30 Dec On Mission Warrior (9 of 12)
THE ON MISSION WARRIOR (9 of 12)
Continuing our year-end series on “The On Mission Warrior”…check our previous posts for the first eight below if you missed them!
NINE (9 of 12): I will be “On Mission” by intentionally, boldly and resolutely serving others through words and deeds in my Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth.
“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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20, ESV)
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
When I was in the initial process of forming On Mission Martial Arts, it was suggested that the name of the organization should be “On A Mission Martial Arts.” I did not prefer that name, because to me it implied a single mission that you might go out on, complete and return, apart from everyday living. The martial arts have always been something that I have felt is a part of my “everyday life.” I don’t just train to defend myself in the dojo and forget the principles, techniques and mental skills when I leave. The economy of movement and the awareness and the warrior mindset are aspects that infuse every area of my life, most of the time. This is tremendously more important in considering our spiritual life, specifically how we serve others and bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to all those He calls us to engage with!
The above translation of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), is one that I grew up with and memorized. However, not everyone knows that in the original Greek language, the imperative (or command) in the verse is not “GO,” but rather “DISCIPLE.” Although this is definitely a discussion with many onion layers, basically the verse is telling us something along the lines of: (1) As you are going through your day, (2) Look for the opportunities the Holy Spirit is giving you to disciple the people He puts in your path; (3) Leading to their public profession of faith in baptism; (4) And making a commitment to their receiving solid Biblical teaching in what Jesus wants us to know; (5) Relying on God’s power (Spirit-fillled life), to accomplish this.
The detailed description of “Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth” is another discussion beyond the scope of this short post, but suffice it to say that Jesus is commanding His followers to disciple those near (our families, perhaps), those in our community, those in nearby communities or in our community who may be different from us and everyone else in the world. I guess that about covers it!
What a privilege God gives us to be a part of His divine plan for redemption! What greater opportunity could we seek? May He inspire and empower us to be increasingly “On Mission” in whatever areas He is calling us to!
Good article on the Great Commission: http://globalfaithmission.org/…/the-real-command-of-the-gre…
“Unpeeling the Onion” a little more: http://thinktheology.org/…/greek-geeking-the-great-commiss…/
Keep Fighting the Good Fight!
Blessings,
Marco
OMMA Founder/Senior Instructor
Yondan – 4th Degree Black Belt
P.S. – As we “press on” toward our goal to fulfill the Mission the Lord has given us, we need your help to get our 3rd OMMA Location in Central Florida open and continue growing the other two locations. Click here (https://onmissionmartialarts.com/gi…/increasing_capacity2017/) to make a Year-End donation to our “Increasing Capacity for 2018” Fundraiser. Thank you!
Attachment: on mission warrior.pdf (116.2kB)