What’s Happened to the Great Commission?

Mt 28:18-20
Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Ac 1:6-8
So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

These are the wonderful and matchless words of Jesus. Here in these words are the strategy and call of His church until He returns. These are His methods and desire for His church. Many have preached on them but too few have actually put them in to practice! Some are hold up in their 'Jerusalem' and just concentrating on building there to the exclusion of the 'Judea, Samaria, and ends of the earth.' We stress bigger, better, and larger at home and have a minimal effort globally, if at all.

Less than 15% of evangelical churches have some viable form of a global missions program. And yet with just that 15% we are making some Kingdom advancements! Just think how this could all be ended and Jesus returns if we were all on board.

We have it all backward:
1. Looking to build at home instead of putting money and personnel into the Global cause.

2. We respond to a Global disaster with money thinking that qualifies as a missions outreach. It placates our consciences that tell us we are not doing the right things.

3. We build bigger and better buildings that get foreclosed on in down economic times.

4. We are suspicious towards the appeals to help starving children thinking it’s a sham and only stuffing someone else’s pocket.

5. We may have great leaders and communicators in the church today but they have no vision for Global outreach and are content to let the 15% struggle along to accomplish the task.

6. Leaders investing in their own personal lives and locality rather than investing in the Kingdom advancement.

Herein is the problem. I always taught in Bible College that the key to a successful Missions program in the local church is the Pastor. If he wasn't on board fully, the efforts of the church would be minimal. Here is the formula- pastor + no Global vision = no missions!

Mt 24:14
And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

Forgive us Lord Jesus for not doing what you commissioned us to stay here and do. Honest, we really do want you to return for your Bride even though we tarry and are busy just adorning ourselves.