The mission statement of the church
As I have mentioned earlier, the mission statement of the church is actually repeated four times in the bible. In Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-20, Luke 24:44-51 Acts 1:4-9
For this writing we will only look at the first one in Matthew, although each of the other three have a unique lessons to teach. As in Luke’s statement that give’s many more detail along with irrefutable evidence that this is the beginning of the Gospel and Church. Or Marks statement which speak of the demonstration of power in all obedient believers of the Gospels. I will write on these in the near future. In fact is am currently working on an book that will bear this title. But for now let’s focus on Matthews, the most concise of all Church Mission statements! And the one I like above all the others. I like it because, it gets right to the point in very few words. And virtually all necessary understandings are seen in it. So let’s get to it.
Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.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:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
As you have already guessed this was our Lords last instructions and words before the ascension. If you could put this mission statement in a pot and broil down to it’s bear essentials. There would be four words at the bottom of the pot. Those words would be go, teach, baptize, teach. I see the this as the mission statement in it’s most essential form.
Our first work is to go, and is written to all who come to Christ and obeys the gospel. Each one after coming to Jesus by way of true repentance. Will ultimately depart differently than they came. Much like Ezekiel in the old testament.
Ezekiel 46:9 But when the people of the land shall come before the LORD in the solemn feasts, he that entereth in by the way of the north gate to worship shall go out by the way of the south gate; and he that entereth by the way of the south gate shall go forth by the way of the north gate: he shall not return by the way of the gate whereby he came in, but shall go forth over against it.
Anyone one coming and obeying Christ will without doubt depart in a different way than he came. We may remain in the same physical location but our life will change significantly. It is impossible for a person to come to Christ and obey the gospel and not have changes take place, so powerful is his work in us. So the first thing we need to understand with regard to the mission statement is “Go” we emerge out of our comfort zones and explore this new life in a totally different way than ever before.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Following that, the mission of the church is to teach. I firmly believe that teaching is the most important thing the church does in this world! Simply because it is mentioned twice. That is to say out of the four action verbs teach is mentioned twice. It is therefore very important.
…and teach all nations baptizing them,…… Teaching them to observe all things…
but note that the first lesson is already defined for us. The first lesson is and always should be the be Baptism! I know this is not the most popular message but I refuse to change or compromise the message as others do Galations 1:6 comes to mind.
Galatians 1:6 ¶I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
Let’s keep it fully biblical and teach that which the bible truly teaches! Go, Teach, Baptize, Teach!
So why the lesson on baptisem? Because salvation is always first lesson and baptism is essential to salvation Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
This an important concept because we may never get a second chance to teach salvation. Noting is more important than salvation. We dare not teach any other concept first. Because it possible to be moral good and a godly and good person and yet not be saved. It is real problem in the church today people have have not even been saved are believing that they are saved. Because the Gospel of Jesus Christ has so dramatically changed their lives. They mistake those extraordinary changes for salvation! Humans must learn how to be saved! Correctly
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
This was and remains the plan of Salvation. These men were pricked in their hearts and needed to know what to do. It is no surprised that the disciples first taught about baptism. You will find that baptism is the first thing to be taught constantly thought out the book of Acts by every single person sharing the Gospel. Acts 8:16, Act’s 8:36, Acts 10:47, Act’s 19:4-5 Act’s 22:16 Act’s 19:18, Act’s 16:15 Act’s 16:33.
Deuteronomy 17:6 At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; but at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death.
This witness stands!
It is no wonder that the Doctrine of baptism it the first thing to be taught when it comes to the Gospel of Jesus Christ! The only mystery is how it is that in the face of this overwhelming evidence the church as a whole missed it?
Only after an individual: has been baptized in water should he be taught any other doctrine. According to the mission statement of the church as given by Jesus Christ after his baptisms should he be taught “all things” . This then is the mission statement of the church according to Matthews gospel. Go, Teach, Baptize,Teach,
This is only the first recorded mission statement. Remember there are three others that we may look upon for instructions. I will write about these in the near future. Until then you may contact me if you you have any questions concerning any of the things God has given me to write about. If you have comments I would love the hear them. Further more please visit our churches webside for more informaton www.agfchurch.com. As a personal favor please leave a comment I would love to see them.
