GCS Podcast

In an age where almost anything goes, how can we equip and empower Christians to believe and live the Christian faith, and how can we equip and empower the church to evangelise? In the book of Ecclesiastes, King Solomon describes our ignorance of the works of God and of the future. In particular, how we do not know which seeds will germinate and produce fruit. The Bible has a great deal to say about sowing and reaping, and we know that wherever there is reaping, the hard work of sowing needs to have been done first. At the time, sowing may seem unrewarding as the harvest is so many months away, but how can we expect to reap if there has been no sowing?Let's join Tony as he shares seven helpful principles to help us evangelise effectively.Support the show (https://www.greatcommissionsociety.org/donate)

For many Christians returning from mission trips, it can feel hard to settle back into normal life. We’re bursting with stories of redemption and renewal. We’ve witnessed the faith of the persecuted and the joy of the poor. We’re resolved to live generously after encountering sprawling slums and rundown orphan homes. Yet, no matter what we’ve experienced, people at home appear uninterested and just don't seem to get it. After a day or two, we are left feeling exhausted and frustrated. The feeling that life is about to go "back to normal" is depressing. Depression has a long history of being misunderstood, both by the larger culture and, unfortunately, by the church. For many of us, shame and stigma can cause us to keep our struggles with mental health issues hidden from our friends, our church communities, and even from God himself. How can Christians be clinically depressed? Is there a Biblical explanation for this?Let's join Tony as he explores four phases everyone goes through after a mission trip and explains how they can grow our maturity and faith.Support the show (https://www.greatcommissionsociety.org/donate)

Most Christians agree that when Jesus told his followers to go and make disciples of all nations, he gave the church its mission until the end of the age. It is much harder, however, to gain consensus on how the church is to fulfil that mission today. The Great Commission is one of the most significant passages in the Bible – and yet somewhere along the way Christians seem to have lost confidence that the Bible actually gives the church instructions for fulfilling it. Despite the simplicity and clarity of our Lord's mandate we seem so far off course from this mission today. What fundamental truths could we be missing, and what changes do we need to make in our lives "to make disciples of all the nations"?Let's join Tony as he examines the last recorded personal instruction given by Jesus to His disciples in this concluding part of the Great Commission. Support the show (https://www.greatcommissionsociety.org/donate)

When most of us think of the “Great Commission,” we start with the word “go.” The gist of Christ’s command is that we are to go into all the world and make disciples of all nations, baptising and teaching, right? But Matthew’s version of the Commissioning scene doesn’t start with “go.”The commission itself is sandwiched between two statements related to Jesus Christ: the first concerns His authority, and the second concerns His empowering presence. So, what is the mission of the church, and what does the Great Commission mean to us today?Let's join Tony as he discusses how the Commission is based on truth and examines the authority of Jesus in this first part of the Great Commission. Support the show (https://www.greatcommissionsociety.org/donate)

The Christian walk is a relationship with God, so what does it mean when we don’t feel our faith? Does it mean God is distant or that perhaps He doesn’t care? Does it mean Christianity is false? The emotional connection in the Christian walk is an important one. So, what does it mean when the emotions are not there? There are times when every Christian feels like God has disappeared, when our faith feels distant and unsatisfying. What is God doing in those instances - and more importantly, how should we react?Let's join Tony as he discusses the importance of our connection with God and shares six characteristics of what it means to be walking in faith. Support the show (https://www.greatcommissionsociety.org/donate)

One of the most frustrating and discouraging aspects of the Christian life is struggling with sin. While it’s true that we have been filled with the Holy Spirit and sin’s ultimate control over us has been broken, we still often find ourselves doing things we hate, saying things that we know are wrong, and feeling attracted to things that we know are evil. At times, the battle feels overwhelming. Sin is a reality with which we all must live. No one can escape the struggles we have with rebelling against God’s call on our lives. However, it is possible to choose whether one will vigorously fight the battle against the flesh or not. The battle can be overwhelming, but it does not have to result in demoralising defeat. How can we have victory in overcoming sin?Let's join Tony as he unpacks three practical strategies, we can use to overcome sin. Support the show (https://www.greatcommissionsociety.org/donate)

