Making His First and Last Instructions on Earth our First Priority in obedience to Jesus Christ.

 Our end is clear because Jesus made it clear when He told us that He came to seek and save the lost. Jesus’ final words were not a sad farewell, rather an instruction for His followers. In effect, “Don’t keep this to yourselves. Go and tell everyone, everywhere, what you have seen, what you have heard, and what I have shown you.” And His followers, of that day were obedient.

 We believe that the Church today is called to this same vision—a vision to take the Gospel to all people, of all ages, in all cultures, in all nations on earth. It is a matter of faith in and obedience to Jesus Christ.

 His First Instructions to his followers was very clear, “Follow me and I will make you fishers on men.” His Last words as He was getting ready to ascend into heaven was “You shall receive power after the Holy Spirit has come upon you and you shall be witness unto me.” His first and Last words he spoke had the same top priority of why He came. His great news must be shared with the world!

 Just like we make a decision to accept Jesus as our Savior and become a believer we also need to make the same decision to follow Jesus as a lifestyle. The early church did just that! It was a matter of faith in and obedience to His first and last instructions. The early church multiplied and multiplied exceedingly.

As a believer we are all called to become a follower of Christ. As we grow in His grace and knowledge our hearts desire is to please Him. The greatest form of worship to God is to live our lives in His will. To love Him with all our heart, mind, soul and strength.

The same calling the early church had and was obedient to is the same calling Jesus has for all of us today. Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men. Making His first and Last commands our first priority in our lives not only changes the world for His Glory but also changes our life by bringing joy and peace.

 By reaching the lost and making disciples done with a heart full of gratitude has such amazing eternal consequences that we can’t even imagine. Jesus said it very clear, store treasures up in heaven. One way we store up treasures in heaven is by getting people there and by making disciples to do the same. Training those who are faithful and able multiplies souls for His Kingdom.

 Revised Comment - 1

This passage emphasizes the importance of making Jesus Christ's first and last instructions—spreading the Gospel—a top priority for believers. Jesus made His mission clear: He came to seek and save the lost, and He commanded His followers to share this message with everyone. The early church obeyed this call wholeheartedly, leading to exponential growth.

Believers today are called to the same purpose: to be "fishers of men" and to share the Good News with all people. This call is both a form of obedience and a lifestyle commitment, aligning one’s life with God's will. By reaching the lost and making disciples, Christians store up eternal treasures in heaven. Obeying these instructions not only impacts the world for God’s glory but also brings personal joy, peace, and purpose.

In summary, the call to spread the Gospel remains as relevant today as it was for the early church, bringing eternal consequences and fulfillment.

Revised Comment - 2

This beautifully encapsulates the mission and heart of following Jesus as laid out in His first and last instructions. The clear call to seek and save the lost, to be witnesses empowered by the Holy Spirit, and to make disciples, is the essence of the Christian walk and purpose. Jesus’ instructions to “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” and His parting words about receiving power to be His witnesses anchor a powerful mission for believers.

You’re highlighting a critical and often overlooked truth: that obedience to Jesus is not just a one-time act but a lifestyle. It transforms the believer and the world, bringing God’s light into every corner. Making disciples with a heart of gratitude, as Jesus did, isn’t just about growth—it’s about fulfilling the deepest expression of love and obedience to God. The impact of this obedience, as you noted, has eternal rewards and brings us peace and joy in knowing we are living in God’s will.

Your message underscores how the early church thrived by holding Jesus’ commands as their highest priority, and the same holds true for believers today. When we truly follow Christ, loving Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, our lives become a powerful witness to others. This call to store treasures in heaven by investing in people’s eternal destinies beautifully aligns with Jesus’ ultimate mission and brings profound purpose to every act of discipleship and witness.

Revised Comment 3

This message is a powerful reminder of the mission that Jesus set forth for His followers, emphasizing the core of Christian discipleship and evangelism. From the beginning of His ministry, Jesus invited His followers to become “fishers of men” — a calling to reach out and draw people toward God. This message underscores the importance of continuing that work as the priority for believers today, aligning with Jesus’ first and last instructions.

The early church exemplified this mission, living in obedience and growing exponentially. Their commitment shows how following Jesus isn’t just about personal faith but about adopting a lifestyle that impacts the world, guided by His Great Commission: “Go and tell everyone, everywhere.” As you point out, making Jesus’ first and last words our priority brings transformation — not only to the world but also within our own lives, filling us with purpose, peace, and joy.

Sharing the Gospel is about more than words; it’s about living a life in alignment with God’s will, worshipping Him through our actions, and loving Him wholeheartedly. When believers answer this call, they store up treasures in heaven, contributing to an eternal legacy that glorifies God. The work of reaching the lost and making disciples has immeasurable impact, both for the Kingdom and for our own spiritual growth.

In essence, it’s a call for modern believers to embrace the same spirit of faith, obedience, and dedication that marked the early church, making Christ’s mission the center of our lives and, in doing so, carrying His love and salvation to the ends of the earth.

Revised Comment 4

This is a powerful reminder of the mission and calling Jesus left to His followers—a mission that remains just as relevant and vital today as it was for the early church. Jesus’ first and last instructions center on a clear purpose: to share the gospel and make disciples. From the invitation to "follow me, and I will make you fishers of men" to His final commission to "be witnesses" empowered by the Holy Spirit, Jesus made it clear that spreading the gospel is the heartbeat of Christian life.

In following Christ, believers move beyond a single decision of faith to a lifelong commitment to discipleship. As you pointed out, it's about embracing Jesus’ way as a lifestyle, one that mirrors the example of the early church. Their dedication to sharing the gospel, even in the face of challenges, led to remarkable growth and multiplication. This lifestyle of faith and obedience not only draws others to Christ but also enriches the believer's life with joy, peace, and purpose.

Moreover, in fulfilling Jesus' command, believers are invited to store treasures in heaven by impacting lives for eternity. As we make disciples who can also lead others, the gospel spreads exponentially, transforming lives and communities around the world. This is not only obedience to Jesus’ instructions but a profound act of worship, one that reflects love for God and dedication to His will.

Thank you for sharing this meaningful reflection on prioritizing Jesus’ mission. It’s a powerful call to action and a reminder of our role as followers to continue the work He entrusted to us.