Early Christian Practices and The Great Commission
Discover the early Christian practices of fellowship, devotion, and ministry as described in the Bible, along with the importance of disciple-making and evangelism. Explore the significance of the Great Commission and its impact on spreading the teachings of Jesus.
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Presentation Transcript
And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and prayer. And everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. And all those who had believed were together, and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions, and were sharing them with all, as any one might have need. And day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God, and having favor with all people. And the Lord was adding day by day those who were being saved.
Worship And they were continually devoting themselves... to prayer. And everyone kept feeling a sense of awe... and day by day continuing with one mind in the temple... praising God.
Fellowship And they were breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people.
Disciple-making And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles teaching.
Evangelism And the Lord was adding day by day those who were being saved.
Ministry And all those who had believed were together, and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions, and were sharing them with all, as any one might have need.
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:18-20
The Great Commission is not just preaching the gospel. It is much more. It is preaching the gospel, leading people to Christ, baptizing them into the fellowship of a local church and teaching them to obey (disciple- making) all that Jesus teaches. The Great commission has not been complete until a person is saved, incorporated into a local body, discipled, and equipped to lead others to Christ.
A disciple is a learner A Christian disciple is one who learns to be more like Christ A disciple is an imitator An imitator of Christ (Ephesians 5:1-2) Therefore be imitators of God as beloved children and walk in love just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us. An imitator of godly Christians (I Thessalonians 2:14) You, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea.
The methods widely used often attempt to compact a life- transforming gospel presentation into a 15 minute or less visitation call. In the process, little consideration is given to the unique needs of the individual. The non-Christian has a very limited opportunity to dialogue about the consequences of this major step of faith. No significant relationships are established. Non-Christians seldom, if ever, have a chance to observe the realities of Christ in the lives of Christians. And there is often no effective plan for the new convert to become incorporated into the life of the local congregation
Disciple-making is not a course to be taught, but a covenant to be made. Invest your life into another person. Pray with them. Weep with them. Open your life to them. Teach by both word and deed. Take as long as it takes.
Jesus and his disciples Paul and Timothy Paul and Titus Moses and Joshua Elijah and Elisha
In Biblical times, disciple-making involved a lifelong commitment Today, disciple-making has been reduced to a workbook and weekly meetings In Biblical times, disciple-making was the primary function of the gathered church Today, fellowship is the primary function of the gathered church In Biblical times, disciple-making was an essential non-negotiable component of the gathered church Today, disciple-making is an option that is seldom offered in the local church, and is even more seldom initiated In Biblical times, disciple-making focused on every area of a believer s life Today, disciple-making focuses mainly on witnessing and church leadership In Biblical times, disciple-making had a profound impact on the local church Today, disciple-making has no recognizable impact on the local church
The lack of health, internal unity, transformed lives, community impact, national impact, and the long gradual decline of the church in America can be completely traced to the fact that the church in America has virtually abandoned Jesus command to make disciples.
We are commanded to make disciples. We do not learn values, we catch them. Making disciples produces mature believers. Mature believers are too busy serving Jesus to quarrel over insignificant issues. The relationships forged will help to build a strong community within the church Strong relationships and strong community create a strong and healthy church. Christianity will not survive without disciple-making.
