Lesson for 21 February 2016: Go Ye Therefore…
Matthew 28:18-20 KJV-
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 always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
This is the word the Lord Jesus Christ spoke to the Disciples. Notice the word, “them” in v. 18 means the Disciples of Jesus Christ. He was going to Heaven when he spoke of this. He was giving us a commandment. This Commandment is called, “The Great Commission.”
Jesus Christ was telling us what we need to do. He did not say, “Please.” He did not say in form of begging, “Come on!” No. He was telling us like a commander or a general in the military would do.
The word Teach in verse 19 AND 20 means teach but not only that, preach, and SHOW others. Because look at verse 20- “Teaching them to observe all things…” Meaning to SHOW all things. In other word, tell them to watch all things Jesus have commanded you. Such as be nice, be thoughtful, be honest, show the Love of God, show this or that in the Lord.
Back to the word Commandment. Jesus commanded us. Like in the military, we as Christian soldiers that we must behave like one.
Ephesians 6: 10 KJV-
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Therefore, we are to listen to God who commands us. Like soldiers in the military, we behave the same. Here are the similiarities-
Christian Soldier
Military Soldier
Helmets
Helments
Shield
Shield (not always)
Armor
Bulletproof vest
The Word
Sword
Belt
Survival belt
Capture people for Christ
Capture people for government
“Kill old life”
Kills life.
Now as you can see similarities. Only difference is Christian soldiers have responsibility to go out and spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to SAVE people. OLD way DIES. In the military, you are ordered to KILL people who are your enemies. Big differences.
Also the differences is you have to show love to your enemies. Not in the military.
Focus on the idea of we must obey the commandments!
Supportive verse is…
Mark 16:15-16 KJV-
15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Those verses in Mark clearly is a lined-to verse or supportive to Matthew 28:19-20. So therefore teach is also preach. Again, it rhyme! Teach-preach. Word-Sword. Get it!? They go hand in hand. We have poetic language!
John 21:24-25 KJV-
24 This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true.
25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.
Now, in this Gospel- John 21:24 and 25 IS supportive because you can see in his interpretation that the disciple which testifieth.. testified of these things means he spoke of the things Jesus has commanded us and wrote those things. Like John himself did and others have. All in the Bible have witnessed their lives in relationship with God. And they told in stories by voice before Moses and he wrote those down and it was all recorded ever since.
Verse 25 to me sounded a little “joke” but it was not. It was saying that there are so many things that Jesus has done and God has done ever since the Creation that it would have been written quite much more! Image it would have been written as thick as if it was stacked up higher than the World’s tallest building. If that so, no way anyone can contain the books.
So, if you know what the Holy Ghost is working in you and what you should say to people when you witness, they shall seek the Truth from your heart. Yes, use the Bible but God is so much more!
Luke 24:47-48 KJV-
47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
48 And ye are witnesses of these things.
Again! The word preach is found here. So, ALL four gospels have ended that we have a solid commandment we must preach the Word of God. Again, Jesus spoke to the Disciples that they need to start preaching from where they began-at Jerusalem. Because that was where Jesus died on the Cross, buried, and risen from the Dead. So, the proclamation of the Gospel started there.
Nations does not mean countries but people. This verse clearly explained what nations means which explains clearly for Matthew 28:18-20. Both of those are really talking about ethic groups-Deaf, Hearing, Disabled, Caucasian, Asians, Jewish people, Muslim, etc.
Christianity began with Jesus spreading to the 12 Apostles then those 12 spread to hundreds and perhaps thousands in Israel area at time of Christ. 500 witnessed Christ risen from the Dead. That spread to Europe because the Roman Empire was Europe. Not only that, Middle East and Northern Africa. Thanks to Cristoforo Colon (Columbus) discovered America, Christians saw advantage to move to America to settle their own nations of Christians and this is where we are today.
Now, if you love Jesus, what you are supposed to do?
John 14:15 KJV-
15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
Ah! Keep his commandments! That is why when you go to Heaven, He will ask you what did you do for me? This was the key you are supposed to do.
Do not make it sound more legalistic. You are supposed to love others, share, etc. You will learn more as we go on in weeks ahead of today.
What I mean by legalistic.. do not do what Mormons/Latter Days Saints do. No. Do not be like Jehovah’s Witnesses. NO. Not even Iglesias Ni Cristo.
So, you need to obey God. Not what your religion asks you to do so. I can’t recall which one you have to witness 3000 to be saved then you earn your way to heaven.
