A New Mission: Expanding God’s Kingdom

Introduction

"The moment you accept Jesus Christ as Lord, 2 Corinthians 5:17 says 'All Things become new.'" Throughout Scripture, we find 30 distinct transformations that occur at the moment of salvation. This document explores the fifteenth of these transformations: receiving a new mission.

From Self-Focus to Kingdom Expansion

Prior to knowing Christ, our mission tends to be self-centered—to accumulate as much pleasure, comfort, and satisfaction as possible during our brief time on earth. This mindset is reflected in the philosophy "eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we may die." Without an eternal perspective, focusing exclusively on temporal pleasures seems logical.

However, when we come to Christ, we receive a new mission that transcends our personal interests and temporal existence. This new mission can be summarized as: expanding God's kingdom throughout the earth and bringing the name of Jesus to every corner of the world.

The Great Commission

Matthew 28:18-20

"And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, 'All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.'"

This passage, often called the Great Commission, outlines our new mission as believers. It contains several key elements:

1. The foundation of our mission: Christ's complete authority in heaven and earth
2. The primary command: Make disciples of all nations
3. The method of initiation: Baptizing them in the name of the Trinity
4. The process of development: Teaching them to observe all Christ's commands
5. The promise of empowerment: Christ's perpetual presence with us

Authority and Power in Our Mission

The Great Commission begins with Jesus' declaration: "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth." This statement has profound implications for our mission:

Understanding Authority vs. Power

Authority and power are distinct concepts:

• Authority is the right to do something
• Power is the ability to do something

When Jesus states that all authority has been given to Him, it means:

1. The enemy has no legitimate authority in the lives of believers
2. The only authority the enemy exercises is what we surrender to him
3. Our mission operates under Christ's supreme authority

However, the enemy does still possess power, though limited. Scripture indicates that Satan can entrap people and bring them under his influence (2 Timothy 2:26). This is where spiritual warfare enters our mission.

Our Power Over the Enemy

Jesus assures us: "I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy" (Luke 10:19). This means:

1. We have power stronger than the enemy's power
2. This power comes from God, not ourselves
3. It is exercised through the Holy Spirit

In our mission, we must recognize both our authority (derived from Christ) and our power (supplied by the Holy Spirit) to overcome opposition to the gospel.

Making Disciples

The central command of our mission is to "make disciples." This involves more than merely converting people or adding them to church membership. A disciple is a follower and learner of Jesus.

When Jesus first called His disciples, He simply said, "Follow Me," and they "left everything and followed" (Mark 1:17-18). This pattern reveals the nature of true discipleship—complete devotion and commitment to following Christ.

Our mission involves helping others become such followers by:

1. Modeling Christ-like character and conduct
2. Teaching the ways and words of Jesus
3. Mentoring new believers in spiritual growth
4. Encouraging obedience to Christ's commands

Baptism and Teaching

The Great Commission includes two specific practices in disciple-making:

Baptizing New Believers

Baptizing "in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit" is both:

1. A public identification with Christ and His church
2. A symbolic representation of dying to sin and rising to new life

Teaching Obedience

The goal is not merely to impart information but to lead people to "observe all that I commanded you." This comprehensive obedience includes:

1. Christ's explicit commands
2. His implicit teachings
3. The ethical implications of His life and ministry
4. The entirety of apostolic teaching that applies His truth

The Promise of Christ's Presence

The commission concludes with an empowering promise: "I am with you always, even to the end of the age." This assurance means:

1. We never carry out our mission alone
2. Christ's presence continues regardless of location or circumstances
3. His presence extends throughout all time until His return

The Supernatural Dimension of Our Mission

Mark 16:15-18

"And He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned. These signs will accompany those who have believed: in My name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.'"

This parallel account of the Great Commission adds a supernatural dimension to our mission. The gospel is to be accompanied by demonstrations of God's power:

1. Deliverance from demonic influence
2. Speaking in new tongues
3. Protection from harm
4. Healing of the sick

These supernatural manifestations are not meant to be the focus of our mission but to authenticate the message and demonstrate God's power to transform lives completely.

The Power of the Holy Spirit

Both commission accounts emphasize that our mission must be carried out in the power of the Holy Spirit, not through human strength or strategies. As Jesus told His disciples in Acts 1:8: "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses."

This dependence on the Spirit's power is essential because:

1. Our mission has supernatural opposition
2. True conversion is a spiritual miracle
3. Transformation into Christ's image requires divine power

Embracing the New Mission

This new mission is available only to those who have personally accepted Christ as Lord and Savior. The transformation from living for self to living for God's kingdom occurs when we:

1. Recognize our need for salvation
2. Believe in Christ's death and resurrection
3. Confess Jesus as Lord of our lives
4. Commit to following Him completely

Conclusion

When we accept Christ, we receive a new mission that gives purpose and direction to our lives. No longer living merely for temporal pleasures or personal ambitions, we become participants in the greatest mission ever given—extending God's kingdom throughout the earth.

This mission is founded on Christ's authority, empowered by His Spirit, guided by His Word, and assured by His presence. As we make disciples, baptize believers, and teach obedience to Christ's commands, we fulfill our new purpose and experience the joy of participating in God's redemptive work in the world.