The Enduring Church

   Jesus had a plan. In it was for an enduring “church” (Matthew 16:18b). 

   Jesus’ trained disciples would play a pivotal role. These “unschooled, ordinary men” (Acts 4:13) would be leaders in Christ’s church, as empowered by the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8a).

   Jesus gave a commissioning just before His ascension back to heaven. In this final, earthly meeting with His disciples, He gave the broader strategy for His disciple’s role in this coming church and kingdom work.

   “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20a).

   It was a simple, three-fold strategy: make “disciples” (“new, passionate followers for Christ”)…baptize (entrance into Christ’s kingdom)…and, teach (the words and commands of Christ). These would be core elements of the Christ’s church — carried out, largely, by the disciples.

   The church had a remarkable beginning. As Christ planned it, His Spirit was released through His disciples, and tied to a single sermon, 3000 new converts were baptized and formed that “first body of believers” (Christ’s definition for His church). This was the functi ...

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