One thing those cults got right is about the verse-Matthew 28:18-20! So, we need to get back to that and maybe start visitations, etc. Bring back visitation but in different way. Start Evangelism team instead of visitations. In another word, new method, new ways to witness.
Best to do 2 in a team to witness 1. Not in a crowd like Deaf Panera Coffee Night. BAD method. BEST is when you see them alone. Door to door is nice but people are calling police these days.. So, you need a permit and you are not ordained as a pastor to do this. We will discuss how and pray what we can do as we develop teams.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 KJV-
9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.
10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.
11 Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?
12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
So, you can see what we need to do especially verse 9? TWO. Because NSBC wants to have evangelism and discipleship in church. We can do the same.. We should have a deaf group to become teams of pairs. We grow together, daily reading, how? Talk to each other online or texting. And see each other at church and grow together. Buddy system. Boy Scouts are taught that. Be prepared! I was taught that and it is quite effective. Like JW, LDS, and INK. They have teams.
We need to do that and THEN we will grow strong. A team go witnessing and then when that person is saved, THEN do NOT let that person go. CONTINUE TO work with that baby Christian by inviting to church, sit next to in church and go forth. More on this later.
Remember what Jesus said to the Fishermen in Matthew 4:19.
Matthew 4:19 KJV-
18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
Now, lets turn to this verse which will be connected to the John 14:15 which is..
Acts 5:32 KJV-
32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.
Now lets go back to John 14:15 and 16
John 14:15 and 16 KJV-
15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
As you can see, when you obey God, you will receive the Holy Ghost.
Your body is Temple of God. Holy Ghost in you.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 KJV-
19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's
This tells you that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost. You are part of God. You are not God. God is in you. That is the huge difference. Therefore, you need to glorify God and Spirit. Therefore, when you do that, others will see you and learn about God through you. That is effective witnessing. You will learn more.
Acts 1:4-8 KJV-
4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
The verses in Acts chapter 1, verses 4 to 8 explains the duties. Verse 4 explains you need to be with other Christians and wait. But look at end of verse-“which, saith he, ye have heard of me.” Meaning Heard of Jesus Christ. Therefore, you tell them about Christ—that is, teach all nations!
Remember I spoke of the Holy Ghost? Verse 5 explained about baptizing. Being Baptized with the Holy Ghost. You are married the moment. It means you will filled with the Holy Ghost.
Sixth verse explains about when people ask about when there will be the restoration-the Kingdom of God-to Israel. This means people want to learn! Teach them!
Seventh verse tells you that no one knows the hour, not even Jesus but the Father. We can not even know it and still we can receive the power (verse eight). After receiving the Holy Ghost, you shall be witness-meaning you will witness others to Christ everywhere God will lead you.
See what we all need to do? This is what Jesus wants you to do. First being saved, then go tell the world!
There are three main things we need to know how to witness people. When we witness, we need to trust the Holy Ghost to do His work. 3 things we need to know.
3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
This means we need to show the light. Point the way to God. How? Explain to them about God. About Jesus Christ.
Acts 2:37 KJV-
37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
This means we need to stir their hearts. Throw a “wrench” in their hearts and minds. Let them get confused but do not make them confused forever. Throw it in then lead them OUT of that mess in their lives. Talk about their lives. Where they are going. Why they are going to a very unpleasant place. Then show them John 3:16, Eph. 2:8-9, etc. Best way is more of a story telling method than biblical verses because with Bible they will clearly slam the door shut completely.
Story telling is effective. Jesus used more of stories than a lot of verses. If you know the gospel, it works.
3. Move the will of the Unbelievers. Like the prodigal son. He returned. (Spirit or can be mouth/confess).
Luke 15:18 KJV-
18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
This one explains then they need to confess their sins, ask for forgiveness, surrender, and proclaim Jesus is Lord and Savior and prayer for salvation with the team.
4.Invite the newly Saved Christian. Invite to fellowship, reading together once a week or even daily if desired.
Matthew 18:20 KJV-
20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
More on this 4th step as we go along. We will learn a lot of verses relate to this for the importance of having a team of 2 who witnessed someone to the Lord AND stay with that person beyond that person salvation the moment that person surrendered to Christ. This is to encourage fellowship until the baby Christian is strong enough to eat meat THEN that person can join a new team and witness another person, a second generation to be saved.
End of lesson for Feb 21, 2016.
Next week is focus on first part. Each week is each part then other half of lesson is discussion of how we can work on that topic.
Thank you and God bless!
