About a century ago, “fancy diving” entered the Olympics as a sport

Dive In• About a century ago, “fancy About a century ago, “fancy

diving” entered the Olympics diving” entered the Olympics as a sport .as a sport .



• Diving developed in the 17Diving developed in the 17thth century as gymnasts century as gymnasts practiced over water.practiced over water.




• Divers hit the water at about Divers hit the water at about 34 mph.34 mph.





• 1988.1988.





• 1988.1988.– Greg Louganis cracked his Greg Louganis cracked his

head during a dive.head during a dive.


diving” entered the Olympics as diving” entered the Olympics as a sport .a sport .

• Diving developed in the 17Diving developed in the 17thth century as gymnasts practiced century as gymnasts practiced over water.over water.

• Divers hit the water at about 34 Divers hit the water at about 34 mph.mph.

• 1988.1988.– Greg Louganis cracked his head Greg Louganis cracked his head

during a dive.during a dive.– After getting stitches, he went After getting stitches, he went

on to win gold in both men’s on to win gold in both men’s events!events!

Dive In• About a century ago, “fancy diving” About a century ago, “fancy diving”

entered the Olympics as a sport .entered the Olympics as a sport .• Diving developed in the 17Diving developed in the 17thth century century

as gymnasts practiced over water.as gymnasts practiced over water.• Divers hit the water at about 34 Divers hit the water at about 34

mph.mph.• 1988.1988.– Greg Louganis cracked his head Greg Louganis cracked his head

during a dive.during a dive.– After getting stitches, he went on to After getting stitches, he went on to

win gold in both men’s events!win gold in both men’s events!• In tonight’s text, Jesus encourages In tonight’s text, Jesus encourages

us to “dive in” the world with the us to “dive in” the world with the Gospel.Gospel.

Dive In• ““Jesus came and said to Jesus came and said to

them, ‘All authority in heaven them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the always, to the end of the age” (Mt 28:18-20, ESV).age” (Mt 28:18-20, ESV).

Dive In• This is likely NOT the most This is likely NOT the most

obeyed text in Scripture.obeyed text in Scripture.


obeyed text in Scripture.obeyed text in Scripture.• Lk 9:20-21.Lk 9:20-21.


obeyed text in Scripture.obeyed text in Scripture.• Lk 9:20-21.Lk 9:20-21.– ““He said to them, ‘But who He said to them, ‘But who

do you say that I am?’ And do you say that I am?’ And Peter answered, ‘The Christ Peter answered, ‘The Christ of God.’ And he strictly of God.’ And he strictly charged and commanded charged and commanded them to tell this to no one’” them to tell this to no one’” (ESV).(ESV).


obeyed text in Scripture.obeyed text in Scripture.• Lk 9:20-21.Lk 9:20-21.– ““He said to them, ‘But who He said to them, ‘But who

do you say that I am?’ And do you say that I am?’ And Peter answered, ‘The Christ Peter answered, ‘The Christ of God.’ And he strictly of God.’ And he strictly charged and commanded charged and commanded them to tell this to no one’” them to tell this to no one’” (ESV).(ESV).

– Jesus said this when the Jesus said this when the disciples weren’t ready to disciples weren’t ready to share his message!share his message!


obeyed text in Scripture.obeyed text in Scripture.• Lk 9:20-21.Lk 9:20-21.– ““He said to them, ‘But who do you He said to them, ‘But who do you

say that I am?’ And Peter say that I am?’ And Peter answered, ‘The Christ of God.’ answered, ‘The Christ of God.’ And he strictly charged and And he strictly charged and commanded them to tell this to no commanded them to tell this to no one’” (ESV).one’” (ESV).

– Jesus said this when the disciples Jesus said this when the disciples weren’t ready to share his weren’t ready to share his message!message!

• Let’s look at the Great Let’s look at the Great Commission & some essentials in Commission & some essentials in carrying it out.carrying it out.

Dive In

THE GREAT COMMISSION

Dive In• We have often referred to We have often referred to

this text as the “Great this text as the “Great Commission.”Commission.”

Dive In• We have often referred to We have often referred to

this text as the “Great this text as the “Great Commission.”Commission.”

• What about this commission What about this commission makes it great?makes it great?

Dive In

THE COMMISSION IS GREAT IN ITS AUTHORITY.

Dive In• When Jesus came to the When Jesus came to the

disciples, he said, “All disciples, he said, “All authority in heaven and on authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” earth has been given to me” (v 18, ESV).(v 18, ESV).


disciples, he said, “All disciples, he said, “All authority in heaven and on authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” earth has been given to me” (v 18, ESV).(v 18, ESV).– The Father gave Jesus “All The Father gave Jesus “All

authority.”authority.”


disciples, he said, “All authority disciples, he said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (v 18, ESV).given to me” (v 18, ESV).– The Father gave Jesus “All The Father gave Jesus “All

authority.”authority.”– ““By him all things were created, By him all things were created,

in heaven and on earth, visible, in heaven and on earth, visible, and invisible, whether thrones or and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were authorities—all things were created through him and for him. created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together” in him all things hold together” (Col 1:16-17, ESV).(Col 1:16-17, ESV).

