Preparing for the Lord's Day
Missio Nexus
It is a common tension in police dramas: who has jurisdiction? Whether on a TV show or in a crime novel inevitably the different law enforcement agencies will have a fight about who has the jurisdiction to investigate a crime. The local authorities always believe that they are the best equipped to handle the situation. The crime has happened in their town. They know the victims and the usual suspects. An outsider will miss the pertinent details that the locals will pick up on. However, the FBI agents claim that it is their responsibility because a federal crime has been committed. The investigation will involve interstate interests that only they have the right to pursue. Jurisdiction means the statutory authority to investigate a crime within a geographical boundary. Whoever has the jurisdiction has the right and the authority to act.
Over the past several weeks we have focused our attention on the topic of living on mission. The mission that we have is to bring the good news of the gospel to our family, friends, neighborhood, and workplaces. We have talked about using our homes and sporting fields to share this good news of salvation in Christ. Yet the question we will inevitably have to answer is: do you have the authority to share the gospel in these places? Do you have the right to tell people what they are to believe and how they are to live? What gives you jurisdiction over the neighborhood or the workplace or the ballfield?
In our passage for this Sunday, we come to the Great Commission. Here Jesus commands us to go into all the world making disciples; sharing the gospel. But before his commission, he gives us jurisdiction. He says, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore…” The ground of our jurisdiction over all the world is Christ’s authority. He has all authority and he has given us the right and the authority to act on his behalf. This is why we have the right to go into all the world with the gospel. To come prepared for the sermon take time this week to read and to meditate upon Mathew 28:16-20, Psalm 72:8-11, Daniel 7:13-14, John 17:1-2, Acts 10:36, Colossians 2:10, and Revelation 21:7.
As we gather to worship our loving Father this Lord’s Day, we will join our hearts in song, singing the Hymn of Praise “Wondrous King, All Glorious”, the Acclamation of Praise “Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me”, and the Hymn of Response “Rejoice the Lord is King”. Let us come to worship this Sunday prepared to hear God’s Word, to receive it in faith, to love and treasure it in our hearts, and to practice it in our lives so that we may continue to glorify and enjoy Him!
Sermon Information
Text: Matthew 28:16-20
Title: Mission Authority
Outline:
- Christ’s Authority is the Reason We Live on Mission
- Christ’s Authority Gives Us Boldness to Live on Mission
- Christ’s Authority Gives Us Confidence to Live on Mission