Sunday Bulletin-18 February 2024

Reverend Wilfred Lim | Feb 18, 2024

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen (Matthew 28:19-20).

Dear worshipers of the Most High,

The clarion call of our Lord Jesus in the area of the Great Commission is that we should “Go” (and fulfil it). Have we? Be aware of the cunning persuasions that whisper otherwise; offering us seemingly valid excuses from obeying this divine commission of our Lord.

We often equate the Great Commission to the preaching of the gospel (Mark 16:15). The Gospel writer Matthew recorded something more from the lips of our Lord about this same commission – “teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you”. Here we see the picture of both catching (preaching) and washing (teaching) the fishes caught. The fishers of men must therefore see that the fishes that were caught are being washed as well. If we are unable to follow up with the new converts, we should make effort to see that they are anchored in some follow up classes or fellowship where some form of discipleship is implemented. They must be cleansed, i.e. be taught to observe the Lord’s commandments.

The lack of teaching for the new converts offers some explanations as to why “the churches are full of the world”. New converts properly and carefully taught will have their minds renewed by the word of God and lives transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. While those who have been neglected may continue in their old appetite of the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic, doing so right now inside the church (Numbers 11:5). These have come out of Egypt, but Egypt remains largely within them. This should not be. “Egypt” must be uprooted from within all converts’ hearts. All converts must be taught and trained to be the disciples of Christ; and ultimately to be the matured and perfected people unto the Lord (Ephesians 4:11-13, 5:27). This highlights the great need and importance of teaching in the Great Commission. The Great Commission should not end with the preaching of the gospel; all new converts must be sanctified and cleansed with the washing of water by the word (Ephesians 5:26).

Another very important point for the labourers in the vineyard is this – it is not enough that we teach the truth, we must desire and possess the truth ourselves. A teacher that has fallen off the narrow path will inevitably cause many of his or her students to stumble one way or another. That is the impact that comes with leadership, including a teacher (Matthew 26:31). Therefore, it is *not only about teaching the truth, but it is also being the truth we preached; just as our Lord Jesus is the Truth (John 14:6). A teacher that only teaches but does not practice is a hypocrite. Our Lord Jesus testified against such in His days. He warned the multitudes and His disciples of the scribes and Pharisees, “whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do” (Matthew 23:3). This should not be said of any teacher of the Holy Word. Rather, “buy the truth and do not sell it” (Proverbs 23:23), and “desire truth in the inward parts” (Psalms 51:6).

Beloved saints of God, let us obey the divine commission of our Lord Jesus – Preach the truth, Teach the truth and also Possess the truth.

Shalom,
Reverend Wilfred Lim