Mark 16:15
Luke 19:12-13

As diplomats for Christ we must never lose sight of our daily charge, which is expanding the Kingdom of God here on earth, also known as the Great Commission (Mark 16:15).   When we feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty and provide shelter for the homeless, we are walking in the Great Commission, and most importantly we are bringing pleasure and glory to God!  As we put the Great Commission into action we must remember that it is a personal commitment that we must make and practice daily.  Once we are on board with the Great Commission, we will know that our actions are of God when one day we look around there others are following the Godly examples we are setting.  The Apostle Paul said it best, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”  (1 Corinthians 11:1)  

Pastor Dix said as we deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Christ we must be willing to give ourselves a performance review.  We have to ask ourselves questions such as:

• How am I living?
• Am I being a true disciple?
• Is my life a reflection of God’s Character?
• And, am I touching and healing?

Even while Christ was ministering here on earth He was preaching, teaching and healing… which are all action words!  As we prepare to take action to build God’s Kingdom, we must remember that there are actions that God expects for us to take:

1. God Action (John 3:16) - "For God so loved the world that he gave his begotten (unique) Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
   
2. Jesus Action (John 10:10) - "I am come they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."
   
3. Man’s Action (Mark 16:15) - “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature."

In closing Pastor Dix referred to the parable in Luke 19:13 that reads: “Occupy till I come.”   We must be about 'our Father's business' until Jesus returns. God wants us to be serious about the call He's given us. Public declare the Good News and everyday of the week, we need to tell someone that Jesus saves.

Quote of the sermon:

“The Devil has your number but God’s got the phone.” - Pastor George Dix Jr.

Scripture References:

Sunday, June 24th, 2007

• Mark 3:27-29 - Prayer & Scripture (Associate Pastor Ralph McKnight)
• Mark 16:15 - "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."
• Luke 19:12-13 - "And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come."
• Matthew 25:19 - "After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them."
• 1 Corinthians 11:1 - "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ"
• John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
• John 10:10 - "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."