“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:18-20 ESV). Through His death, burial, and resurrection, Jesus became King. God has given Him all authority – in heaven and on earth. He isn’t just King of what happens after we die, nor is His rule limited to Sunday mornings.
Accordingly, we aren’t “Christian” simply because we agree “Jesus is the Son of God.” He calls us to discipleship – to being His completely devoted followers, united with Him in baptism, and becoming more like Him every day. Churchgoers everywhere are familiar with this “Great Commission”; living it is less common. Because disciples don’t just study Jesus’ prayers: they learn to pray like Jesus. They watch Jesus encourage an outcast, comfort the mourning, and wash dirty feet – then they go encourage, comfort, and serve like Him. Our lives change when we really follow Jesus – and we can’t help but to share Him.
Over the past five years at the Georgetown Church of Christ, we have learned that this sort of Jesus-style discipleship can happen in a church building at regularly scheduled times. Yet, it happens more often in office breakrooms, restaurant dining rooms, and book clubs with friends; at the gym and around the family table; over video calls and on the beach.
God has used tools like Discovery Bible Studies – a simple approach to understanding, applying, and sharing Scripture – to change lives. With its sharp focus on applying the teachings of Jesus, Mission 1 discipleship training has ignited faith. Then creative events like our Ladies Fellowship or Timothy Retreat fan it into flame in fresh and exciting ways. Men and women, adults and young people, the recently baptized and lifelong churchgoers have experienced discipleship – and many are now discipling others.
Because when King Jesus reigns, text messages with links to sermons or daily devotional videos shared on Facebook are seed sown – even before they are played! An impression is made when you care enough to share. A picture of our diverse, loving church family speaks volumes. So does a group wearing those matching black “Georgetown Church of Christ – Go Make Disciples” t-shirts while out doing good. A Scripture thoughtfully shared on a beautifully designed card brings life. A small kit of essential items shared compassionately with someone in need spreads love. A heartfelt note sent to a new neighbor opens a door.
When Jesus is King, every effort matters: He is with us.
