Matthew 28: 19 tells us to go and make disciples of all nations. The reasons are set out in Matthew 9:37 which says the harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few. However, we have become so slack in these last days expecting the return of Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 3; 1-2 says in the last days there will come times of stress. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, inhuman, implacable, slanderers, profligates, fierce, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding the form of religion but denying the power of it. Avoid such people. Such are the characters of the people we shall encounter on our mission. What questions do we anticipate in discipleship?
Can we fight the devil?
This question is often asked by the antichrist. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 says my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness that the power of Christ may rest upon me. In other words, we fight by grace and not by sight. Psalms 20:7 says some boast of chariots and some of horses; but we boast of the name of the LORD our God. We are enabled in the Lord’s battle by the Holy Spirit. Christ Jesus is the commander in chief of God’s army of Heaven. Psalms 50:15 says call upon me in times of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me. All we need is faith in God.
The enemy has already been defeated in battle. Colossians 2: 15 says He (Christ Jesus) disarmed the principalities and powers and made a public example of them, triumphing over them in him. Revelation 12: 11 says and they have conquered him (the devil) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. We hold on to God’s word as true because Proverbs 30: 5 says every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
Numbers 23:19 says God is not a man that he should lie. Matthew 5:18 says till heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Mark 13:31; Luke 21:33 say heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. Jesus said in John 14:13-14 that whatever you ask in my name, I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son; if you ask anything in my name, I will do it. Our trust is in the Lord. Psalms 37: 3 says commit your way to the Lord; trust him, and he will act. Hebrews 13: 5 says I will never fail you nor forsake you.
Why does God dishonor his word?
God does not fail on his promise. It is either our sins or we ask amiss without knowledge of God’s plan. Isaiah 59: 1-2 say behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy that it cannot hear; but your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you. 2 Chronicles 7: 14 says if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
God’s plan for us cannot be changed because he knows us better than we know ourselves. Jeremiah 1:5 says before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations. John 1:48 says Jesus also answered Nathanael, before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you. In other translations it says I knew you. Christ Jesus knows us more than we know ourselves. Psalms 66: 18 says if I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. Jeremiah 7: 16 says pray not, for I will not hear you. The woman at the well said in John 4: 29 come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ? Jesus knows us personally so he has made salvation a personal issue. Let us have faith in Christ Jesus.
In our haste, we say God has failed his promise. 2 Corinthians 5: 7 says for we walk by faith, not by sight. James 2: 17, 26 says so faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead. Just start believing in Christ Jesus and work towards your faith. John 20:29 says blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.
Where is Jesus Christ?
He is always close by and ready to relate with us. Revelation 3:20 says behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. Matthew 6:33 says seek first the kingdom of God and its righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well. Isaiah 55: 6 says seek the Lord while He may be found, call Him while He is near.
He wants to make life easy for us. Matthew 11:28-30 says come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Unfortunately, we are always shifty in our minds. James 1: 7 says a person must not suppose that a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways, will receive anything from the Lord. Revelation 3: 16 says because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of my mouth.
We struggle to find or hear Jesus because of the attractions to other doctrines, creeds or faiths. Romans 16: 17 says I appeal to you, brethren, to take note of those who create dissensions and difficulties, in opposition to the doctrine which you have been taught; avoid them. Ephesians 4: 14 says until we all attain to mature manhood in the fullness of Christ Jesus, let us not be tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the cunning of men, by their craftiness in deceitful wiles. Hebrews 13: 9 says be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines.
Is Christ Jesus only for Jews?
Jesus came for the whole world so he sent his disciples to preach to the whole world. 2 Corinthians 5: 15 says and he (Christ Jesus) died for all, that those who live might live no longer for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. Luke 19:10 says, for the Son of man came to seek and to save the lost. It takes a simple invitation in prayer acknowledging him to know his truth. Acts 16:31 says believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.
We must look nowhere else save Jesus Christ. Acts 4: 12 says there is salvation in no other name under heaven given among men by which we can be saved. Philippians 2:12 says work out our salvation with fear and trembling. John 10:8 says all those who came before me are thieves and robbers. 1 Corinthians 10:23 says all things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient; all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. As the way forward, 1 Corinthians 12:10 says test all spirits.
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus Christ, we open our hearts to you to come in and take your place. Heal our divided minds and enable us to know you more so we can be better disciples in the battle for souls. Give us the culture of heaven to live right as adopted citizens by your grace. Thank you Lord Jesus, Amen!!
