Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:20
As a lad, when I went to visit some friends in River John, I was obligated to watch the Billy Graham crusade programs on the television. Even on those old black-and-white sets, the camera shots of the large stadiums where the crusades were held were impressive. We could see the many thousands of people in attendance, the huge choir that sang the hymns, and the impressive music and the sermon that Billy Graham would preach. Also impressive was the large throng who would respond to the preacher’s invitation, making their way to the front of the auditorium to make what they hoped was a confession of faith. But even as a young boy, I was disturbed by a piece of advice that Billy Graham gave to those who came forward: he urged them to go back to their home churches and become involved as faithful members. Is that the advice that we could in clear conscience give people today after they are saved during our Gospel meetings?
The Lord Jesus made it clear that His great commission included far more than preaching the Gospel. Of course, preaching the Gospel was the first and most critical component of the commission. Without salvation, it does not matter where people go or what they believe. But after they are saved, it is of utmost importance where they go and what they believe. I spoke with a man one time who told me that he was saved while a member of a Catholic church. But he said he could not remain there long, because he was starving for spiritual food. If a Christian were to attend a church where the Gospel is not preached, they lose touch with the most important message. If they attend a place where the clear doctrines of the Word of God are not taught and followed, they become confused and lose their effectiveness as a witness for their Lord and Saviour.
The Lord Jesus told His disciples that they were to pass on what they had learned from Him. And they did so. Just as there was nothing uncertain about the Gospel they preached, there was nothing fuzzy or uncertain about the doctrine that they taught. The disciples were faithful to the commission, and God wrought a great work through them in spreading the Gospel to the world. In the early years, great teachers including the disciples, the apostle Paul, Barnabas, Apollos, Timothy, Titus, and many others, provided the guidance that built up and preserved God’s Assemblies on those days. Error crept in as the doctrines were laid aside, just as error will creep in among us today if we fail to teach the Scriptures.
The Lord Jesus commands that we preach the Gospel and teach His truth to the converts. Both parts are essential. -Jim MacIntosh