Send us Fan Mail "Our Mission Mandate as Christians I. Introduction: The Core Nature of Christianity The Thesis: Christianity is inherently and fundamentally a missionary religion designed to convert others to faith in Jesus Christ. The Defect of Passive Faith: Any form of Christianity that does not actively bear witness to Jesus is explicitly labeled as defective, as the Bible strictly mandates this lifestyle. II. The Historical and Physical Proof of the Resurrection The Core Event: The mandate is rooted in historical reality: Jesus was crucified, buried, and physically raised from the dead 2,000 years ago in Jerusalem. Tangible Evidence over Isolation: * Jesus did not appear to just one person or in secret; he repeatedly manifested to groups of disciples (ranging from 8, 10, to 11 at a time). He proved his physical, bodily resurrection by speaking, allowing disciples to touch his wounds, and physically eating broiled fish. The 40-Day Instruction Period: Jesus spent 40 busy days on Earth post-resurrection, using his authority as King to instruct his followers on their vital mandate before ascending into heaven. III. The Fivefold New Testament Commission (Chronological Review) The speaker outlines how the critical mission to spread the message of Jesus is uniquely underscored by being recorded five distinct times in the New Testament: Commission 1: John’s Account (The First Evening)Occurs on the evening of the resurrection behind locked doors. Jesus provides peace, shows his wounds, and sends them out with the model: "As the Father has sent me, even so I'm sending you.". He breathes on them to receive the Holy Spirit and speaks on the authority of handling forgiveness. Note on Thomas: Thomas misses this first meeting, doubts, but makes a grand confession of faith ("My Lord and my God") the following week. Commission 2: Luke’s Account (The First Evening)Connected to the Road to Emmaus disciples returning to the 11 in Jerusalem. Jesus proves his physical nature by eating, then opens their minds to understand that his suffering and resurrection fulfilled the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms. He commands that repentance and forgiveness of sins be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem. Commission 3: Luke’s Account in Acts (The Day of Ascension)Jesus corrects the disciples' focus from political timing (restoring the kingdom to Israel) to global witnessing. He promises the immediate power of the Holy Spirit to make them witnesses from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. Commission 4: Matthew’s Account (The Royal Commission)Takes place on a designated mountain in Galilee during the 40-day window. Jesus claims "all authority" in heaven and on earth. He issues the authoritative directive to go, make disciples of all nations, baptize them in the name of the Triune God, and teach obedience to his commands, backed by his perpetual presence. Commission 5: Paul’s Account (The Ministry of Reconciliation)Focuses on the conversion and commission of Paul, a former chief persecutor of the church. Frames evangelism as being driven by the love of Christ because believers are entirely new creations. Defines the church's status as "ambassadors for Christ," entrusted with the message and appeal for the world to be reconciled to God. IV. Conclusion: The Universal Scope and Purpose of the Mandate Not Restricted to the Apostles: The commission was explicitly not just for the original 12 disciples; it is binding for all believers across all time. A Shared, Joyful Responsibility: While some possess a distinct spiritual gift of evangelism, every Christian is expected to witness to Christ through both their spoken words and the actions of their lives. The Ultimate Goal: To share what God has done so that mankind can receive the forgiveness of sins, walk in eternal life, and be incorporated into the body of believers. Bible Insights with Wayne Conrad Contact: 8441 Hunnicut Rd Dallas, Texas 75228 email: Att. Bible Insights Wayne Conrad gsccdallas@gmail.com (Good Shepherd Church) Donation https://gsccdallas.org https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJTZX6qasIrPmC1wQpben9g https://www.facebook.com/waconrad or gscc https://www.sermonaudio.com/gscc Spirit, Truth and Grace Ministries Phone # 214-324-9915 leave message with number for call back Psalms 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