Matthew 28:18-20 KJV-
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 always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
This is the word the Lord Jesus Christ spoke to the Disciples. Notice the word, “them” in v. 18 means the Disciples of Jesus Christ. He was going to Heaven when he spoke of this. He was giving us a commandment. This Commandment is called, “The Great Commission.”
Jesus Christ was telling us what we need to do. He did not say, “Please.” He did not say in form of begging, “Come on!” No. He was telling us like a commander or a general in the military would do.
The word Teach in verse 19 AND 20 means teach but not only that, preach, and SHOW others. Because look at verse 20- “Teaching them to observe all things…” Meaning to SHOW all things. In other word, tell them to watch all things Jesus have commanded you. Such as be nice, be thoughtful, be honest, show the Love of God, show this or that in the Lord.
Back to the word Commandment. Jesus commanded us. Like in the military, we as Christian soldiers that we must behave like one.
Ephesians 6: 10 KJV-
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Therefore, we are to listen to God who commands us. Like soldiers in the military, we behave the same. Here are the similiarities-
Christian Soldier
Military Soldier
Helmets
Helments
Shield
Shield (not always)
Armor
Bulletproof vest
The Word
Sword
Belt
Survival belt
Capture people for Christ
Capture people for government
“Kill old life”
Kills life.
Now as you can see similarities. Only difference is Christian soldiers have responsibility to go out and spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to SAVE people. OLD way DIES. In the military, you are ordered to KILL people who are your enemies. Big differences.
Also the differences is you have to show love to your enemies. Not in the military.
Focus on the idea of we must obey the commandments!
Supportive verse is…
Mark 16:15-16 KJV-
15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Those verses in Mark clearly is a lined-to verse or supportive to Matthew 28:19-20. So therefore teach is also preach. Again, it rhyme! Teach-preach. Word-Sword. Get it!? They go hand in hand. We have poetic language!
John 21:24-25 KJV-
24 This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true.
25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.
Now, in this Gospel- John 21:24 and 25 IS supportive because you can see in his interpretation that the disciple which testifieth.. testified of these things means he spoke of the things Jesus has commanded us and wrote those things. Like John himself did and others have. All in the Bible have witnessed their lives in relationship with God. And they told in stories by voice before Moses and he wrote those down and it was all recorded ever since.
Verse 25 to me sounded a little “joke” but it was not. It was saying that there are so many things that Jesus has done and God has done ever since the Creation that it would have been written quite much more! Image it would have been written as thick as if it was stacked up higher than the World’s tallest building. If that so, no way anyone can contain the books.
So, if you know what the Holy Ghost is working in you and what you should say to people when you witness, they shall seek the Truth from your heart. Yes, use the Bible but God is so much more!
Luke 24:47-48 KJV-
47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
48 And ye are witnesses of these things.
Again! The word preach is found here. So, ALL four gospels have ended that we have a solid commandment we must preach the Word of God. Again, Jesus spoke to the Disciples that they need to start preaching from where they began-at Jerusalem. Because that was where Jesus died on the Cross, buried, and risen from the Dead. So, the proclamation of the Gospel started there.
Nations does not mean countries but people. This verse clearly explained what nations means which explains clearly for Matthew 28:18-20. Both of those are really talking about ethic groups-Deaf, Hearing, Disabled, Caucasian, Asians, Jewish people, Muslim, etc.
Christianity began with Jesus spreading to the 12 Apostles then those 12 spread to hundreds and perhaps thousands in Israel area at time of Christ. 500 witnessed Christ risen from the Dead. That spread to Europe because the Roman Empire was Europe. Not only that, Middle East and Northern Africa. Thanks to Cristoforo Colon (Columbus) discovered America, Christians saw advantage to move to America to settle their own nations of Christians and this is where we are today.
Now, if you love Jesus, what you are supposed to do?
John 14:15 KJV-
15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
Ah! Keep his commandments! That is why when you go to Heaven, He will ask you what did you do for me? This was the key you are supposed to do.
Do not make it sound more legalistic. You are supposed to love others, share, etc. You will learn more as we go on in weeks ahead of today.
What I mean by legalistic.. do not do what Mormons/Latter Days Saints do. No. Do not be like Jehovah’s Witnesses. NO. Not even Iglesias Ni Cristo.
So, you need to obey God. Not what your religion asks you to do so. I can’t recall which one you have to witness 3000 to be saved then you earn your way to heaven.
One thing those cults got right is about the verse-Matthew 28:18-20! So, we need to get back to that and maybe start visitations, etc. Bring back visitation but in different way. Start Evangelism team instead of visitations. In another word, new method, new ways to witness.
