The Great Commission and Sharing Christianity's

Christians Are Still Called to Obey Matthew 28:16-20

May 28, 2009

The Great Commission is "more relevant than ever," according to Lloyd Pulley, senior pastor of Calvary Chapel Old Bridge, located in central New Jersey.

In today’s politically correct climate, Jesus’ command to “make disciples of all nations” is sometimes seen as being divisive or offensive. As a result of this view, many Christians have shied away from sharing their faith with others for fear of committing a cultural taboo.

“We need to ignore [that view]," Lloyd Pulley, senior pastor of Calvary Chapel Old Bridge in central New Jersey, said in an interview with Suite101.com. He added that the importance of sharing one’s faith and spreading the Good News of the Bible should be “burning in our hearts.” It is especially important, he argues, given that the world's population has skyrocketed in recent years.

“We have more opportunities than ever to share the Gospel, so we need to be less intimidated by the customs of our times,” Pulley said.

Follow Jesus’ Lead

Many people are afraid to share an unpopular message, but Jesus himself was known for going against the grain. Not only did he spend time with thieves, tax collectors and women, but he also questioned and criticized the Jewish leaders of the day.

“People are afraid of breaking cultural barriers,” Pulley said. “Jesus broke so many.”

And while Jesus often preached to large groups, he also understood the importance of saving one person at a time. Christians, therefore, shouldn’t be concerned or burdened by the idea of preaching to thousands.

“Never underestimate the value of one soul,” Pulley said, recalling Jesus’ interaction with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4). “Jesus saw in that one woman that he could reach the whole city.”

Most important, Jesus never forced anyone to believe or accept what he said. Matthew 19:16-24 relates the story of a rich young man who walked away when Jesus said he would have to give up his wealth to have eternal life.

“Jesus didn’t chase him down,” Pulley said. “Some Christians are very pushy, very arrogant, but we have to show respect and dignity. Jesus didn’t chase people down; he let them go.”

‘Our Own Worst Enemy’

According to Pulley, Christians “are sometimes our own worst enemy” when it comes to sharing the Gospels. Some are pushy and arrogant, while others simply give up too soon.

“We anticipate hostility,” he explained. “Yes, some Christians have been persecuted and some have been marginalized, but we’re only marginalized because we allow ourselves to be.”

The key, Pulley said, is to keep the importance of the message “burning in [your] heart.”

“When you’re alive and you know you’re forgiven, you have a passion for others to experience that,” he said.

However, Christians should always be subtle in sharing the message. “Satan’s strategy is to keep us from sharing our faith, but sometimes he pushes people too fast. Subtlety is important. Drop a spiritual dime and see if you can take your conversation to the next level. Maybe it will turn into a conversation, and maybe it won’t.”

Listening to the Holy Spirit is key when trying to determine if a spiritual discussion should be taken to the next level. “You can’t do more than how you’re led by the spirit,” Pulley explained.

Finally, Pulley said Christians should never feel bad if a conversation doesn’t go as planned or if someone walks away. “I don’t always do it perfectly,” he said. “I get caught up in the world just like everyone else. But God is wise. He knows our failures, and he guides us and leads us.”

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