JMA Missions Mid-Month April 2026
The Great Commission in the New Testament
The Mighty Book of Revelation, part 2
Welcome back to installment #2 in our series. Last month, we began our look at the Great Commission in the Book of Revelation — the one I had been looking forward to the most in this whole series. While working through an inductive study of this book for a class at BLLC, I was struck by how many times the Great Commission shows up across its pages. There are enough, in fact, that we’re taking this in a mid-month series.
Disclaimer: We will not be producing charts, or lunar eclipse calendars, or forcing any certain 'literal' interpretation on the text which the context does not support. Let me briefly remind us all of the three main parts of the inductive method we use: observation, interpretation, application.
Revelation is particularly interesting because it brings together three types of literature at the same time. It is a prophecy (ch1:3), it is an epistle (letters to churches in ch2–3), and it uses apocalyptic language (hyperbole, over-the-top grandiose symbolism). Some parts can be taken at face value, while others are symbolic. All of it should be understood according to the genre in which it appears.
This month, we are on the letters to the churches, ch2-3. This is the epistle section! Whatever your eschatological position may be is irrelevant to the fact that these were real churches, with real people, trying to live as real believers in the 1st century. And these letters were not from an apostle, or some other evangelist. This is Jesus talking directly to His church. As we read chs2-3, we see patterns emerge that are important to observe. We are looking at how 'making disciples' is evaluated in the context of the local Church.
Reading through these letters, several repetitive patterns emerge immediately. This is a 'revelation' (if I can say it that way!) of how “making disciples” is actually being evaluated by Jesus in the local Church in real time. Sometimes, we think He's waiting until that last day to do the big evaluation! But no, Jesus isn't waiting. He is building His church right now! He is not withdrawn somewhere, in hiding.
First, every church hears the same words: “I know your works.” Our personal discipleship is being observed by the Great Commissioner, personally and in real time. Note the present tense, "I know", and "your works". Nothing is hidden from Him, and good intentions don't count.
Second, in every discipleship program, correction is part of it. Out of the seven churches, only two were not corrected. The rest are adjusted, corrected, or called to repent. Hebrews 12:8 says if you are not corrected, you are not a son.
Third, we also see that what appears to be strength can hide inward failure. One church is active but has left its first love. Another has a reputation for life but is dead. Another believes it is rich, while actually being spiritually bankrupt. The pattern indicates that activity does not equal discipleship.
At the same time, Jesus is consistently affirming what is right. He commends endurance, faithfulness, and perseverance, especially in churches that seem to be weak. True discipleship is not measured by size or influence or fame, but by faithfulness over time.
Also, His commands are consistent: repent, hold fast, be faithful, strengthen what remains.
Disciple-making is not corrected by adding activities or more 'serve days'. It is corrected by addressing the issues of the heart, and an admonishment to return to what is right.
So, when we zoom out and look at these patterns, something becomes very clear: Jesus is not, and does not evaluate His Church based on activity, growth, or influence.
He is evaluating whether it is actually making disciples who
1. love Him,
2. hold to the truth,
3. and remain faithful.
"I know your works" is still present tense. Before you move on from this, ask yourself an honest question. If Jesus were to speak to you in the way that He spoke to these churches, what would He say?
Copyright © 2026 Biblical Life Ministries, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you know Kelly and Kathy Johnson, or are interested in hearing about what is happening with Biblical Life Ministries, or you are simply an above average person!
If these teachings are helping you grow as a disciple, and you would like to support this work, you can do so below.
Tax-deductible gifts can be mailed to:
Biblical Life Ministries
2131 W. Republic Rd #3
Springfield, MO 65807
Give online at: www.biblicallife.org
Or text an amount to 214-484-0108
Please indicate support for Kelly and Kathy Johnson or one of our projects!