A Word for the Church.

Study the words that Jesus spoke after his resurrection and before he was received up into heaven;

Matt 28:18-20 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.

“Go ye”

Mark 16:15 Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

“Go ye”

Luke 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

“all nations”

John 21:1-25 In this chapter we find that Jesus shewed himself to the disciples for the third time (14), and his focus was on Peter who had denied him three times just a few days ago. Jesus prepared a meal, (an act of reconciliation) and they dined. “So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these?” (21:15-17) Jesus said this to Peter three times.

I believe that one reason Jesus asked Peter three times “do you love me?” was so that Peter might be able to forgive himself for denying Jesus three times, saying to Jesus,three times, yes Lord I Love you. Jesus also told Peter, three times “feed my sheep” and in verse 19 Jesus said to Peter, “Follow me”.

“feed my lambs”

Acts 1:8-9 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. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

Each one of us should make it a goal to answer this call from our Lord Jesus Christ, if you can’t go then your going to have to send somebody because nobody is exempt.

Further in the book of Acts we see the growth of the Church and all the amazing things that were done in Jerusalem, so much that “There came also a multitude out of the cities round about Jerusalem” (5:16) Then the high priest was filled with indignation and there were many with him (5:17) and eventually they stoned Stephen, they layed down their clothes at a young man’s feet, who’s name was Saul (7:58) Saul made havoc of the church (8:3)

“Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the Word” (8:4)

We know that God had a great plan for Paul (Saul), could this also mean that the church needed to be scattered? Jesus told them to “tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.” (Luke 24:49)

“tarry ye… until”

I believe what God is saying to the Church, is to seek Him for the right balance regarding “tarry ye” and “go ye”. I believe that our future as Christians depends on following God’s Word.

According to statistical overview by GCTS called “Status of Global Mission 2009″, 0.13 percent(thirteen cents per $100.00) of Church members personal income goes to global missions.