Dive In• Because Jesus has all Because Jesus has all

authority, nothing is outside authority, nothing is outside his dominion.his dominion.


authority, nothing is outside authority, nothing is outside his dominion.his dominion.– He can, for example, forgive He can, for example, forgive

sins.sins.



sins.sins.• ““The Son of Man has The Son of Man has

authority on earth to forgive authority on earth to forgive sins” (Mk 2:10, ESV).sins” (Mk 2:10, ESV).





• Questions are often raised Questions are often raised about baptism & the thief on about baptism & the thief on the cross.the cross.





• Questions are often raised Questions are often raised about baptism & the thief on about baptism & the thief on the cross.the cross.– You cannot prove the thief You cannot prove the thief

was was NOTNOT baptized. baptized.

Dive In• Because Jesus has all authority, Because Jesus has all authority,

nothing is outside his dominion.nothing is outside his dominion.– He can, for example, forgive He can, for example, forgive

sins.sins.• ““The Son of Man has authority The Son of Man has authority

on earth to forgive sins” (Mk on earth to forgive sins” (Mk 2:10, ESV).2:10, ESV).

• Questions are often raised about Questions are often raised about baptism & the thief on the cross.baptism & the thief on the cross.– You cannot prove the thief was You cannot prove the thief was NOTNOT baptized. baptized.

– Even if he had not been baptized, Even if he had not been baptized, Jesus could forgive sins how he Jesus could forgive sins how he chose while he was on earth.chose while he was on earth.

Dive In• Because Jesus has all authority, Because Jesus has all authority,

nothing is outside his dominion.nothing is outside his dominion.– He can, for example, forgive sins.He can, for example, forgive sins.

• ““The Son of Man has authority on The Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” (Mk 2:10, earth to forgive sins” (Mk 2:10, ESV).ESV).

• Questions are often raised about Questions are often raised about baptism & the thief on the cross.baptism & the thief on the cross.– You cannot prove the thief was You cannot prove the thief was NOTNOT

baptized.baptized.– Even if he had not been baptized, Even if he had not been baptized,

Jesus could forgive sins how he Jesus could forgive sins how he chose while he was on earth.chose while he was on earth.

– Because Jesus has all authority, Because Jesus has all authority, he tells us to go into all the world.he tells us to go into all the world.

Dive In

THE COMMISSION IS GREAT IN ITS MISSION.

Dive In• The mission of the church is The mission of the church is

to make disciples.to make disciples.


to make disciples.to make disciples.• The basic idea of a disciple is The basic idea of a disciple is

a student.a student.


to make disciples.to make disciples.• The basic idea of a disciple is The basic idea of a disciple is

a student.a student.– ““Come to me, all who labor Come to me, all who labor

and are heavy laden, and I and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and yoke upon you, and learn learn from mefrom me, for I am gentle and , for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Mt find rest for your souls” (Mt 11:28-29, ESV).11:28-29, ESV).

Dive In• The mission of the church is to The mission of the church is to

make disciples.make disciples.• The basic idea of a disciple is a The basic idea of a disciple is a

student.student.– ““Come to me, all who labor Come to me, all who labor

and are heavy laden, and I will and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and upon you, and learn from melearn from me, , for I am gentle and lowly in for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Mt 11:28-29, ESV).your souls” (Mt 11:28-29, ESV).

– ““Disciple” came to mean Disciple” came to mean “Christian.”“Christian.”

Dive In• The mission of the church is to The mission of the church is to

make disciples.make disciples.• The basic idea of a disciple is a The basic idea of a disciple is a

student.student.– ““Come to me, all who labor Come to me, all who labor

and are heavy laden, and I will and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and upon you, and learn from melearn from me, , for I am gentle and lowly in for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Mt 11:28-29, ESV).your souls” (Mt 11:28-29, ESV).

– ““Disciple” came to mean Disciple” came to mean “Christian.”“Christian.”

Dive In• Paul “departed and went Paul “departed and went

from one place to the next from one place to the next through the region of Galatia through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples” (Acts 18:23, all the disciples” (Acts 18:23, ESV).ESV).

Dive In• Two ways we make disciples: Two ways we make disciples:

baptizing them & teaching baptizing them & teaching them.them.


baptizing them & teaching baptizing them & teaching them.them.– The Gr shows that these The Gr shows that these

actions take simultaneously actions take simultaneously with making disciples.with making disciples.


baptizing them & teaching baptizing them & teaching them.them.– The Gr shows that these The Gr shows that these

actions take simultaneously actions take simultaneously with making disciples.with making disciples.