One of the most alarming trends in today’s society is the death of the concept of sin. As the morals in our culture deteriorate how can Christians respond? Many people understand the feeling of guilt but until they understand sin, they will not be ready for a saviour. Sin is the greatest problem facing the world, but how can we define what sin is to a postmodern generation? Let's join Tony as he defines sin and examines the difference between cheap and radical repentance.Support the show (https://www.greatcommissionsociety.org/donate)

The second coming is one of the most momentous events that will ever happen, where Jesus Christ will come again to the earth personally, visibly, and bodily – to judge the living and the dead, and to complete His redemptive mission. For Christians this is a blessed hope for which we should constantly watch and pray. But how should this critical event shape our life and hope now? It is overwhelming to see the number of times throughout Scripture where the second coming is mentioned, with no less than 1200 times in the Old Testament and 300 times in the New Testament. Someday Jesus will physically return to this earth. We do not know when it will happen, but God knows exactly when this will occur. What if it were tomorrow? Would you be ready? What changes do we need to make today to get ready for Christ’s return?Let's join Tony as he shares five principles to help us get ready for the second coming.Support the show (https://www.greatcommissionsociety.org/donate)

How do people tend to explore faith, and what lessons can we learn from their spiritual journeys that might help us as we work to fulfil the Great Commission? Is it possible to identify specific thresholds that people encounter on their journey to knowing God personally?How do people move from a place of distrust to trust, or from feeling complacent to curious? What causes people who are closed to change to suddenly being open to change in their life? How do people move from meandering to seeking, and ultimately trusting in Christ for salvation?Let's join Tony as he answers these questions by examining five spiritual thresholds that people encounter on their faith journey.Support the show (https://www.greatcommissionsociety.org/donate)

When people hear the word ‘evangelism’ they often think of either a large-scale evangelistic event or cold calling at the door. But, do these evangelism methods make some Christians uncomfortable sharing their faith? Are there more fruitful methods of reaching people in our own networks?Over the years, the term "evangelism" has grown to have some negative stereotypes. But could it be time to reclaim it? What changes do we need to make, to practically equip every church member to live as a missionary? How can we create an atmosphere of expectation for every member of the church to evangelise their immediate circle of friends? Let's join Tony as he explores the idea of network evangelism and explains how this underutilised approach is both culturally appropriate and personally achievable.Support the show (https://www.greatcommissionsociety.org/donate)

Most Christians seem to find Evangelism a very hard thing to do. Even the people who seem to excel and have the gift of evangelism readily confess their weakness. So, why is it so universally difficult? Differing world views can be substantial and reaching across them is not an easy task. But do you ever wonder if reaching across those barriers is even possible in todays society. In an age where predominant thinking is becoming increasingly hostile towards the Christian worldview, how can Christians bridge the widening gap and reach out across the barriers? Can we still communicate the Gospel in today’s world - and if so, what obstacles do we need to overcome?Let's join Tony as he explores five main problems that Christians face in seeking to reach the lost and shares effective Bible principles to tackle them. Support the show (https://www.greatcommissionsociety.org/donate)

How do we explain the gospel to children in a way they can understand? How do we explain their need for a Saviour without watering down the details? How can we hold their attention long enough to explain what the Bible is all about? How can we be accurate yet sensitive to the fact that they need simpler explanations?Today’s presentation is broken down into 10 parts, and starts with the creation of the universe, and explains key biblical concepts: Who is God? What is God like? What is sin? Where did evil come from? Why do we need a Saviour? This presentation concludes with a clear explanation of the identity of Jesus and his amazing provision as our Saviour. The graphic details surrounding the story of salvation are handled sensitively but not watered down. At the end, children will have an explanation of who God is and what he did for mankind on the cross. It is a message of hope every child should hear. Let's join Tony as he presents the Gospel from an angle you may never have considered.Support the show (https://www.greatcommissionsociety.org/donate)

