Your Marching Orders

All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

— Matthew 28:18–20 (NET)

Go. Don't hide. Don't retreat. Make disciples — not just converts. Baptize them — mark their public identification with Christ. Teach them to obey — not just know, but obey. And remember: "I am with you always." You're not doing this alone. The Spirit is in you. Jesus is with you. The Father delights in you.

Start small. Start now. Start with one stone, one seed, one person.

And occupy — faithfully, courageously, joyfully — until He comes.

A Closing Benediction

The LORD bless you and protect you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

— Numbers 6:24–26 (NET)

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you now and always.

May you walk in constant awareness of the One who dwells within you, the One who reigns above you, and the One who made you righteous through the blood of His only Son.

May the Spirit lead you into all truth, guide you to the practices that draw you near, and unite you with believers everywhere who call upon the name of Jesus.

May you fight well, finish strong, and hear those words:

"Well done, good and faithful servant."

Now go.

Lay stones. Plant seeds. Make disciples. Occupy till He comes.

The kingdom is advancing. The gates of Hades will not prevail. Jesus has already won.

And you — broken, limping, but faithful — are His hands and feet in this battle.

I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith! Finally the crown of righteousness is reserved for me. The Lord, the righteous Judge, will award it to me in that day – and not to me only, but also to all who have set their affection on his appearing.

— 2 Timothy 4:7–8 (NET)

"We abide in Christ as Christ abides in the Father — that we may all be one."

Maranatha. Come, Lord Jesus.

Soli Deo Gloria