2. Dive In About a century ago, “fancy diving” entered the Olympics as a sport. About a century ago, “fancy diving” entered the Olympics as a sport.

3. Dive In About a century ago, “fancy diving” entered the Olympics as a sport. About a century ago, “fancy diving” entered the Olympics as a sport. Diving developed in the 17 th century as gymnasts practiced over water. Diving developed in the 17 th century as gymnasts practiced over water.

4. Dive In About a century ago, “fancy diving” entered the Olympics as a sport. About a century ago, “fancy diving” entered the Olympics as a sport. Diving developed in the 17 th century as gymnasts practiced over water. Diving developed in the 17 th century as gymnasts practiced over water. Divers hit the water at about 34 mph. Divers hit the water at about 34 mph.

5. Dive In About a century ago, “fancy diving” entered the Olympics as a sport. About a century ago, “fancy diving” entered the Olympics as a sport. Diving developed in the 17 th century as gymnasts practiced over water. Diving developed in the 17 th century as gymnasts practiced over water. Divers hit the water at about 34 mph. Divers hit the water at about 34 mph. 1988. 1988.

6. Dive In About a century ago, “fancy diving” entered the Olympics as a sport. About a century ago, “fancy diving” entered the Olympics as a sport. Diving developed in the 17 th century as gymnasts practiced over water. Diving developed in the 17 th century as gymnasts practiced over water. Divers hit the water at about 34 mph. Divers hit the water at about 34 mph. 1988. 1988. – Greg Louganis cracked his head during a dive.

7. Dive In About a century ago, “fancy diving” entered the Olympics as a sport. About a century ago, “fancy diving” entered the Olympics as a sport. Diving developed in the 17 th century as gymnasts practiced over water. Diving developed in the 17 th century as gymnasts practiced over water. Divers hit the water at about 34 mph. Divers hit the water at about 34 mph. 1988. 1988. – Greg Louganis cracked his head during a dive. – After getting stitches, he went on to win gold in both men’s events!

8. Dive In About a century ago, “fancy diving” entered the Olympics as a sport. About a century ago, “fancy diving” entered the Olympics as a sport. Diving developed in the 17 th century as gymnasts practiced over water. Diving developed in the 17 th century as gymnasts practiced over water. Divers hit the water at about 34 mph. Divers hit the water at about 34 mph. 1988. 1988. – Greg Louganis cracked his head during a dive. – After getting stitches, he went on to win gold in both men’s events! In tonight’s text, Jesus encourages us to “dive in” the world with the Gospel. In tonight’s text, Jesus encourages us to “dive in” the world with the Gospel.

9. Dive In “Jesus came and said to them, ‘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” (Mt 28:18-20, ESV). “Jesus came and said to them, ‘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” (Mt 28:18-20, ESV).

10. Dive In This is likely NOT the most obeyed text in Scripture. This is likely NOT the most obeyed text in Scripture.

11. Dive In This is likely NOT the most obeyed text in Scripture. This is likely NOT the most obeyed text in Scripture. Lk 9:20-21. Lk 9:20-21.

12. Dive In This is likely NOT the most obeyed text in Scripture. This is likely NOT the most obeyed text in Scripture. Lk 9:20-21. Lk 9:20-21. – “He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ And Peter answered, ‘The Christ of God.’ And he strictly charged and commanded them to tell this to no one’” (ESV).

13. Dive In This is likely NOT the most obeyed text in Scripture. This is likely NOT the most obeyed text in Scripture. Lk 9:20-21. Lk 9:20-21. – “He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ And Peter answered, ‘The Christ of God.’ And he strictly charged and commanded them to tell this to no one’” (ESV). – Jesus said this when the disciples weren’t ready to share his message!

14. Dive In This is likely NOT the most obeyed text in Scripture. This is likely NOT the most obeyed text in Scripture. Lk 9:20-21. Lk 9:20-21. – “He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ And Peter answered, ‘The Christ of God.’ And he strictly charged and commanded them to tell this to no one’” (ESV). – Jesus said this when the disciples weren’t ready to share his message! Let’s look at the Great Commission & some essentials in carrying it out. Let’s look at the Great Commission & some essentials in carrying it out.

15. Dive In THE GREAT COMMISSION

16. Dive In We have often referred to this text as the “Great Commission.” We have often referred to this text as the “Great Commission.”

