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee." And the man did just as he was told: “And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him” (Luke 8:39). The man was grateful that he was healed; he had to tell this good news about His healer to everyone. We have been healed from our sins. Are we telling others how about our Healer?

Act 5:29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

The apostles were once again arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin Council. The High Priest reminded them: “Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us” (v.28). But Peter and the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than men” (v.29). What would we do if given the choice of being silent about our faith or going to prison? We know we need to be faithful even to the point of death (Revelation 2:10). We know we need to obey God rather than men. We know we need to take up the cross and follow Jesus (Luke 9:23). But, I fear many of us would be tempted to cave in to the fear of going to prison. We love our lives too much. Indeed, it is difficult to obey God, but not impossible. How difficult was it for these early Christians to obey God rather than men? They lived and worshiped in a hostile society. They were heavily persecuted for following and preaching Christ. Some were put to death. James, the brother of John was killed by Herod (Acts 12:1, 2). The apostles had already been jailed overnight for preaching Christ. They had been warned not to do so any longer. Still, they chose obedience to God. We are very fortunate here in this country we are not persecuted for practising our Christian faith. But we have brethren in some countries whose governments are hostile to the Christian faith; we need to keep them in our prayers. We thank God we do not need to make a choice on obeying God or men in this issue. Still, there are many areas in our lives we need to make a choice between obeying God or men. It may be issues that concern the truth. It could be issues that deal with our Christian living. We must remember: We must obey God rather than men.                                                    In areas of doctrines, we must obey God rather than men. Many are going around saying that baptism is not necessary for salvation; we must obey God rather than men (Mark 16:15; 1 Peter 3:21). Many are preaching all churches are the same; we must obey God rather than men (Matthew 7:21). Many are preaching that the adulterers can remarried and go to heaven; we must obey God rather than men (Matthew 19:9). In areas of Christian living, we must obey God rather than men. God teaches us to submit to those who have authority over us (Romans 13:1). But, there are times when we cannot submit to governments when they require us to do something that God calls sin! For example, if the government passes a law that approves same sex marriage, we must respectfully refuse to obey the law even if it leads to unpleasant consequences for the Christian who refuses to obey. When those situations come up, we must obey God rather than men. What about other areas in our lives? We know there are so many things in the world that are called sin by God but not by the world; we must obey God rather than men. God wants us to be holy (1 Peter 1:15, 16) and sin is against holiness. These are called sin in the Bible: immodest clothing, wine drinking, fornication, gambling, revelling, pornography, swearing, foul speech, hatred, strife, selfishness, unforgiving, divisive spirit, pride, and the list goes on. We must obey God rather than men: “Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8). Obedience to God distinguishes us from unbelievers and denominations. Obey God!

What Matters!

Mary Engelbreit provokes us to think with these words: "If you don’t like something, change it; if you can’t change it, change the way you think about it." She is talking about what we call in common vernacular, gaining a new "perspective" or point of view. How you look at things – and people – really can make a huge difference. A man was driving in the countryside one day when he came upon an old man sitting on a fence rail. The old man was watching cars go by. Stopping to pass the time of day, the traveler said, "I would never be able to stand living out here. You never see anything, and I’m sure you don’t like to travel as I do. I’m on the go all the time." The old fence-sitting man looked down at the stranger and drawled, "I can‘t see much difference in what I’m doing and what you’re doing. I sit on the fence and watch the autos go by and you sit in your auto and watch the fences go by. It’s all in the way you look at things." 

So how do you look at things? Many people don’t like the view from where they are. They convince themselves their lives would be new and improved and much better if they could change how they look or how much money they have or who they are married to or where they work or live or go to church. Are you really happy with where you are and who you are with and with what you have? And if you aren’t why aren’t you? Is some thing or some other person really responsible for your attitude and why you look at things the way you do? In 1 Corinthians 7 the apostle Paul addressed the physical circumstances his original first century readers were in sometime around 56 A. D. He spoke of a "present distress" they were facing in verse 26. In verses before and after that verse he addresses how his readers should view such things as marriage and being single or even what they should do if they are divorced (see verses 1-16). In verse 17 he directs, "Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches" (ESV). In verses 18-24 he refers to the very prevalent practices (in the first century) of circumcision and slavery and in effect tells them that if they can ’t change the circumstance they are in, then change the way they think about it! And exactly what is it he wants them to think? Verses 19-20 answer: "Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping commandments of God is what matters. Let each one remain in the same calling in which he was called." He directs slaves in verse 21 (Christian slaves they were!) that if they can change their status from slave to free, they ought to change it. But whether slave or free, he reminds them in verse 22, they still belong to Christ! If they can’t change the circumstance, "don’t be concerned about it" (verse 21). The truth is, friend, we are sometimes a lot more concerned about changing our circumstances than God is! It’s not that some changes we desire are not important – some surely are. But let us be careful to remember – at the end of the day, "keeping the commandments of God is what matters." God knows where you are and who you are, and He loves you and desires for you to serve Him right there. In the words of 1 Corinthians 7:24, "...remain with God." That’s what matters more than anything else. Won’t you think about it?

– Dan Gulley, Smithville, TN