The world has 195 countries with thousands of ethnic sub-groups, that bring both challenges and opportunities for evangelism. What key questions should we be asking when considering cross-cultural evangelism?In the past it was only Christian missionaries going overseas to preach the gospel who had to understand cross-cultural evangelism, but today most of us do not have to go that far to encounter other cultures. While the Christian message does not change, the methodology for evangelism must change from culture to culture in order for the message to be clearly communicated. This raises some important questions. Can we do evangelism without understanding the culture, and what do we need to understand about a person’s cultural background to communicate the Gospel with them in a meaningful and relevant way? Let’s join Tony as he examines the way cultural background impacts our understanding of the Gospel and shares how we can cut through all manner of cultural and religious barriers.Support the show (https://www.greatcommissionsociety.org/donate)

Jesus Christ continues to be the most significant figure in history. We know how he is viewed today, but how was he viewed in his culture. His words and his methods were unlike any others, both then and now. What was it that made him so different? How did he challenge the views and the values around him?As Jesus taught the tax collectors and sinners gathered around Him, the Pharisees began to mutter to themselves about His open association with those deemed “unclean” according to the Jewish religious code. The parable of the lost sheep was Jesus’ response.The religious leaders of the day had been indifferent toward people who were lost. Jesus used the parables of the lost sheep and lost coin to illustrate how their response was wrong, especially when compared to how they would have responded toward recovering something of far less value. Jesus pointed out that the one thing that matters most to God is the lost, and when the lost are found, even one of them, all heaven rejoices and throws a party! There is more joy over one sinner coming to Jesus that over ninety-nine people being right where they’re supposed to be with God. If people matter this much to God, shouldn’t they matter this much to us? Shouldn’t we be willing to give everything needed in order to reach them? What is needed to reach the lost? Let’s join Tony as he takes a closer look at the way God responds and searches for the lost and examines how we might gain the right perspective on evangelism.Support the show (https://www.greatcommissionsociety.org/donate)

A vast majority of churches go for years without seeing even one person coming to Christ in faith. By almost any metric, churches across the world are much less evangelistic today than they were in the recent past. Do you ever feel the church has let the world down? The apostle Peter told believers to always have a ready answer for the hope that we have, but in these changing and very strange times that directive can be difficult. We see the pattern in the early church where every day the Lord added to them those who were being saved. Yet, in too many churches today, our congregations are reaching no one for Christ in the course of an entire year. What can we do differently to better reach the unsaved in our community? How do we respond to a generation that is lost, and appears to enjoy its quandary? Many of us know of friends or loved ones who seem so hard to reach with the Gospel because they enjoy their lives. How can we properly approach these friends?Let's join Tony as he exposes some of the key reasons why churches are not reaching the lost with the Gospel and shares how we might gain the right perspective on evangelism.Support the show (https://www.greatcommissionsociety.org/donate)

Today, there are many who would identify themselves as Christians, yet the Christian life for so many is rooted in convenience rather than Biblical convictions. Convictions are an expression of faith, and Christians often talk about a sense of conviction that grows when God’s word does its work. But what does it mean to be “convicted” of something?The Oxford English dictionary defines the word ‘conviction’ as “a firmly held belief or opinion”, something you cling to so strongly that it impacts the way you think and the way you live your life. Someone has put it this way, “a belief is what you hold, but a conviction is what holds you”. Conviction is an incredibly valuable yet increasingly rare trait that the early Christians appeared to have a lot of. First century Christians had a difficult life, but through conviction and faith they spread the Gospel across the known world. Conviction is a powerful motivator, and it is what is needed today in a world filled with difficult questions and very few answers. But can the conviction of Christians conquer the world again? How can we cultivate a strong Biblical conviction? What kind of process is needed to bring a person to faith in Christ?Let's join Tony as he shares a powerful testimony that will encourage you to cultivate the habit of anchoring your convictions in the Bible.Support the show (https://www.greatcommissionsociety.org/donate)

