Summary
Learn about the importance of the Great Commandment and the Great Commission in the church. Discover what a church should do, how to love God and others, and how to share the good news of Jesus Christ. Find practical ways to live out these commands and make a positive impact in your community. Reflect on the significance of love, faith, and outreach in the church and be inspired to become a beacon of light and love in the world.
Table of Contents
Introduction: What a Church Should Do
One of the Big Questions we are currently asking ourselves as part of our Big Conversation, is what does God want us to do in the 21st century? As a church, our primary calling is to fulfil the Great Commandment: to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbours as ourselves. This commandment reminds us that our faith is not just about attending worship meetings or following religious traditions, but about cultivating a deep, genuine love for God and for one another.
The Great Commandment: Loving God and Others
Practically, this means that our church should be a place where people experience the unconditional love of God. It should be a community where we support and care for one another, where we listen, empathise, and encourage. By living out the Great Commandment, we become a beacon of love that draws people closer to God and to each other.
The Great Commission: Sharing the Good News
In addition to loving one another, Jesus also commissioned us to go and make disciples of all nations. This is known as the Great Commission. As a church, we are called to share the good news of Jesus Christ with those who have not yet heard it. We are called to be ambassadors of hope, spreading the message of salvation and inviting others to experience the life-transforming power of Christ.
Practically, this means that our church should be actively engaged in reaching out to our community and beyond. We should be intentional in our efforts to share the love of Christ through acts of kindness, service projects, and evangelistic initiatives. By fulfilling the Great Commission, we become a catalyst for spiritual growth and renewal in the lives of individuals and communities.
Loving and Reaching Out
So, what does all of this mean for us as a church? It means that we must prioritise loving God and others, and actively sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. Let us strive to create an environment where love is evident in our actions, where people feel welcomed, accepted, and valued. Let us also be intentional in our efforts to reach out to those who are hurting, lost, or searching for meaning.
May our church be known not only for its beautiful facilities or engaging programmes, but for its genuine love and unwavering commitment to the Great Commandment and the Great Commission. Together, let us be a church that reflects the heart of Christ and shines his light into the world.
Conclusion
This week, let us each take a moment to reflect on how we can personally live out the Great Commandment and the Great Commission. Consider one practical step you can take to love God and others, and another step to share the good news with someone in your life.
Battle Ready Sermon Series: This Is Us
- Cultivating Passionate Spirituality through Joyful Service
- God Opens Doors: Discovering His Dream for the Church
- Mobilising the Church for Missions: Fulfilling God’s Dream and Vision
- Will Anyone Be in Heaven Because of You?
Battle Drill Daily Devotional Podcast This Week:
This week on the Battle Drill Daily Devotional podcast, we ask ourselves if anyone will be in heaven because of us? Each weekday we share hope and encouragement as we read and study the Bible together.
- Monday 18 March – Who Will Be in Heaven Because of You?
- Tuesday 19 March – The Victorious Jesus: A Reason to Worship and Celebrate Forever
- Wednesday 20 March – God’s Victory Over Sin and Death
- Thursday 21 March – Seeing God’s Vision: A Glimpse of Glory
- Friday 22 March – Finding Hope in the Darkness: The Shepherd on the Throne
There’s a new episode of Battle Drill Devotional every Monday through Friday.
Click on the link – https://linktr.ee/battlefieldresources – to listen, watch or subscribe to this podcast.
Related Posts On Our Blog
- Finding Peace in Quiet Time with God
- Mobilising The Salvation Army: Engaging with Our Community
- Understanding the Nature of God: A Key to Deepening Your Relationship
- The History of Salvation Army Self Denial: A Journey of Giving and Transformation
- God Opens Doors – A Revelation of Faith and Courage
FAQ
What is the significance of the Great Commandment and the Great Commission in the church?
The Great Commandment and the Great Commission are essential principles that guide the church. The Great Commandment emphasises the importance of loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and loving our neighbours as ourselves. The Great Commission instructs believers to share the good news of Jesus Christ and make disciples of all nations.
How do the Great Commandment and the Great Commission influence a church’s mission?
The Great Commandment and the Great Commission shape a church’s mission by placing a strong emphasis on love for God and others, as well as the spread of the gospel. These principles guide the church’s outreach efforts, discipleship programmes, and overall goal of making a positive impact on individuals and communities.
What practical steps can a church take to fulfil the Great Commandment?
To fulfil the Great Commandment, a church can encourage regular worship and prayer, provide opportunities for spiritual growth and education, foster a loving community, and actively engage in serving others through acts of compassion and justice.
How can a church effectively carry out the Great Commission?
To effectively carry out the Great Commission, a church can prioritise evangelism and discipleship. This can be done through various means such as hosting evangelistic events, conducting outreach programmes, establishing small groups for discipleship, and training believers to confidently share the message of Jesus Christ.
Why is it important for a church to love God and others?
Loving God and others is at the core of the Christian faith. It fosters a genuine relationship with God, strengthens the church community, and reflects the character of Christ. By loving God and others, a church can positively impact individuals and society, demonstrating the transformative power of the gospel.
How can a church encourage its members to love God?
A church can encourage its members to love God by providing opportunities for worship, teaching biblical principles, cultivating a culture of prayer, offering spiritual guidance, and creating spaces for personal reflection and spiritual growth.
What are some practical ways for a church to demonstrate love to others?
A church can demonstrate love to others by engaging in acts of service, supporting local community initiatives, providing resources for those in need, fostering inclusivity and diversity, and actively promoting justice and compassion in all areas of life.
How does sharing the good news of Jesus Christ impact individuals and communities?
Sharing the good news of Jesus Christ can bring about spiritual transformation in individuals, offering them forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life. It also has the potential to bring healing, reconciliation, and positive change to communities as people embrace the teachings of Christ and live out their faith.
How can a church effectively communicate the good news of Jesus Christ?
How can a church balance the Great Commandment and the Great Commission in its ministry?
A church can balance the Great Commandment and the Great Commission by integrating love for God and others into all aspects of its ministry. It involves finding ways to share the gospel and make disciples while also actively demonstrating love through compassionate outreach, community care, and fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.
Photo by Matt Botsford on Unsplash
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