Great Commission

[rmwilliamsll]

first go read http://www.reformed.com/pub/greatcomm.htm
i found the link at:
http://www.puritanboard.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=12852&page=2#pid183671

has anyone been through this discussion?
it is new to me and most interesting.
tia

...

 

[Rick Otto]

But I've discussed it with some friends on other forums a coupla times.

Though I agree there's a form of entropy where we "wait for the rapture", I don't necessarily agree that "The Great Comission" was directed at ALL christians.
As a matter of fact, if you relate it to the previous verses, it can fit the profile of a judgement by challenge, not just a command, on the disciples it was delivered to, because of their fear & doubt.

Matt2810: Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.
11: Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done.
12: And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,
13: Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.
14: And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.
15: So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.
16: Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.
17: And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.
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.


A reason He told them "all authority" was given Him might've been to overcome their fear of government authorities, not just to legitimize His commandment.

At any rate, the final paragraph by this guy confirms for me, the nicolaitane attitude. He escalates the whole discipling mission into marching orders to do Great Battle for World Conquest. It smacks of manipulation in my estimation:

"The fact that the Church’s marching orders for world conquest are based upon Christ having all authority in heaven and on earth should give the Church great encouragement and optimism. Is there anyone or anything that has more power or authority than Jesus Christ? Christians should march off to battle knowing that Christ has secured the victory, and that His omnipotence cannot be thwarted. The pessimism and defeatism taught in so many churches today is totally unscriptural."

 

[rmwilliamsll]

right now i'm working on the meaning of ethnos and how he makes it equal the nations, confusing the european nation state with language and cultural groups.

 

[Rick Otto]

We've been given different gifts in different amounts. Another reason I wouldn't universalize "marching orders". Some people are just not cut-out for discipling.

 

[Jon_]

We've been given different gifts in different amounts. Another reason I wouldn't universalize "marching orders". Some people are just not cut-out for discipling.

I think you might mean "evangelism" here, Rick. Discipleship is used primarily in reference to the instruction of Christians. I think that I fall into this category. I am not a naturally empathetic person, so I'm not altogether good at witnessing to "the common man." When they hit me with questions like, "Why does allow me to hurt?" or "Why is there evil in the world?" I always end up giving them the right answer, but in the wrong way. Observe:

Heathen: "Why does God allow evil to exist?"
Me: "Because it is a part of his sovereign plan to glorify himself."
Heathen: "That seems pretty prideful to me."
Me: "Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God?" (Rom. 9:20)

At which point I launch into why their "opinion" of God is utterly meaningless and that they must submit their understanding to the Word of God.

On the other hand, the Gospel is offensive to unregenerate man, so perhaps they are supposed to get upset.

In any case, I don't often get much in the way of response when I share God's Word. Of course, I don't save anyone. It is all the work of God. So it is entirely his prerogative whether or not anyone comes to the Lord by circumstance of my witnessing. So long as I am obedient in sharing the Word, my duty is fulfilled.

It's probably because my personality is inclined toward polemics.

Soli Deo Gloria

Jon

 

[Rick Otto]

I did mean evangelism, and you're right...
you're not exactly "warm & fuzzy" with the hard facts of truth.
But that's iight wid me, 'cause I can't respect a friend who won't tell me "where to get off" when I need it, & I occaisionaly do need it.
I can be a little high strung at times. My sax player says,"Don' be wiggin' out, Otto!" - it works. He keeps his sense of humor which helps me keep mine.

 

[ClementofRome]

............Observe:

Heathen: "Why does God allow evil to exist?"
Me: "Because it is a part of his sovereign plan to glorify himself."
Heathen: "That seems pretty prideful to me."
Me: "Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God?" (Rom. 9:20)

At which point I launch into why their "opinion" of God is utterly meaningless and that they must submit their understanding to the Word of God.

On the other hand, the Gospel is offensive to unregenerate man, so perhaps they are supposed to get upset.............

Soli Deo Gloria

Jon

Jon, you slay me! That is exactly MY problem... It is not that I do not want to engage non-believers (in fact, my best friend of 25 years is a hard core atheist and we engage somewhat regularly), but that my arguments are so presuppositional that I seem to get no where in the short run.

 

[Jon_]

Jon, you slay me! That is exactly MY problem... It is not that I do not want to engage non-believers (in fact, my best friend of 25 years is a hard core atheist and we engage somewhat regularly), but that my arguments are so presuppositional that I seem to get no where in the short run.

Well, I'm glad to see I'm not alone. At least I'm not the only who might be doing it wrong!

Soli Deo Gloria

Jon

 

[ClementofRome]

"Wrong" is my middle name.... my initials are MWG!

 

[5solas]

Well, I'm glad to see I'm not alone. At least I'm not the only who might be doing it wrong!

which reminds me of this:

2Cor 12,10 .... for when I am weak, then am I strong.

btw: "might" is the correct expression for I am sure that when we are witnessing and when we think we did it wrong it is perhaps just what the other needed to hear..... God does not make any mistakes