In an age where almost anything goes, without careful attention churches can easily drift from their founding mission. How can we prevent this from happening, and how can we equip and empower the church to evangelise? Jesus was clear that our job as Christians is to proclaim the Gospel and disciple those who are saved, and yet so many churches fail to carry out their founding mission. Perhaps the greatest danger is when a Church doesn’t realise this has happened. Why is “mission drift” so common among Christian ministries? How does it happen, and how can it be prevented? How can we reach people with the message of Jesus Christ and prepare them to further the spread of the Gospel?Let's join Tony as he shares a practical strategy to guard both you and your church from “mission drift”.Support the show (https://www.greatcommissionsociety.org/donate)

For the first time in our lives, churches around the world will be celebrating Easter this weekend by not gathering together. It’s a tragic picture of these sad and scary days. Yet it’s similar in several ways to what happened on the very first Easter.The scientific community is racing to find a COVID-19 vaccine to give a vague promise to humanity of immortality based upon chemical changes and formulas, but until science can find a solution for the problem of sin, it will not find a solution for the problem of death. Every Religion and Philosophy in the world agrees that their founders have never come out of death in the resurrection! It is only Christianity that finds hope in an empty tomb! Is there any hope for us today? Did Jesus rise from the dead? Does it really matter if Jesus was raised from the dead or not? What evidence is there and why is the resurrection so important? Let's join Tony as he examines the compelling evidence for the resurrection and explains why it is relevant for us today.Support the show (https://www.greatcommissionsociety.org/donate)

In many places the Bible describes the fate of the unsaved in terrible, fearful terms. Yet, when we speak to others about what it means to be a Christian, our tendency is to shy away from mentioning what the Gospel compels us to accept as truth.Laws protect our general safety and ensure our rights as citizens against abuses. While some laws might give us pause, most people understand and uphold laws, and would have no hesitation speaking about them. Some Christians feel that using the Law in evangelism can be harsh and unloving – but is it right to feel that way? Is there a way to speak to the lost in a friendly way that’s non-intimidating, to reason with people by addressing the conscience, rather than addressing the intellect – a place of contention.Let's join Tony as he shares the conclusion of his message entitled “A Run on the Roman Road”.Support the show (https://www.greatcommissionsociety.org/donate)

As Christians, we know we should share our faith with others and communicating our faith in Christ should be the most natural thing in the world. However, many people feel very intimidated at the thought of sharing the Gospel with a stranger. What has caused this dilemma, and how do we overcome it?Sometimes we forget that Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” We often live as if the labourers are plentiful, but the harvest is few. Evangelism is a spiritual discipline, and we need to be intentional and deliberate in seeking ways to share the Gospel with those who don’t know Jesus. But, what do we need to do to prioritise evangelism and how do we go about practicing it?Let's join Tony as he explores how we can pursue evangelism and missional living with joy and intentionality.Support the show (https://www.greatcommissionsociety.org/donate)

What does your life with Christ look like? Does it mirror Him, or do you feel there are changes that need to be made in order for that to happen? And if it doesn’t look like Christ, what is keeping you from being the person that God wants you to be?Every Christian is called by God to a specific purpose. But, what does it mean to be “called”? In a sense, as Christians we are all called to Christ, to follow and obey Him. He made that clear when He said to His disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself, take up his cross and follow me in Luke 9:23. The call to Jesus Himself is the ultimate call on our lives, but what does that mean? Do you ever feel that your lifestyle gets in the way of your calling, and what work needs to be done in your life to make sure you are the person He wants you to be.Let's join Tony as he presents a message on setting aside uncertainty, embarrassment and acting in obedience and conviction.Support the show (https://www.greatcommissionsociety.org/donate)