17. Dive In We have often referred to this text as the “Great Commission.” We have often referred to this text as the “Great Commission.” What about this commission makes it great? What about this commission makes it great?

18. Dive In THE COMMISSION IS GREAT IN ITS AUTHORITY.

19. Dive In When Jesus came to the disciples, he said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (v 18, ESV). When Jesus came to the disciples, he said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (v 18, ESV).

20. Dive In When Jesus came to the disciples, he said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (v 18, ESV). When Jesus came to the disciples, he said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (v 18, ESV). – The Father gave Jesus “All authority.”

21. Dive In When Jesus came to the disciples, he said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (v 18, ESV). When Jesus came to the disciples, he said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (v 18, ESV). – The Father gave Jesus “All authority.” – “By him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible, and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together” (Col 1:16-17, ESV).

22. Dive In Because Jesus has all authority, nothing is outside his dominion. Because Jesus has all authority, nothing is outside his dominion.

23. Dive In Because Jesus has all authority, nothing is outside his dominion. Because Jesus has all authority, nothing is outside his dominion. – He can, for example, forgive sins.

24. Dive In Because Jesus has all authority, nothing is outside his dominion. Because Jesus has all authority, nothing is outside his dominion. – He can, for example, forgive sins. “The Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” (Mk 2:10, ESV). “The Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” (Mk 2:10, ESV).

25. Dive In Because Jesus has all authority, nothing is outside his dominion. Because Jesus has all authority, nothing is outside his dominion. – He can, for example, forgive sins. “The Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” (Mk 2:10, ESV). “The Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” (Mk 2:10, ESV). Questions are often raised about baptism & the thief on the cross. Questions are often raised about baptism & the thief on the cross.

26. Dive In Because Jesus has all authority, nothing is outside his dominion. Because Jesus has all authority, nothing is outside his dominion. – He can, for example, forgive sins. “The Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” (Mk 2:10, ESV). “The Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” (Mk 2:10, ESV). Questions are often raised about baptism & the thief on the cross. Questions are often raised about baptism & the thief on the cross. – You cannot prove the thief was NOT baptized.

27. Dive In Because Jesus has all authority, nothing is outside his dominion. Because Jesus has all authority, nothing is outside his dominion. – He can, for example, forgive sins. “The Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” (Mk 2:10, ESV). “The Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” (Mk 2:10, ESV). Questions are often raised about baptism & the thief on the cross. Questions are often raised about baptism & the thief on the cross. – You cannot prove the thief was NOT baptized. – Even if he had not been baptized, Jesus could forgive sins how he chose while he was on earth.

28. Dive In Because Jesus has all authority, nothing is outside his dominion. Because Jesus has all authority, nothing is outside his dominion. – He can, for example, forgive sins. “The Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” (Mk 2:10, ESV). “The Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” (Mk 2:10, ESV). Questions are often raised about baptism & the thief on the cross. Questions are often raised about baptism & the thief on the cross. – You cannot prove the thief was NOT baptized. – Even if he had not been baptized, Jesus could forgive sins how he chose while he was on earth. – Because Jesus has all authority, he tells us to go into all the world.

29. Dive In THE COMMISSION IS GREAT IN ITS MISSION.

30. Dive In The mission of the church is to make disciples. The mission of the church is to make disciples.

31. Dive In The mission of the church is to make disciples. The mission of the church is to make disciples. The basic idea of a disciple is a student. The basic idea of a disciple is a student.

32. Dive In The mission of the church is to make disciples. The mission of the church is to make disciples. The basic idea of a disciple is a student. The basic idea of a disciple is a student. – “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Mt 11:28-29, ESV).

33. Dive In The mission of the church is to make disciples. The mission of the church is to make disciples. The basic idea of a disciple is a student. The basic idea of a disciple is a student. – “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Mt 11:28-29, ESV). – “Disciple” came to mean “Christian.”

34. Dive In The mission of the church is to make disciples. The mission of the church is to make disciples. The basic idea of a disciple is a student. The basic idea of a disciple is a student. – “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Mt 11:28-29, ESV). – “Disciple” came to mean “Christian.”

35. Dive In Paul “departed and went from one place to the next through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples” (Acts 18:23, ESV). Paul “departed and went from one place to the next through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples” (Acts 18:23, ESV).

36. Dive In Two ways we make disciples: baptizing them & teaching them. Two ways we make disciples: baptizing them & teaching them.

