John Michael Teters Blog

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The Great Commission

Growing up in Church I have always been told that the bible commands us to go out into the world and serve the nations. As Jesus ascends into heaven he commands his disciples:

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit..” – Matthew 28:19.

This verse has always tugged at my heart in a special way. There are three thing that I take away from this verse and those are the reasons I am so thankful to have an opportunity to go on this journey around the world.

Go to all nations

The command to “go to all the nations” is a powerful calling to engage with people from every corner of the world. It inspires us to venture beyond the comfortable and embrace the diversity of cultures, languages, and customs. By doing this we broaden our perspective by learning about other people. It is inspiring to observe how other culture interact and understand why people think and act a certain way. Through understanding why different cultures are the way that they are is a gateway to sharing the gospel of Christ.

Ultimately being able to love and serve others is such a privilege as it brings more fulfillment and joy than anything else in this world.

Galatians 5:13 – “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”

Be a Disciple maker

Being a disciple maker is a privilege and a lifelong commitment as a follower of Christ. Our job is not to save others. Jesus died on the cross and rose again three days later to save us. Our duty is to teach people about Jesus and to share his love with them.

In the book of Mathew Jesus tells a parable about how a Sower sews seeds all throughout his fields.

Some of the seeds fall on hard ground which represents someone with a hardened heart full of sin that hears the word of God but does not accept it.

Some of the seeds fall on stony ground which is someone who shows interest and awareness in the Gospel, yet his heart isn’t fully convicted so that when trouble comes his faith is not strong enough to stand.

The thorny ground represent a person who receives the Gospel but who has many other idols and distractions in life – worries, riches, and lusts, which take over his mind and heart and he cannot grow in the truth of God’s Word.

Finally the good soil is someone who has heard and received the Word of God and allows it to take root and grow within his life. This person represents true salvation that bears good fruit.

As Christians’ we are called to sew seed everywhere. Whether a person accepts or rejects faith in Jesus is between God and Themselves. As Disciple-makers, we can understand the significance of investing in others, knowing that the impact of our influence can ripple through multiple people which expands the kingdom of God.

Love others and grow

Through the process of loving others that we can be transformed and become more like Christ. Through serving others we reflect His love to a broken world.

Proverbs 11:25: “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.”

By serving oversees I truly believe that I will be transformed through experiencing new cultures. Ultimately having the goal of providing aid and sharing the gospel to those in need will be a prominent point in my faith. I am beyond excited to begin this epic journey and can’t wait to begin.

Support/Partner: https://adventuresinmissions.servicereef.com/events/adventures-in-missions-3/2023-world-race-gap-year-route-2/participants/john-teter

 

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