Christ's Hope Ministries & Church

Today we want to re-visit some of the last recorded words of Jesus before He left the earth. These words of Jesus have become the marching orders for the church. They describe what the church is all about: evangelism and edification.

Four "Alls" of the Great Commission
1. All authority.

Before His ascension, Jesus told His apostles that He had been given all authority in heaven and on earth. No other authority remains. The command to "go therefore and make disciples" was given by the all authoritative Christ. No man has the right to cancel it, which is why the apostles continued to preach even when they were threatened to stop.

Four "Alls" of the Great Commission
1. All authority.
2. All nations.

As with "all authority," it is important we grasp the significance of "all nations." The word "nations" is the Greek word ethnos. It is based on the Greek word ethos, which indicates habits or customs of people; cultural relations. Thus, ethnos speaks of collected masses of men, considered as bound together by social bonds, forming a culture.

Four "Alls" of the Great Commission
1. All authority.
2. All nations.
3. All things.

Jesus said that "all things" were to be taught and observed. The idea that all Christians really need is to embrace one or two central ideas about the gospel is wrong. Jesus binds us to everything He has commanded, not just the "Golden Rule" or John 3:16.

Four "Alls" of the Great Commission
1. All authority.
2. All nations.
3. All things.
4. All the days (always).

Ron Collins: "It's not about ME and what I want, it's about THEM and who they need."

Challenge to pray:
1. Your own commitment to the great commission.
2. Christ's Hope -- our obedience to this command of the Lord.

Rick Warren: "A great commitment to the great commandment and the great commission will build a great church."