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On one occasion, during His ministry of earth, Jesus declared that He “will build (His) Church, and the gates of hades (hell) will not overcome it” (Matt. 16:18). He was making the clear statement that His Church will grow until it is completed. Nothing – absolutely nothing – will be able to stop it. The outcome of God’s redemptive mission for sinful men is certain. His Church, both the local and the universal, will one day be fully complete. Upon her completion, Jesus will come as the Bridegroom for her as His Bride.

Meanwhile, the outworking of God’s redemptive mission in Jerusalem, in Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (frequently referred to as the Great Commission) rests with all who become disciples of Jesus. In Matt. 28:18-20, He gave it as follows: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” The process for global reach is disciple-making. The purpose should be intentional – discipleship with baptism, teaching and call to obedience. The people for this work are all His disciples. The commission is for all of them to obey.

To achieve the great commission, local Churches must have an orientation for God’s redemptive mission that is outward. Disciples should be fishers of men. They are salt of the earth and light of the world to fish for people to become passionate worshippers of the living God as well as faithful disciples of Jesus (ref. Matt. 5:13-16). Worship and missions are the key focus of every local Church.

God is at work in the world to seek and save the lost. Jesus died to save people from sin. He is not willing that any should perish. Let us join God in His redemptive mission. He promises us: “I am with you always”. Let us all choose to grow His Church through disciple-making which is the way that God has planned for us to reach the world for Him. When it is purpose-driven and carried out, we will also fulfil our Church’s mission and vision of being a worshipping and impacting Church, one which is faithful in reaching people for Jesus and growing believers to maturity in Him.