– Thus, disciples are made by Thus, disciples are made by being baptized & by being being baptized & by being taught.taught.

Dive In• Baptism is essential to being Baptism is essential to being

Jesus’ disciple.Jesus’ disciple.


Jesus’ disciple.Jesus’ disciple.– Of course, we often hear that Of course, we often hear that

baptism isn’t essential.baptism isn’t essential.



baptism isn’t essential. But, baptism isn’t essential. But, all disciples of Jesus are all disciples of Jesus are baptized.baptized.




– Baptism is for the remission Baptism is for the remission of sins.of sins.




– Baptism is for the remission Baptism is for the remission of sins.of sins.• ““Repent and be baptized Repent and be baptized

every one of you in the name every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38, ESV).Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38, ESV).



baptism isn’t essential. But, all baptism isn’t essential. But, all disciples of Jesus are baptized.disciples of Jesus are baptized.

– Baptism is for the remission of Baptism is for the remission of sins.sins.• ““Repent and be baptized every one Repent and be baptized every one

of you in the name of Jesus Christ of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38, ESV).Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38, ESV).

• If the Jews are guilty of killing the If the Jews are guilty of killing the Messiah, it seems odd for Peter to Messiah, it seems odd for Peter to tell them to be baptized tell them to be baptized becausebecause of of forgiveness!forgiveness!

Dive In• Teaching is also essential to Teaching is also essential to

being Jesus’ disciple.being Jesus’ disciple.


being Jesus’ disciple.being Jesus’ disciple.– ““Those who received his Those who received his

word were baptized, and word were baptized, and there were added that day there were added that day about three thousand souls. about three thousand souls. And they devoted And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to the breaking of bread and the prayers” (Acts 2:41-42, the prayers” (Acts 2:41-42, ESV).ESV).


being Jesus’ disciple.being Jesus’ disciple.– ““Those who received his word Those who received his word

were baptized, and there were were baptized, and there were added that day about three added that day about three thousand souls. And they thousand souls. And they devoted themselves to the devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers” (Acts bread and the prayers” (Acts 2:41-42, ESV).2:41-42, ESV).

– I fear we have neglected this I fear we have neglected this part of the Great Commission part of the Great Commission far too often.far too often.

Dive In

THE COMMISSION IS GREAT IN ITS SCOPE

Dive In• Jesus says that “repentance Jesus says that “repentance

and forgiveness of sins and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his should be proclaimed in his name to all nations” (24:47, name to all nations” (24:47, ESV).ESV).



• ““Truly I understand that God Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who every nation anyone who fears him and does what is fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him” right is acceptable to him” (Acts 10:34-35, ESV).(Acts 10:34-35, ESV).



• ““Truly I understand that God Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who every nation anyone who fears him and does what is fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him” right is acceptable to him” (Acts 10:34-35, ESV).(Acts 10:34-35, ESV).

• Jesus would have us think Jesus would have us think GLOBALLY!GLOBALLY!

Dive In

THE COMMISSION IS ALSO GREAT IN ITS PROMISE

Dive In• Jesus promises to be with us Jesus promises to be with us

until the end of the age.until the end of the age.

Dive In• Jesus promises to be with us Jesus promises to be with us

until the end of the age.until the end of the age.• As we carry out this As we carry out this

commission, we do not go commission, we do not go alone, but the Lord goes with alone, but the Lord goes with us!us!

Dive In

THE COMMISSION IS INDEED GREAT!

Dive In

THE COMMISSION IS INDEED GREAT!

Shall we carry it out?Shall we carry it out?

Dive In

ESSENTIALS IN CARRYING OUT THE COMMISSION

Dive In• Sadly, this is often more the Sadly, this is often more the

Great “Omission” than Great “Omission” than Commission!Commission!

Dive In• Sadly, this is often more the Sadly, this is often more the

Great “Omission” than Great “Omission” than Commission!Commission!

• In order for it to be a Great In order for it to be a Great Commission, we need four Commission, we need four things.things.

Dive In

WE NEED A GREAT FAITH

Dive In• If we do not believe we can If we do not believe we can

carry out this Commission, carry out this Commission, we won’t do it!we won’t do it!


carry out this Commission, carry out this Commission, we won’t do it!we won’t do it!– ““We are not able to go up We are not able to go up

against the people, for they against the people, for they are stronger than we are” are stronger than we are” (Num 13:31, ESV).(Num 13:31, ESV).



against the people, for they against the people, for they are stronger than we are” are stronger than we are” (Num 13:31, ESV). They (Num 13:31, ESV). They forgot all that God had done!forgot all that God had done!




