September 8, 2026 - Matthew 26-28

We heard Dr. Al Jackson speak in Auburn, last week.  He talked about the establishment of the Southern Baptist Convention.  He did not paper over the failings of the Convention.  He told about those matters.  But he focused on the reason for the founding, that is, to more effectively take the gospel to the lost both in North America and the world.  If one pays attention to social media, lots of folks are arguing over and debating many contemporary issues within the churches.  Many are consumed with the relationship of the church with the government.  So many issues; so many important issues!  But one likely will look with little success to find passionate postings about the very thing that Jesus left with his disciples and the very thing that Luke stresses in his history of the early church, i.e., the book of Acts.  Jesus sent his disciples into the world with the gospel.  Acts documents how the gospel went out and the church grew.  With all the many issues we face today, we must not forget the last words of Jesus before he ascended into heaven:  “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.  And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (28:18-20).

We’ve a story to tell to the nations

that shall turn their hearts to the right,

a story of truth and mercy,

a story of peace and light,

a story of peace and light.

For the darkness shall turn to dawning,

and the dawning to noonday bright,

and Christ's great kingdom shall come on earth—

the kingdom of love and light.

We’ve a Savior to show to the nations

who the path of sorrow hath trod,

that all of the world's great peoples

might come to the truth of God,

might come to the truth of God.   --H. Ernest Nichol (1896)