THE GREAT COMMISSION: A CALL TO ACTION

Rev. E. Ahenkan Owusu
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1 Corinthians 3:11; Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:16–20



Introduction

The peace of God be unto you... Precious
one.

Christianity is never meant to be a spectator sport. Imagine a football stadium filled with people who know the rules, wear the jerseys, sing the songs, and discuss the game meanwhile, nobody steps onto the field to play. That would be absurd, right? Sometimes the Church behaves similarly. We attend services, listen to sermons, sing about Jesus, and receive His blessings, but fail to participate in His mission.


The Great Commission is not merely a command for missionaries or pastors. It is Christ's call to every believer to become an active witness in everyday life.


CHRIST IS THE FOUNDATION OF OUR MISSION (1 Corinthians 3:11)


Paul declared that, “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” The Church's mission begins and ends with Christ. We are not called to build our own reputation, denomination, ministry empire, or personality cult. We build upon Jesus.


The Greek emphasis on the "foundation" (themelios) communicates the essential basis upon which everything else rests. If Christ is not central, Christian activity can become mere religious busyness.


Precious one, before asking, “What can I do for God?” Ask, “Is what I am doing centered on Christ?”


THE HOLY SPIRIT EMPOWERS OUR WITNESS (Acts 1:8)

Jesus tells His disciples, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses.”


The Greek word (dynamis) means power or enabling capacity. Mission is therefore not accomplished through human confidence alone but through the Spirit's empowerment.


Notice the geographical movement Christ gives: Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth. Mission begins when the discipled move outward.


Child of God, your home, workplace, university, neighborhood, social-media platforms, and friendships are mission fields. You do not have to travel overseas to participate in God's mission, it starts where you are.


You are not merely a church member; you are Christ's witness wherever God has placed you.


GO, MAKE DISCIPLES, AND TEACH (Matthew 28:16–20)

The risen Christ commands, “Go and make disciples of all nations.” The central imperative is "make disciples" (mathÄ“teusate). Evangelism is therefore more than getting people to make a decision; it involves helping people become committed followers of Jesus.


The command includes, going, baptizing, and teaching. Christianity involves both proclamation and formation. Let us relegate formation and expect Christian maturity.


Significantly, Jesus concludes with a promise, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” The Great Commission comes with the Great Presence. We act because Christ accompanies us.


This reminds me of John Stott's statement, “We must be global Christians with a global vision because our God is a global God.”


DAILY ACT OF COMMISSION

1. SPEAK - Tell someone what Christ has done in your life.

2. SHOW - Demonstrate the Gospel through integrity, compassion, generosity, and holiness.

3. SERVE - Meet practical needs in Christ's name.

4. DISCIPLE - Help another believer grow through Scripture, prayer, and accountability.

5. PRAY - Ask God daily for opportunities to witness.


The Great Commission is not an occasional church programme. It is a daily Christian lifestyle.


Conclusion


The question is not whether we are called, but whether we will answer the call.


Christ has given us the foundation. The Spirit has given us power. The world is waiting for witnesses.


So tomorrow morning, when you leave your house, remember: you are entering the mission field. When you go to work, you are entering the mission field. When you meet your neighbour, open your phone, sit in a classroom, or interact with a stranger, you carry the Gospel.


The Great Commission is not simply to "Go" somewhere. It is to "Live" on mission wherever you are.


The Church does not exist merely to gather people into buildings. It exists to send disciples into the world.


Therefore, go with courage, speak with love, serve with humility, disciple with patience, and depend upon the Holy Spirit.


Christ has commissioned us. The Spirit empowers us. The world needs us. Now, let us go! Amen.


Shalom aleikhem...

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