– The disciples could not cast The disciples could not cast out a demon.out a demon.




– The disciples could not cast The disciples could not cast out a demon. Jesus says that out a demon. Jesus says that they lacked faith.they lacked faith.

Dive In• If we do not believe we can carry If we do not believe we can carry

out this Commission, we won’t do out this Commission, we won’t do it!it!– ““We are not able to go up against We are not able to go up against

the people, for they are stronger the people, for they are stronger than we are” (Num 13:31, ESV). than we are” (Num 13:31, ESV). They forgot all that God had done!They forgot all that God had done!

– The disciples could not cast out a The disciples could not cast out a demon. Jesus says that they demon. Jesus says that they lacked faith. “I say to you, if you lacked faith. “I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be will move, and nothing will be impossible for you” (Mt 17:20, impossible for you” (Mt 17:20, ESV).ESV).

Dive In

DO WE HAVE GREAT FAITH?

Dive In

WE NEED GREAT PRAYER

Dive In• ““The prayer of a righteous The prayer of a righteous

person has great power as it person has great power as it is working. Elijah was a man is working. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three might not rain, and for three years and six months it did years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit” (Js 5:16-18, ESV).its fruit” (Js 5:16-18, ESV).

Dive In• ““The prayer of a righteous The prayer of a righteous

person has great power as it is person has great power as it is working. Elijah was a man with working. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit” (Js 5:16-18, earth bore its fruit” (Js 5:16-18, ESV).ESV).

• People who are not interested People who are not interested enough to pray are not enough to pray are not interested enough to work hard!interested enough to work hard!

Dive In

FOR WHAT SHOULD WE PRAY?

Dive In• Laborers in the vineyard.Laborers in the vineyard.

Dive In• Laborers in the vineyard. Laborers in the vineyard.

“The harvest is plentiful, but “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his send out laborers into his harvest” (Mt 9:37-38, ESV).harvest” (Mt 9:37-38, ESV).

Dive In• Laborers in the vineyard. Laborers in the vineyard. • The salvation of men’s souls.The salvation of men’s souls.

Dive In• Laborers in the vineyard. Laborers in the vineyard. • The salvation of men’s souls. The salvation of men’s souls.

“Brothers, my heart’s desire “Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved” is that they may be saved” (Rm 10:1, ESV).(Rm 10:1, ESV).

Dive In• Laborers in the vineyard. Laborers in the vineyard. • The salvation of men’s souls.The salvation of men’s souls.• Boldness as we proclaim the Boldness as we proclaim the

truth. truth.

Dive In• Laborers in the vineyard. Laborers in the vineyard. • The salvation of men’s souls.The salvation of men’s souls.• Boldness as we proclaim the Boldness as we proclaim the

truth. “And now, Lord, look truth. “And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to your servants to continue to speak your word with all to speak your word with all boldness” (Acts 4:29, ESV).boldness” (Acts 4:29, ESV).

Dive In

WE NEED A GREAT LOVE

Dive In• If we are to share the If we are to share the

message of Jesus with the message of Jesus with the lost, we absolutely must love lost, we absolutely must love them!them!



• ““People don’t care how much People don’t care how much you know until the know how you know until the know how much you care.”much you care.”



• ““People don’t care how much People don’t care how much you know until the know how you know until the know how much you care.”much you care.”

• ““God so loved the world, God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him that whoever believes in him should not perish but have should not perish but have eternal life” (Jn 3:16, ESV).eternal life” (Jn 3:16, ESV).

Dive In

ARE WE LIKE OUR FATHER IN LOVING THE WORLD?

Dive In• ““And he told them a parable to the effect that And he told them a parable to the effect that

they ought always to pray and not lose heart. He they ought always to pray and not lose heart. He said, ‘In a certain city there was a judge who said, ‘In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. And there neither feared God nor respected man. And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, “Give me justice against my and saying, “Give me justice against my adversary.” For a while he refused, but afterward adversary.” For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, “Though I neither fear God he said to himself, “Though I neither fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow keeps nor respect man, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.”’ will not beat me down by her continual coming.”’ And the Lord said, ‘Hear what the unrighteous And the Lord said, ‘Hear what the unrighteous judge says. And will not God give justice to his judge says. And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will give justice to long over them? I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?’” (Lk 8:1-Man comes, will he find faith on earth?’” (Lk 8:1-8, ESV).8, ESV).

Dive In• The woman in the parable The woman in the parable

received justice because she received justice because she did not give up.did not give up.

Dive In• The woman in the parable The woman in the parable

received justice because she received justice because she did not give up.did not give up.

• It took Noah 120 years to It took Noah 120 years to build the ark.build the ark.

Dive In

LET US NOT GIVE UP IN THE WORK OF THE LORD!

Documents

About a century ago, “fancy diving” entered the Olympics as a sport