In our Bible study together this week, we discussed the importance of living in community rather than isolation. We have discussed why we need others to walk alongside us in life, the kind of people we should spend time with, and more. Did you know that as we live our lives alongside each other, we are given a job to do? Right before Jesus left earth and returned to Heaven, He gave His followers a command: "Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you" (Matthew 28:19-20). Their job was to continue His teachings and message on earth. It is our job today, too.
We learn in the book of Acts that Christ followers during the early church carried out Jesus’ command to make more disciples. In Acts 2, the Holy Spirit came upon the first believers. When this happened, Scripture teaches that "what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages" (verses 3-4). Many who observed this scene were amazed at what God had done. Others had doubts. Peter, one of Jesus' disciples, delivered a Spirit-filled and powerful speech, explaining that what had happened was from God. He also shared the good news about Jesus and His resurrection, which he and the other disciples had witnessed. Then, Peter urged the listening crowd to turn away from their sins and turn to God. About 3,000 people believed Peter's message and were baptized.
Can you imagine the sight of over 3,000 people coming to faith in Jesus in just one day and choosing to be baptized? This moment was incredible. The message of Jesus was spreading. This ministry began with the disciples and grew into more than 3,000 people. It continued growing as those who believed in Jesus spread His message throughout the world.
Jesus' message spread through the courageous first followers of Jesus. They shared the good news about Jesus with others, who, in turn, continued spreading His message. As His followers, we are called to share His good news today. Many are hurting and need the hope that He offers. We have the privilege of sharing that hope. Imagine the impact if we all decided to follow Jesus' command to make disciples who, in turn, make disciples who make disciples. We may feel we have little reach or impact, but God's power through us as we share our faith is limitless and unhindered.
Like the disciples, we are called to share Jesus' message with the people around us. One of the tools available to help you share your faith with others is the Bridge Diagram: https://www.sagebrush.church/onelife/. This diagram can be found in video 4 at the attached link. Watch the video of the Bridge Diagram now. Then, over the next week, watch it at least three times. Finally, commit to memorizing this diagram and practice sharing it with a member of your small group or a trusted friend so you'll be prepared when someone asks why you have hope in Jesus.
1Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb.
2 Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. 3 His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. 4 The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint.
5 Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. 7 And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.”
8 The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to give the disciples the angel’s message. 9 And as they went, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they ran to him, grasped his feet, and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid! Go tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there.”
11 As the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and told the leading priests what had happened. 12 A meeting with the elders was called, and they decided to give the soldiers a large bribe. 13 They told the soldiers, “You must say, ‘Jesus’ disciples came during the night while we were sleeping, and they stole his body.’ 14 If the governor hears about it, we’ll stand up for you so you won’t get in trouble.” 15 So the guards accepted the bribe and said what they were told to say. Their story spread widely among the Jews, and they still tell it today.
16 Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted!
18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
