A few years ago, I had a passing conversation with a mature Christian about “our purpose” and the daily function of a Christian. As we departed in the basement of the building, he said, “Preachin’ and teachin’, that’s where it’s at!” Our conversation has reminded me how much I sometimes complicate my focus as a growing, serving Christian. I stumbled upon something Alvin Jennings put together in August of 1994 where he gives a seven point reminder when it comes to “Go therefore and make disciples:”
1. The responsibility placed upon us by The Great Commission– When Christ gave His ‘Great Commission’ to the apostles, He placed upon every baptized individual the obligation of teaching others.
2. To be like Christ- Jesus came to seek and to save the lost, and much of His work was done with the individual. Christians are to “follow His steps” (I Peter 2:21) and show His “excellencies” (I Peter 2:9).
3. To express holy impulse of the soul- Each disciple should have a desire within the heart of ever disciple to tell the good news to his friends, relatives and all within his reach.
4. To be like the primitive church- The church today is to follow the divine pattern of the first century church as recorded in the Book of Acts (Acts 8:1, 5; 11:19).
5. We save ourselves by being personal evangelists- John 15:2, 6, 8; I Timothy 4:16.
6. It brings joy to the soul-winner- Those won become the “joy and crown” of the teacher (Philippians 4:1).
7. God wants all men to be saved- “God would have all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth” (I Timothy 2:3-5).
So many things and activities are stealing our time. Many are so subtle, we do not even realize we are being drawn away from Christ and the work we are to do. May we accept the challenge of The Great Commission and be reminded, “Preachin’ & teachin,’ that’s where it’s at!.”
