Matthew 28:19, "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" Yesterday, I talked about following the footprints of Jesus, and today, I'm going to be talking about why, and how we are need to build up the kingdom.
First of all, I'm going to talk about the "why?" First of all, it's a commandment, as you can see in the verse I quoted earlier. It isn't a suggestion, but a commandment. Jesus didn't say, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, if you really feel like it. I mean, come on, it isn't exactly easy." It's not a suggestion. Now, it's not wrong if everyone we try to convert doesn't obey the Gospel. That is the one part we have no control over. But, we at least have to try. Matthew 9:37-38, (37) "Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; (38)therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.'" This is saying that we not only have to make disciples, but we also have to teach them to go out, and convert others as well.
Also, John 3:3,5 (3)"Jesus answered him, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.'" (5)"Jesus answered, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.'" Do we really want to pass up the opportunity to warn people that they are in danger? And that if they don't change now then they will parish. And in John 3:16, "'For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.'" What is stopping us from sharing that wonderful news with others?
Now I'm going to get on to the "How?" How can we build up the kingdom? The only way to do that, is to talk to people. You have to step outside of your comfort zone a little bit, and talk to someone about it, because most of the time, people won't just ask you about it. You have to tell them. Whether it's a friend at school, or just some random person you know that you have no idea how you met, you have to at least try. I have a very difficult time with this too. But there is honestly no excuse. Once, my dad went to the store with someone, and they split up to get their things, and met back up at the car. My dad's friend, while he was shopping, had set up two Bible studies. There are always people. Now, you may be young, and have a hard time teaching, which is why you start studying the Bible when you're young, so that you can have this knowledge for when you do start converting people. At the very least, let your light shine through example, and show people what being a Christian is, not just saying that you are. Matthew 7:21, "'Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.'"
Thank you for reading. :)