37. Dive In Two ways we make disciples: baptizing them & teaching them. Two ways we make disciples: baptizing them & teaching them. – The Gr shows that these actions take simultaneously with making disciples.

38. Dive In Two ways we make disciples: baptizing them & teaching them. Two ways we make disciples: baptizing them & teaching them. – The Gr shows that these actions take simultaneously with making disciples. – Thus, disciples are made by being baptized & by being taught.

39. Dive In Baptism is essential to being Jesus’ disciple. Baptism is essential to being Jesus’ disciple.

40. Dive In Baptism is essential to being Jesus’ disciple. Baptism is essential to being Jesus’ disciple. – Of course, we often hear that baptism isn’t essential.

41. Dive In Baptism is essential to being Jesus’ disciple. Baptism is essential to being Jesus’ disciple. – Of course, we often hear that baptism isn’t essential. But, all disciples of Jesus are baptized.

42. Dive In Baptism is essential to being Jesus’ disciple. Baptism is essential to being Jesus’ disciple. – Of course, we often hear that baptism isn’t essential. But, all disciples of Jesus are baptized. – Baptism is for the remission of sins.

43. Dive In Baptism is essential to being Jesus’ disciple. Baptism is essential to being Jesus’ disciple. – Of course, we often hear that baptism isn’t essential. But, all disciples of Jesus are baptized. – Baptism is for the remission of sins. “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38, ESV). “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38, ESV).

44. Dive In Baptism is essential to being Jesus’ disciple. Baptism is essential to being Jesus’ disciple. – Of course, we often hear that baptism isn’t essential. But, all disciples of Jesus are baptized. – Baptism is for the remission of sins. “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38, ESV). “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38, ESV). If the Jews are guilty of killing the Messiah, it seems odd for Peter to tell them to be baptized because of forgiveness! If the Jews are guilty of killing the Messiah, it seems odd for Peter to tell them to be baptized because of forgiveness!

45. Dive In Teaching is also essential to being Jesus’ disciple. Teaching is also essential to being Jesus’ disciple.

46. Dive In Teaching is also essential to being Jesus’ disciple. Teaching is also essential to being Jesus’ disciple. – “Those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers” (Acts 2:41-42, ESV).

47. Dive In Teaching is also essential to being Jesus’ disciple. Teaching is also essential to being Jesus’ disciple. – “Those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers” (Acts 2:41-42, ESV). – I fear we have neglected this part of the Great Commission far too often.

48. Dive In THE COMMISSION IS GREAT IN ITS SCOPE

49. Dive In Jesus says that “repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations” (24:47, ESV). Jesus says that “repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations” (24:47, ESV).

50. Dive In Jesus says that “repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations” (24:47, ESV). Jesus says that “repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations” (24:47, ESV). “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him” (Acts 10:34-35, ESV). “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him” (Acts 10:34-35, ESV).

51. Dive In Jesus says that “repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations” (24:47, ESV). Jesus says that “repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations” (24:47, ESV). “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him” (Acts 10:34-35, ESV). “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him” (Acts 10:34-35, ESV). Jesus would have us think GLOBALLY! Jesus would have us think GLOBALLY!

52. Dive In THE COMMISSION IS ALSO GREAT IN ITS PROMISE

53. Dive In Jesus promises to be with us until the end of the age. Jesus promises to be with us until the end of the age.

54. Dive In Jesus promises to be with us until the end of the age. Jesus promises to be with us until the end of the age. As we carry out this commission, we do not go alone, but the Lord goes with us! As we carry out this commission, we do not go alone, but the Lord goes with us!

55. Dive In THE COMMISSION IS INDEED GREAT!

56. Dive In THE COMMISSION IS INDEED GREAT! Shall we carry it out?

57. Dive In ESSENTIALS IN CARRYING OUT THE COMMISSION

58. Dive In Sadly, this is often more the Great “Omission” than Commission! Sadly, this is often more the Great “Omission” than Commission!

59. Dive In Sadly, this is often more the Great “Omission” than Commission! Sadly, this is often more the Great “Omission” than Commission! In order for it to be a Great Commission, we need four things. In order for it to be a Great Commission, we need four things.

60. Dive In WE NEED A GREAT FAITH

61. Dive In If we do not believe we can carry out this Commission, we won’t do it! If we do not believe we can carry out this Commission, we won’t do it!