If you think Christianity faces an uphill battle today, just look at the daunting task the early church faced. How did pain and persecution in the early days of Christianity help spread the Gospel, and how did the convictions of first century Christians conquer the world?A faithful witness is one who is credible on a particular subject because of their experience, which shows in their convictions. Every believer is commissioned to bring people to Jesus. The Lord is not asking us to do something impossible or impractical, but what does it mean and how do we to go about it?Conviction is a powerful motivator, and it is what is needed today in a world filled with difficult questions and very few answers. What kind of process is needed to bring a person to faith in Christ?Let's join Tony as he breaks down the process of drawing a non-Christian to Christ through six easy to understand steps using an agricultural model.Support the show (https://www.greatcommissionsociety.org/donate)

When you hear the word ‘WORSHIP’, what comes to your mind? What comes to your mind when you think of worshipping and glorifying God? In the Christian recording industry, the words ‘WORSHIP’ and ‘MUSIC’ have almost become synonymous. Even church terminology has changed over time to call the role of the Music Minister a Worship Leader or Worship Pastor. Though “worship music” is beneficial, has our focus on it caused us to define worship too narrowly?The role of music and singing in Christian worship is biblical and plays a vital role in the life of God’s people. Today, we often chatter back and forth about different types of worship, whether its traditional, contemporary, or charismatic. But have you ever sat down and really contemplated what it means to “worship God?” Why do we sing, pray and kneel before God? Is God pleased with the way we worship? If God is the centre of existence, maybe we should learn what He really expects from us. In another perspective, if man creates and directs his own existence, why bother worshipping anything! Let's join Tony as he looks at the topic of Biblical worship from an angle you may never have considered.Support the show (https://www.greatcommissionsociety.org/donate)

Barriers between differing world views can be substantial and reaching across them is not an easy task. But do you ever wonder if reaching across those barriers is even possible in today’s society?There are many reasons that Christians share for not being able to evangelise. ...'Saying the wrong thing'...'Feeling scared'...'Believing the person is not ready'...'Not wanting to offend'...'Evangelism is not my spiritual gift'...'Too busy!'These are excuses we are all familiar with, as fear of the unknown and rejection are common. But, while fear is often a cause for not doing evangelism, could there be other reasons why we do not evangelise? How can Christians present the Gospel in a world that is often resistant to Christian beliefs? Let's join Tony as he exposes some wrong definitions of evangelism and examines how this stop Christians from proclaiming the Gospel.Support the show (https://www.greatcommissionsociety.org/donate)

We live in a world plagued by fear. People worrying about illness, income, employment and the future. The Coronavirus outbreak means that life is changing for all of us for a while, which will cause people to feel anxious, depressed or frustrated. Yet fears crept into our hearts long before we ever heard about COVID-19.Are you worried about the Coronavirus, and the effect it may have on your life? There’s so much uncertainty in the world at the moment, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by fear and anxiety. What can we do to get through this difficult time without panicking? Is faith a viable answer, and what does that mean?Let's join Tony as he looks at the life of King David, and how he overcame fear and anxiety when faced with a crisis.Support the show (https://www.greatcommissionsociety.org/donate)

Many people doubt the existence of God, and yet many more doubt the existence of the devil. This is the cunning way our enemy works, and that’s just the way he likes it for now. So, why is the devil so fanatically committed to hindering the spread of the Gospel?When you look at the lives of the early Christians, how does that make you feel? Have you ever experienced for yourself the thrill of personally sharing the Gospel with someone? It has been said that the Christian life without regularly proclaiming the Gospel to non-believers is settling for, and living in, God’s second best! How does that statement make you feel?Let's join Tony as he looks at the topic of “What motivates the devil to stop evangelism?”, and how proclaiming the Gospel can bring unspeakable “Life” to those who share it.Support the show (https://www.greatcommissionsociety.org/donate)

