John. John’s account of Jesus’ final commission to his followers (John 20:19-23) puzzles me in some ways, and there are things about it I don’t understand. Instead of going into all those matters, though, I’ll focus on the key things that seem clear. After his resurrection but prior to commissioning his disciples, Jesus appears toContinue reading “Great Commissions 4”
Author Archives: Marvin Bryant
Great Commissions 3
Luke. Luke’s account of Jesus’ final instructions to his followers is my new favorite (24:45-49). It begins by describing the basis for the commission that follows. The basis is that the Messiah (or Christ) had to suffer, rise from the dead, and enter his glory (24:26, 46). This was God’s plan from the beginning, andContinue reading “Great Commissions 3”
Great Commissions 2
Mark. Another account of Jesus’ final commission to his followers may be found in Mark 16:15-16. You may know that there is a question about whether Mark 16:9-20 was a part of Mark’s original Gospel (see footnotes in your Bible). I won’t go into that here, except to say that a number of biblical scholarsContinue reading “Great Commissions 2”
Great Commissions 1
Matthew. We are accustomed to referring to Matthew 28:18-20 as “the Great Commission.” A commission is “an instruction, command or duty given to a person or group of people” (Oxford Languages), and this passage certainly qualifies as that. In fact, however, there are five passages where Jesus gives final instructions to his followers. We willContinue reading “Great Commissions 1”
The New Way of the Spirit 3
The Renewal of Our Minds. We noted last time (click here) that we can stop gratifying the desires of the flesh by living by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16). The aspect of living by the Spirit in that context is following the Spirit’s desires. Romans 8 makes a similarly remarkable statement that, “the righteous requirement ofContinue reading “The New Way of the Spirit 3”
The New Way of the Spirit 2
Following the Desires of the Spirit. If I told you there is a way we can stop sinning, would you believe me? I’m guessing you wouldn’t, and of course you would be right. But at the same time, it actually is legitimate to raise the question. The Scriptures state that there is indeed a wayContinue reading “The New Way of the Spirit 2”
The New Way of the Spirit 1
Promise and Fulfillment. Do you serve God “in the new way of the Spirit” or “in the old way of the written code” (Romans 7:6)? Paul says that in Christ we have died to the law so that we serve by the Spirit, a new and different way. What does it mean to serve inContinue reading “The New Way of the Spirit 1”
A Great Number of People Will Believe and Turn to the Lord When …
Acts 11:19-21. God wants great numbers of people to believe and turn to Him, and most Christians have some concern about this as well. A lot of people today focus on positioning the church and presenting the message in ways that will connect with and be relevant to people. I believe some of this isContinue reading “A Great Number of People Will Believe and Turn to the Lord When …”
How Every Christian Can Help the Word Spead
Colossians 4:2-6. There have been always been some Christians who are especially gifted at telling the good news about Jesus. We think of apostles, evangelists, and others who have been used by God to spread his word broadly. But what about the rest of us? Sometimes, honestly, we have been happy to leave it toContinue reading “How Every Christian Can Help the Word Spead”
Five Ways the Word Spreads
1 Peter 3:15. If we want the gospel to “spread rapidly and be honored” then we need to pray for this, knowing that God works toward that end (2 Thessalonians 3:1). We also need to listen to what Scripture tells us about our role in it. 1 Peter 3:15 addresses our part directly and tellsContinue reading “Five Ways the Word Spreads”
