The Christian Cycle

The Cycle of Christianity

Introduction

1. The eternal purpose of God was to save man.

2. To that end He sent His Son to live upon the earth so that His purpose might be accomplished and all could have the opportunity for salvation.

3. Those who come to Christ receive the blessings made possible by His death but they also sustain responsibilities to serve Him and others by acting on His behalf and carrying His message of salvation to the world.

4. This concept, which I term “the cycle of Christianity,” is presented to us in two passages in the gospel of Matthew.

a. Matthew 11:28-30 and Matthew 28:18-20.

b. These passages provide for the perpetuation of Christ’s body here upon the earth.

5. The cycle of Christianity: “Come and Learn,” then “Go and Teach.”

I. “Come and Learn” (Matt. 11:28-30) A. “Come.”

1. This invitation is:

a. Issued by Jesus to those who are weary of the burden of the guilt of their sins.

b. Repeated by the Spirit and the Bride at the very end of God’s revelation. (Rev. 22:17)

2. One must come to Jesus for He alone has the words to eternal life. (John 6:60-69; Acts 4:12; John 14:6)

B. “Learn.”

1. Of God and His love for man. (Heb. 11:6; John 3:16)

2. Of Jesus and His sacrifice for sin. (1 Tim. 1:15; 2 Cor. 5:21)

3. Of sin and its tragic consequences. (Isa. 59:1-2; Rom. 3:23; Jas. 1:13-15; 2 Cor. 5:10)

4. The value of the soul. (Matt. 16:26)

5. The facts one needs to believe about Jesus. (John 8:24)

6. The commands one must obey to be saved. (Heb. 5:8-9)

7. About the church, the body of the saved. (Acts 2:47; Eph. 1:22-23)

8. How one is to conduct himself as a member of that body. (Titus 2:11-12; Eph. 4:1; Rom. 6:1-4)

9. The blessings one receives in that body. (Eph. 1:3)

10. The rewards of faithfulness. (Rev. 2:10)

II. “Go and Teach” (Matt. 28:18-20)

A. “Go.”

1. Following the example of the New Testament church. (Acts 8:1-4)

2. Fulfilling the role of a light in the world. (Matt. 5:14-16)

3. Striving to be faithful. (2 Tim. 2:2)

4. Knowing this task will only end when time is no more.

a. The “Great Commission” is a cyclical command.

b. The apostles were to teach new disciples to “observe all things” Christ had commanded them.

1) Christ had just commanded them to go and teach.

2) The burden of this command falls upon every disciple of Christ.

B. “Teach.”

1. Faithful individuals teach. (2 Tim. 2:2)

2. One is to teach the word of God. (2 Tim. 4:1-4)

3. One must teach the gospel of Christ without alteration. (Gal. 1:6-9)

4. People must know the truth if they are going to be free from sin. (John 8:32)

Conclusion

1. If you have not yet come to Christ, why not do it now? You have learned of Him, so come to Him.

2. If you have already answered His invitation, now go and teach others of their need for Him.