Matthew 28: 19-20
"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."
This is one of my favorite passages in the Bible, and in particular the last sentence, a direct quote from Jesus: "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." We are promised the same as the disciples were promised. When we proclaim Christ as our Savior, we are assured we will be forever with God. Again, baptism represents the public proclamation of one's acceptance of Jesus Christ. When the disciples led someone to know and accept Jesus, baptism was included. In the Methodist church, baptism is often done in infancy, and so (in that case) has a somewhat different meaning. In the end, the most important part is the most important part, and Christ will be with us until the end of the age!
Holy Lord, thank you for your many blessings, which I do not deserve. I am so grateful. Amen
Becky, transforming
Monday, August 7th, 2023
Matthew 28:19-20
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Ric’s message in our service yesterday was on this same scripture. The first step in becoming a modern day disciple begins in the exact place where we are standing right now. We do not have to be qualified to take that first step. It doesn’t matter if we are rich or poor. There is no requirement to be educated, eloquent, or intellectual. We do not hav…
Matthew 28:19-20
Although we are writing about baptism, the last line of verse 20, I am with you always, is what stayed with me. Our choir sang “Do You Love Me,” Sunday. The answer, of course, is Yes Lord. It is His response that is most important. “if you truly love me, feed my lambs, take care of them, and understand that “I will be with you.” That’s the most important line, both in the song and in verse 20. We are never truly Alone in what we do. He will always be with us.
Prayer: Gracious God, when I feel alone and struggling, help me remember this statement by you—I will be with you. Amen
Matthew 28: 19-20 We are taught the marks of the church as being one, holy, apostolic and catholic (universal). Each time we reach out to a person who does not know Jesus, to make that introduction, we are being apostolic, carrying out the Great Commission given to the apostles in Matthew’s gospel. At the same time, Jesus ordained baptism as the public sign of a profession of faith in the Good News. When was the last time you witnessed a “believer’s baptism,” crossing from darkness into light as teen or adult? It has a much different feel than infant baptism. Are there opportunities for us in our community?
Prayer - God of salvation, give us the eyes to see and the…