The need for evangelism and the environment of a post-modern culture raise interesting questions. How has the role of evangelism changed in the last decade? Is there still a need for evangelism, and how does one share the Gospel in a culture that is so divisive? God has called each of us to partner in His redemptive plan for the world. Some of the greatest joys in the Christian life come from making Jesus known to those who don't yet know Him personally. And yet, if you say the word “evangelism”, most Christians think it means memorising a technique to use on victims! The truth is that evangelism is simply the “proclamation of the Gospel” – but how do we do that?Let's join Tony as he shares empowering insights and practical strategies to stir you up to reach out to the lost with the Gospel.Support the show (https://www.greatcommissionsociety.org/donate)

The apostle Peter told believers to, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” But in these changing and very strange times that directive can be very difficult. How do we respond to a generation that is lost and appears to enjoy its quandary?How many times have you heard the Gospel in a sermon, book, or conversation? If you’ve been a Christian, even for a short time, you have likely heard the Gospel hundreds of times. Yet, many of us still struggle to articulate the truths of the Gospel in a simple, coherent, and intelligible way. How does the topic of evangelism make you feel? Does the thought of evangelism make you want to run away and hide? Why don’t we share the Gospel more than we do, and what makes evangelism so universally difficult?Let's join Tony as he sheds some light on how we can gently and lovingly share the Gospel with those around us.Support the show (https://www.greatcommissionsociety.org/donate)

Do you have friends or family members that are not Christians? How can you share the Gospel with them in a way that doesn’t push them away, but allows you to have natural conversations about the Christian faith? God calls every believer to live a life of radical faith, but what does that really mean? Do you ever feel that your lifestyle and the way other people see you prevents you from sharing the Gospel? Do you feel like you have to be perfect for God to use you?Let's join Tony as he answers this sensitive topic, and shares insight on how to engage in sharing the Gospel.Support the show (https://www.greatcommissionsociety.org/donate)

It’s been reported that one of India’s great leaders, Mahatma Gandhi once said, “I don't reject your Christ. It is just that so many of you Christians are so unlike your Christ.”A lot of people who go to church resemble Christians, but many appear to lack real authenticity, with no living, vital relationship with Jesus Christ. What causes some Christians to look less like Jesus and more like the world? What does YOUR life with Christ look like? Does it mirror Him, or do you feel like there are changes that need to be made in order for that to happen? And, if it doesn’t look like Christ, what is keeping you from being the person that God wants you to be?To answer these questions, let's join Tony as he explores the stewardship of God’s truth through authentic evangelism, in his message “leaning Towers”.Support the show (https://www.greatcommissionsociety.org/donate)

It only takes a look at the news to become overwhelmed by all the trials and suffering in the world today – but as Christians we have a hope that others do not. With that in mind, what can we do as a Christian community to reach out and share love and hope with others? Do you trust that if you share the Gospel your words will have an impact on a person’s life?The Bible tells us that God spoke our world into existence. Of all the different ways God could have created the heavens and the earth, He chose to do so with words. God took what was nothing and spoke life into it, and from those powerful words brought forth light out of the darkness. We know that God’s words are powerful, for we also read in the New Testament that “the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword.” When we stop and contemplate the true power of God’s words, why do we doubt Him? Why do we not believe His promises? Why do we not share the words of the Gospel with others?Let's join Tony as he tackles those questions.Support the show (https://www.greatcommissionsociety.org/donate)

Jesus Christ continues to be the most significant figure in history, with about one-third of the world’s total population reporting to be Christian. However, annual statistics show a rapid decline in the number of people attending churches. What stops churches from growing, and what is causing this rapid decline? Seemingly every other week there is another story of churches closing up shop, sold to developers to be converted into condominiums or the latest trendy bar. Belief in the secular gods such as atheism and humanism continue to grow, making it critical for Christians to proclaim the Gospel. What is your reaction when you consider the consequence of false gospels and the millions of people who have never heard and understood the true Gospel? What questions should the church be asking to tackle this problem? Are there definitive reasons why churches stop growing?Let's join Tony as he talks about the rise and spread of ‘false gospels” and examines the harmful consequences of a church that has stopped proclaiming the true Gospel.Support the show (https://www.greatcommissionsociety.org/donate)

