LEARNING DAILY

Matthew 28:18-20, And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on the earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (The blackened words are my emphasis.).

Jesus told the eleven disciples to go to a mountain in Galilee; He told them He had “absolute authority in heaven and on earth”. “This authority has been delegated to Him because He has been victorious over death and the grave,” Pastor Newton. He continued, “Absolute authority means He is supreme and sovereign. He is in control over all time and over everything.” Pastor reminded us of the importance of obeying parents and those in authority over us – “if we cannot obey physical authority, those we can see, we will have trouble obeying an unseen authority – God.”

Because Believers have placed their faith in Jesus Christ, and become joint heirs with Him, they have been given the authority of Christ in their lives. “Sin, worldliness and even demonic forces no longer have authority over them. Jesus walked out of the grave to anoint you into His authority!” (Pastor Newton). Because of being “in Christ” Believers no longer need to use the “devil made me do it” as an excuse for their behavior. “The devil is not equal to God (he is a created being); he is subject to the authority of Jesus Christ and to Believers because of the authority Jesus designates to them.

Believers are to “Go and make disciples”. As a Believer, “you are called to have an influence on others for Christ. You just need to tell others what He has done in your life to change you.” (Pastor Newton). Those who know you should see a difference in how you live your life. Remember, it is Jesus Christ who changes you from within as you walk the narrow way trusting Him and being obedient to His word. It is walking consistently with Jesus Christ, being led by the Holy spirit to choose the right way instead of following the world. It is, not only talking Christianese but doing it because Jesus lives in your heart.” (PN).

The disciples were told to “make disciples”. A disciple is one who becomes like his master (Jesus Christ) by living in relationship to Him; it is done by learning from submitting to Him and His example. Pastor said, “The disciples were not told to make church members. They were instructed to teach others to walk the narrow way with them. Believers, I pray that this blog is an encouragement to read/study. Meditate on God’s Word for yourself and not rely on it to be your only time with God. It’s the same regarding just an hour church service each week. God’s word needs to be read daily in order to know who God is and how He speaks to you. “Know Jesus – grow in Jesus – move from the milk of the word to the meat of the Word!” (PN). 

Walking the narrow way is about the Holy Spirit changing you; it is a journey. It is a journey that ends at the kingdom of God. Actually, it does not end there because eternity does not end. Jesus said, “and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” This walk on the narrow way not only changes us into looking more like Him, “it is a walk of power, ability, and strength because Jesus is with you” (PN).  Acts 1:8, tells us, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Listener Guide). “It is the presence of God in your life that gives you the power and the strength to live for Him and do what you need to do as you walk with Him” (PN).

“Jesus was raised in power for you to live in.” (Target statement on the Listener Guide). Walk the narrow way with Him in faith, trust, and obedience!