Greetings from Center Church and welcome to 2005! As we begin this New Year let me share a section of scripture that will be the foundation of much of my effort this coming year.
Matt 28:16-20 16 But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain, which Jesus had designated. 17 And when they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. 18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. “
Within the words of the well-known passage are volumes of lessons, books and sermons but given the limited space I will simply give you three words to consider as you read and re-read this section of God’s word.
The first word is EVANGELIZE. To evangelize, simply put, is it to tell people about the message of salvation. It is to tell a world lost in its’ sin that Jesus has given them hope for eternity. Baptizing is mentioned in this passage, which indicates a moment of salvation.
The second word to consider is ESTABLISH. To be established is to have a sense of belonging; a place to call home and this is done through the soil of relationships. The act of making disciples and teaching can only be done affectively through the avenue of a relationship where one feels secure.
The last word to consider is EQUIP. This word implies imparting in another the ability to do that which he or she is called do. It is giving one the tools to complete an appointed task.
Over the next year my focus will be to lead Center in the tasks of evangelizing, establishing and equipping. Please pray for your pastor and your church as we seek to fulfill the great commission found in Matthew 28.
Have a great 2005 and may God bless you in the coming year.
Pastor Mitch Fisher