Matthew 28:18-20 is the most well-known biblical record of what is commonly referred to as the "Great Commission". But despite the significance of these and other Bible verses that call Christians to “go and make disciples of all nations,” a surprising proportion of churchgoing Christians in the world are generally unaware of these famous words from Jesus. For many of us, the Great Commission has instead become the Great Omission.The mandate to evangelise and to always be prepared to give a defence for our faith is directly tied to obedience to Christ. Yet few people engage with an ever increasingly hostile culture for a variety of different reasons. An absence of evangelism training, leave many Christians struggling to know what to say, and how to say it. How can the church fulfil this "Great Commission" when most Christians struggle to define what it is? What are the contributing factors, and how do we fearlessly engage a culture that views the Christian faith as irrelevant and irrational? Let's join Tony as he examines the Biblical meaning and significance of the “Great Commission”.Support the show (https://www.greatcommissionsociety.org/donate)

Our world is being violently shaken by the Coronavirus outbreak. As countries try to slow the outbreak by going on lockdown, scientists are working around the clock in the race to find a vaccine. It seems the battle has only just begun!With new information coming out every day about how the Coronavirus spreads, the severity of illness it causes, and to what extent it may spread, leaves many people feeling anxious and overwhelmed. The feeling of fear is palpable in conversations when the topic comes up. No one seems to know yet if this virus can be contained. So, what can the church learn from this global pandemic that can make us more effective in the Great Commission? Let's join Tony as he explores what we can learn from the Coronavirus, and how we can respond in times of crisis.Support the show (https://www.greatcommissionsociety.org/donate)

When did you last have a face to face conversation with someone, where you shared your Christian faith with them? Do you find it difficult to share the Gospel?We live in a culture where text messages and social media seem to drive our relationships, and in-person conversations are often a rarity - but it is often in these face to face conversations where we have a chance to learn how to share our faith. How do we reach a generation that listens with its eyes and thinks with its feelings?Let's join Tony as he takes a deeper look at this topic.Support the show (https://www.greatcommissionsociety.org/donate)

How has the modern church lost its moorings? Has it intentionally severed itself from the Gospel? Can it be re-anchored, or is it doomed to suffer the same fate as the civilisations that have come and gone before us? In Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, he called the church the "Body of Christ", because it was to resemble Christ in the world by carrying out the Great Commission. When Jesus entered our world, He took on a physical body to demonstrate the love of God clearly, tangibly, and boldly—especially through His sacrificial death on the cross. After His bodily ascension, Christ continues His work in the world through those He has redeemed—the Church now demonstrates the love of God clearly, tangibly, and boldly. In this way, the Church functions as “the Body of Christ.”But, how will the church today ever resemble Christ when it so readily refuses to lose its life for him and for the Gospel? Jesus said, “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.” Let's join Tony as he explores the truth of the Gospel message, and its essential ingredients. Support the show (https://www.greatcommissionsociety.org/donate)

We live in a society that wants nothing to do with God, however once you do away with the existence of God, where do people turn to for answers? How can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear if nobody tells them? God spoke the world into being by the power of His words, and He now asks His followers to proclaim the Good News to everyone, everywhere. However, in a world of growing scepticism, many Christians are afraid to share their faith, and settle for living out the works of the Gospel and expect to experience the effects. But, are works enough to communicate the Gospel?Let's join Tony as he examines the difference between the words, the works and the effects of the Gospel. Support the show (https://www.greatcommissionsociety.org/donate)

