The Great Commission and Church Unity

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Questions and Answers

What is considered the primary method for fulfilling the Great Commission?

Acts of service

Preaching the Gospel (correct)

Community building

Social justice initiatives

The universal Church refers only to local congregations within a specific geographic area.

False

Why is preaching considered vital for spiritual awakening and growth?

It is the authoritative proclamation of God's Word.

The local church serves as the practical expression of the __________ Church.

universal Signup and view all the answers

Match the following aspects of church and their descriptions:

Local Church = Gatherings for worship and teaching Universal Church = All believers across time and geography Great Commission = Command to proclaim the Gospel to every creature Scripture = God's revelation and living words Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a focus of discipleship?

Personal wealth accumulation Signup and view all the answers

Acts of worship such as singing and drama can replace the need for preaching.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the Great Commission?

To issue a divine mandate for making disciples Signup and view all the answers

The Great Commission is simply a suggestion for Christians to consider.

False Signup and view all the answers

Who is uniquely qualified to issue the Great Commission?

Jesus Signup and view all the answers

The Great Commission emphasizes the responsibility of every believer to participate in ____.

God's mission Signup and view all the answers

Which groups often experience tension regarding the nature and methods of the Great Commission?

Pentecostals and Evangelicals Signup and view all the answers

Match the following concepts with their descriptions:

Great Commission = Divine mandate for discipleship Church Division = Confusion over mission's nature Authority of Jesus = Uniquely qualified to issue the Commission Nature of Salvation = Invitation to community and mission Signup and view all the answers

The Great Commission urges the Church to preach only selective parts of the Gospel.

False Signup and view all the answers

What event confirms Jesus' authority to issue the Great Commission?

His resurrection Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Mandate of the Great Commission

The Great Commission, given by Christ post-resurrection, is a divine mandate that calls for immediate action and commitment from all believers.
It is a sacred obligation for the Church to preach the complete Gospel and make disciples worldwide before Christ's return.
The mission is collective; every believer is invited to participate in fulfilling this calling, emphasizing inclusivity.

Division within the Church

Confusion among church leaders regarding the mission's nature and methods has created spiritual division.
Varying interpretations of Scripture and differing theological perspectives lead to fragmentation within the Church.
Tensions exist, particularly between groups such as Pentecostals and Evangelicals, which hinder unity.
Diverse approaches to worship and interpretation create barriers, emphasizing the need for dialogue that prioritizes the Great Commission over denominational differences.

Authority of the Commission

Jesus, being fully God and fully man, is uniquely qualified to issue the Great Commission, connecting heavenly mandates to earthly realities.
His sinless life, sacrificial death, and resurrection validate His authority and underscore the Commission’s importance as a culmination of His earthly ministry.
Christ's resurrection signifies victory over sin and death, empowering the Church to carry out its mission confidently, guided by the Holy Spirit.

Nature of Salvation and Service

The Great Commission links personal salvation to a collective journey within God's Kingdom, illustrating discipleship's communal aspect.
Believers are called to actively share God's love and extend the invitation of salvation, encompassing evangelism, acts of service, social justice, and community building.
Discipleship reflects Christ's love through tangible actions in the world, going beyond individual salvation.

Universal vs. Local Church

The universal Church includes all believers across all times and places, emphasizing unity within the Body of Christ beyond cultural and denominational barriers.
Local churches are expressions of the universal Church, providing worship, teaching, fellowship, and accountability for believers.
These local gatherings facilitate spiritual growth and support members in fulfilling their roles as part of the Great Commission.

Importance of Preaching

Preaching the Gospel is essential to fulfilling the Great Commission, as highlighted in Mark 16:15-18, which commands followers to proclaim the Gospel globally.
Preaching is a mission-driven imperative, crucial for spiritual awakening and growth, not merely an activity of the Church.
While other forms of worship enhance experiences, they must complement, not replace, the authoritative proclamation of God's Word.

Biblical Foundation

Scripture is critical for fulfilling the Great Commission, with passages like 2 Timothy 3:16 and 2 Peter 1:21 affirming its divine inspiration.
The Scriptures are considered living words meant to guide and transform believers, emphasizing the Church’s growth through the new birth and preaching.
Clear articulation of God's Word is vital for both individual transformation and the overall mission of the Church.

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Description

This quiz explores the significance of the Great Commission as a divine mandate for believers to spread the Gospel and make disciples. It addresses the divisions within the Church caused by varying interpretations and theological perspectives, emphasizing the need for unity in fulfilling this sacred calling.