For centuries we have called it the Great Commission. Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and Acts all refer to it. Christians in the first century lived by it. Missionaries in the 20th century devoted their lives to it. Will Christians in the 21st century embrace it or ignore it?

That is my question today as we take into consideration the parting words of Jesus to believers. “Go into all your worlds and make disciples intentionally.” That is my paraphrase of the Great Commission and therein lies the mission statement for every church and the marching orders of every Christian.

I. Go

My missions professor in seminary spent most of his life as a missionary in India. I will never forget the passionate pleas of J.T. Seamonds for everyone to engage in Christian outreach. He liked to put it this way,…