62. Dive In If we do not believe we can carry out this Commission, we won’t do it! If we do not believe we can carry out this Commission, we won’t do it! – “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are” (Num 13:31, ESV).

63. Dive In If we do not believe we can carry out this Commission, we won’t do it! If we do not believe we can carry out this Commission, we won’t do it! – “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are” (Num 13:31, ESV). They forgot all that God had done!

64. Dive In If we do not believe we can carry out this Commission, we won’t do it! If we do not believe we can carry out this Commission, we won’t do it! – “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are” (Num 13:31, ESV). They forgot all that God had done! – The disciples could not cast out a demon.

65. Dive In If we do not believe we can carry out this Commission, we won’t do it! If we do not believe we can carry out this Commission, we won’t do it! – “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are” (Num 13:31, ESV). They forgot all that God had done! – The disciples could not cast out a demon. Jesus says that they lacked faith.

66. Dive In If we do not believe we can carry out this Commission, we won’t do it! If we do not believe we can carry out this Commission, we won’t do it! – “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are” (Num 13:31, ESV). They forgot all that God had done! – The disciples could not cast out a demon. Jesus says that they lacked faith. “I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you” (Mt 17:20, ESV).

67. Dive In DO WE HAVE GREAT FAITH?

68. Dive In WE NEED GREAT PRAYER

69. Dive In “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit” (Js 5:16- 18, ESV). “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit” (Js 5:16- 18, ESV).

70. Dive In “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit” (Js 5:16- 18, ESV). “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit” (Js 5:16- 18, ESV). People who are not interested enough to pray are not interested enough to work hard! People who are not interested enough to pray are not interested enough to work hard!

71. Dive In FOR WHAT SHOULD WE PRAY?

72. Dive In Laborers in the vineyard. Laborers in the vineyard.

73. Dive In Laborers in the vineyard. “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” (Mt 9:37-38, ESV). Laborers in the vineyard. “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” (Mt 9:37-38, ESV).

74. Dive In Laborers in the vineyard. Laborers in the vineyard. The salvation of men’s souls. The salvation of men’s souls.

75. Dive In Laborers in the vineyard. Laborers in the vineyard. The salvation of men’s souls. “Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved” (Rm 10:1, ESV). The salvation of men’s souls. “Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved” (Rm 10:1, ESV).

76. Dive In Laborers in the vineyard. Laborers in the vineyard. The salvation of men’s souls. The salvation of men’s souls. Boldness as we proclaim the truth. Boldness as we proclaim the truth.

77. Dive In Laborers in the vineyard. Laborers in the vineyard. The salvation of men’s souls. The salvation of men’s souls. Boldness as we proclaim the truth. “And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness” (Acts 4:29, ESV). Boldness as we proclaim the truth. “And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness” (Acts 4:29, ESV).

78. Dive In WE NEED A GREAT LOVE

79. Dive In If we are to share the message of Jesus with the lost, we absolutely must love them! If we are to share the message of Jesus with the lost, we absolutely must love them!

80. Dive In If we are to share the message of Jesus with the lost, we absolutely must love them! If we are to share the message of Jesus with the lost, we absolutely must love them! “People don’t care how much you know until the know how much you care.” “People don’t care how much you know until the know how much you care.”

81. Dive In If we are to share the message of Jesus with the lost, we absolutely must love them! If we are to share the message of Jesus with the lost, we absolutely must love them! “People don’t care how much you know until the know how much you care.” “People don’t care how much you know until the know how much you care.” “God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (Jn 3:16, ESV). “God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (Jn 3:16, ESV).

82. Dive In ARE WE LIKE OUR FATHER IN LOVING THE WORLD?

83. Dive In “And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. He said, ‘In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, “Give me justice against my adversary.” For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, “Though I neither fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.”’ And the Lord said, ‘Hear what the unrighteous judge says. And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?’” (Lk 8:1- 8, ESV). “And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. He said, ‘In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, “Give me justice against my adversary.” For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, “Though I neither fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.”’ And the Lord said, ‘Hear what the unrighteous judge says. And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?’” (Lk 8:1- 8, ESV).

84. Dive In The woman in the parable received justice because she did not give up. The woman in the parable received justice because she did not give up.

85. Dive In The woman in the parable received justice because she did not give up. The woman in the parable received justice because she did not give up. It took Noah 120 years to build the ark. It took Noah 120 years to build the ark.

86. Dive In LET US NOT GIVE UP IN THE WORK OF THE LORD!