Title

Restoring Honor, Rule, Relationships, and Rest: God’s Model for Great Commission Companies

School/Department

Cook School of Intercultural Studies

Publication Date

Spring 2015

Abstract

The whole of Scripture through heroes such as Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Jesus, and Paul provide Great Commission companies God-guidelines for true effectiveness. Cross-cultural ministry does not begin with the Great Commission found at the end of one of the Gospels, such as Jesus’ command in Matthew: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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” (28:18-20, NIV). Nor does the Great Commandment begin with Jesus’ command to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind...Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt 22:37, NIV).

While both the Great Commission and the Great Commandment are stated by Jesus in the New Testament, each find their foundational roots in the Old Testament. This article explores the interrelationship between the Great Commission and the Great Commandment found in both Testaments through investigating the lives of seven key Bible characters. Trough these individuals God lays out his plan to reinstitute his global rule by defeating spiritual powers, restoring broken relationships with himself, and provide refreshing rest among all peoples. God’s actions provide 21st century Great Commission companies (GCCs) a model to exemplify

Dr. Tom Steffen is Professor Emeritus of Intercultural Studies in the School of Intercultural Studies at Biola University in La Mirada, California.

Keywords

Great Commission

Publication Title

William Carey International Development Journal

Volume

4

Issue

2

First Page

4

Last Page

18

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