Best to do 2 in a team to witness 1. Not in a crowd like Deaf Panera Coffee Night. BAD method. BEST is when you see them alone. Door to door is nice but people are calling police these days.. So, you need a permit and you are not ordained as a pastor to do this. We will discuss how and pray what we can do as we develop teams.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 KJV-
9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.
10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.
11 Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?
12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
So, you can see what we need to do especially verse 9? TWO. Because NSBC wants to have evangelism and discipleship in church. We can do the same.. We should have a deaf group to become teams of pairs. We grow together, daily reading, how? Talk to each other online or texting. And see each other at church and grow together. Buddy system. Boy Scouts are taught that. Be prepared! I was taught that and it is quite effective. Like JW, LDS, and INK. They have teams.
We need to do that and THEN we will grow strong. A team go witnessing and then when that person is saved, THEN do NOT let that person go. CONTINUE TO work with that baby Christian by inviting to church, sit next to in church and go forth. More on this later.
Remember what Jesus said to the Fishermen in Matthew 4:19.
Matthew 4:19 KJV-
18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
Now, lets turn to this verse which will be connected to the John 14:15 which is..
Acts 5:32 KJV-
32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.
Now lets go back to John 14:15 and 16
John 14:15 and 16 KJV-
15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
As you can see, when you obey God, you will receive the Holy Ghost.
Your body is Temple of God. Holy Ghost in you.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 KJV-
19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's
This tells you that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost. You are part of God. You are not God. God is in you. That is the huge difference. Therefore, you need to glorify God and Spirit. Therefore, when you do that, others will see you and learn about God through you. That is effective witnessing. You will learn more.
Acts 1:4-8 KJV-
4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
The verses in Acts chapter 1, verses 4 to 8 explains the duties. Verse 4 explains you need to be with other Christians and wait. But look at end of verse-“which, saith he, ye have heard of me.” Meaning Heard of Jesus Christ. Therefore, you tell them about Christ—that is, teach all nations!
Remember I spoke of the Holy Ghost? Verse 5 explained about baptizing. Being Baptized with the Holy Ghost. You are married the moment. It means you will filled with the Holy Ghost.
Sixth verse explains about when people ask about when there will be the restoration-the Kingdom of God-to Israel. This means people want to learn! Teach them!
Seventh verse tells you that no one knows the hour, not even Jesus but the Father. We can not even know it and still we can receive the power (verse eight). After receiving the Holy Ghost, you shall be witness-meaning you will witness others to Christ everywhere God will lead you.
See what we all need to do? This is what Jesus wants you to do. First being saved, then go tell the world!
There are three main things we need to know how to witness people. When we witness, we need to trust the Holy Ghost to do His work. 3 things we need to know.
- Illuminate the minds of the Lost Hearts (lost souls). They are in darkness. (mind)
3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
This means we need to show the light. Point the way to God. How? Explain to them about God. About Jesus Christ.
- Stir the hearts of the Unbelievers. This is the same as if we perched into their hearts.
Acts 2:37 KJV-
37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
This means we need to stir their hearts. Throw a “wrench” in their hearts and minds. Let them get confused but do not make them confused forever. Throw it in then lead them OUT of that mess in their lives. Talk about their lives. Where they are going. Why they are going to a very unpleasant place. Then show them John 3:16, Eph. 2:8-9, etc. Best way is more of a story telling method than biblical verses because with Bible they will clearly slam the door shut completely.
Story telling is effective. Jesus used more of stories than a lot of verses. If you know the gospel, it works.
3. Move the will of the Unbelievers. Like the prodigal son. He returned. (Spirit or can be mouth/confess).
Luke 15:18 KJV-
18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
This one explains then they need to confess their sins, ask for forgiveness, surrender, and proclaim Jesus is Lord and Savior and prayer for salvation with the team.
4.Invite the newly Saved Christian. Invite to fellowship, reading together once a week or even daily if desired.
Matthew 18:20 KJV-
20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
More on this 4th step as we go along. We will learn a lot of verses relate to this for the importance of having a team of 2 who witnessed someone to the Lord AND stay with that person beyond that person salvation the moment that person surrendered to Christ. This is to encourage fellowship until the baby Christian is strong enough to eat meat THEN that person can join a new team and witness another person, a second generation to be saved.
End of lesson for Feb 21, 2016.
Next week is focus on first part. Each week is each part then other half of lesson is discussion of how we can work on that topic.
Thank you and God bless!