We can finish the great commission (by Bob Roberts)

This post is taken directly from Bob Robert's blog. You can read the original post here. He gives his thoughts on what a global church working together could do together to get the great commission finished.

IF THE WEST WOULD PLAY A ROLE IN THE COMPLETION OF THE GREAT COMMISSION

    

Posted July 14, 2011 by Bob Roberts Jr. // 2 comments

I am convinced the greatest surprise for the Western Church may not be the second coming of Christ - but it may be the fulfillment of the Great Commission. 

I’ve heard it often - the first time Jesus came he was missed by those who should have known most - so it’s possible the same could be true of his second coming.  I think there’s no doubt there could be some amount of truth in that.  All we know for certain, is that he is going to return, how and when become very speculative. 

But as I’ve studied global affairs and issues and realize our connectivity, travel, communication, etc., all the things I talk about - there is no doubt in reality the Great Commission will be fulfilled in the not too distant future.  My view on this is not because of revelation of the Holy Spirit, but from pragmatic observations of what is happening in the world. 

First, you can legitimately claim that there are now “disciples” in all nations.  If you broaden the term to people groups - that may not be the case.  I’ve heard so many numbers I’m not sure which is right - but there are a remaining 138 unreached people groups (upg).  In addition, Wycliffe will have its goal of the Bible translated into languages by 2020 and is studying what comes after that.  Second, the good news will be preached to all nations before Jesus returns - doesn’t mean everyone will become a Christian, just that it’s preached. 

All you have to do is look at the global explosion of the church to see that there really is a worldwide move of God right now taking place like no other time in history. 

When the Great Commission is fulfilled - I don’t think we’ll know it. 

I don’t like the concept some have of “fulfilling the Great Commission” to hasten the return of Christ.  That is arrogant and “me” centered theology.  I want God, as Peter wrote, to continue to be long-suffering.  I don’t want a single one lost.  I trust in God’s sovereignty to come when he believes he should. 

We are living at a time in history that the whole church dreamed of, the fulfillment of the Great Commission.  The challenge will not be getting the message out for everyone to hear it - but our message not getting lost in all the other “commissions” and “messages.” 

The greatest obstacle to the fulfillment of the Great Commission now is sin on the part of the Western Church.  You might ask how that can be - with all the money, missionaries, mission agencies, global initiatives, etc.  Because now, with our current world and connectivity, it really is possible and isn’t something we do out of obedience yet knowing it will be years before it can really be completed.  It really can be completed now.  It’s sin because we have all this money, people, etc., and yet continue to not work together.  Our tribal agendas in the fulfillment of the Great Commission are more important than God’s global agenda.  Until there is change we will not get to be a part.

I think Americans can promote it and provide resources both in terms of money, people, and platforms.  Chinese can perfect it to a process.  Indians are everywhere in the world like no other group - they could be the chief carriers of it.  Mongolians as a first generation church can model it.  Latinos, can flourish in any culture like no other people.  Africans can bring celebration and joy to the message like no others.  Europeans - - - - hmmmmm— they can host conferences about it, and write some theology books about it with American guys.  Aussies are the most strategically positioned.  Arabs are the most culturally critical in communication and understanding culture and history. 

What would it look like for the whole American church to work together!!!  For it not to work together is sin.  What would it look like then to see the whole global apostolic church work together?  I can only dream.  One unified, holy, apostolic - church - I kinda like that.  If God saw that, it might make him want to come - not just us preaching.