August 1, 2024
Go and Make Disciples -- Part 4
Matthew 28:18-20
08/01/2024
18 And Jesus came and said to them, ``All authority
in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father and of
the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded
you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end
of the age.'' (ESV)
We are studying the Great Commission this week as Trinity
Lutheran Church prepares to hear Reverend Mark Moss speak of the
Lutheran Heritage Foundation, a group dedicated to translating
and providing materials to Lutherans throughout the world.
And Jesus came and said to them, ``All authority in
heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore
and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in
the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy
Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have
commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the
end of the age.''
The Church makes disciples through baptism. As the water
and Word are applied, the Holy Spirit creates the faith which
holds firmly to God's promises. What are God's promises? That
is what Jesus taught. Jesus taught of God's grace and love,
given to His creation without our works. Jesus taught of the
hope we have of everlasting life, and sealed that hope with His
resurrection from the dead. Jesus taught the Word of God, for He
is the Word Incarnate.
The Church, therefore, seeks to teach the Word of God, to
bring hope and comfort to all people. All the writings of the
Church, the creeds and confessions, the teachings and doctrine,
must conform to the Word of God according to Christ's commission.
May our Lord keep us steadfast in His Word, that we may
teach His people the truth of His grace and mercy. Amen.