Read: Matthew 28:16-20
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations. (v. 19)
As our world changes, we find great comfort in the unchanging truth of God’s Word and his care of the church through all things. As this text says, he is with us always, even to the end of the age (v. 20). That matters.
With that in mind, I wonder if we are fighting the wrong battle in trying to get people to church. It’s always great to have guests who become part of the life of the church, and that will always be part of the plan. Instead, I wonder if we ought to reimagine what a world would look like with God’s people committed to bringing the church to people.
The call from the risen Savior is clear: Go! Go into the world and make disciples. Bring the good news of the gospel to others. Find new lives to bring the gospel to. Invest in and pray for those who are engaging people groups who haven’t heard the gospel. If you can’t physically go, help send those who can. That is eternal ministry.
President Ronald Reagan once said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.” The same can be said of faith. We are called—no, commanded—to go into the world on mission for Jesus to advance his kingdom for his glory. Be assured that he will equip us for the calling. He will accomplish the mission through his people until the day comes when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord! —Joel Plantinga
As you pray, commit your heart to the mission of God’s kingdom.
About the Author
Rev. Joel Plantinga has now been in full-time pastoral ministry for more than 20 years. He serves as the Lead Pastor of Desert Winds Community Church (RCA) in Palmdale, California, and is married to Teresa with children Noah, Eden, and Rachel.