On a mountain in Galilee, Jesus called on his followers to step out in faith and spread the Gospel to all nations. Jesus said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising 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” (Matthew 28:18-20). But, what does evangelism look like in a digital, social media age?The digital age has connected people across the world, making instant communication and global networking a reality. But, are we losing the art of face-to-face communication, and if so, are we losing the ability to share the Gospel?When it comes to effective evangelism, over reliance on technology in Christian ministry can be a hindrance, especially when it ends up replacing face-to-face human interaction. Gospel tracts, street evangelism, street preachers with a megaphone - all of these things seem like evangelistic efforts of yesteryear. But if this seems true, where does that leave the state of evangelism today? Is faith-sharing a fading practice, or does it simply look different today? In all their innovative efforts to engage culture, have Christians left this ancient practice so integral to their faith behind? Do most Christians know what the Gospel message is, and would they know how to share it?Let's join Tony as he shares a clear explanation of the Gospel message.Support the show (https://www.greatcommissionsociety.org/donate)

Jesus said that his mission was to seek and save the lost – and what greater mandate could He leave His followers than to continue His legacy! What do you think it is that causes some Christians to be disinterested in this great commission? While there are many good things that a church can do in this world, God has assigned a specific missional priority to the church for reaching the lost. The church, of course, as the ‘koinonia’ or community of faith, is to be involved in caring for the homeless, serving the disadvantaged, and meeting needs of those in distress, but these activities are Christian duties that all believers do in the regular course of life. They are not the missional priority of the church. Let's join Tony as he looks at the “mission of the church” and how the people of God can embrace a missionary identity.Support the show (https://www.greatcommissionsociety.org/donate)

In a world full of distractions and information overload, trying to take in and respond to too much information can cause forgetfulness, fatigue, and difficulty with focus. If you were a soldier on the battlefield, would you walk outside your secured building alone, without any armour or backup? Would you skip your training and fitness sessions and ignore your leader’s commands and warnings? Of course not, but that’s exactly what many Christians do when it comes to their spiritual lives. They try to handle things without the help of God, and eventually, they lose the desire to spend time in God’s Word and grow deaf to the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Becoming complacent, they forget they are even at war, and wake up one day to find that the enemy has infiltrated their hearts and minds. This is exactly what the enemy wants us to do, but we need not fall victim to his deceptive tactics. When we proclaim the Gospel, we are joining with creation in declaring God’s greatness (Psalm 19:1–4). This is our joy and our privilege as the redeemed! In Matthew 5:11 Jesus extols believers to ‘rejoice and be glad’, even in the wake of persecution because we have the assurance of a great reward in heaven. Furthermore, Jesus speaks of His intention for believers in John 10:10, ‘I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.’ Surely then this ‘fullness of life’, to be experienced right here and now, is inextricably entwined with doing God’s will, with us living as fully as we possibly can within His plan for us. So what happens when we fail to fully engage in that plan? What happens when we largely ignore His Great Commission? For us personally it might mean missing out on some of that ‘full life’ that He promised - but there are far greater, wider reaching consequences.Let's join Tony as he looks at Biblical strategies to strengthen your faith, protect you from the enemy’s attacks, and remind you of the victory we have in Christ.Support the show (https://www.greatcommissionsociety.org/donate)

In our modern and industrial society is the concept of evangelism one that holds water, or is it dead in the water? The global church is engaged in so many important activities, but have you ever wondered what is the top priority of the church? We often give evangelism lip service in our churches, we talk about it often and even push people to be more mindful of it during our sermons. But rarely do we apply it in our lives. The purpose of the church is clear. Jesus said, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbour as yourself'. There is no commandment greater than these’ (Mark 12:30–31). Yes, this is our purpose, both as individual human beings and as corporate Church. But if this is our purpose then our priority has to be to fully live out this ‘love’.As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in His love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no-one than this that he lay down his life for his friends (John 15: 9–13).What better way to show our love for God than by obeying Jesus’ command to ‘Go... spread the good news’ and by loving our neighbour by making as many attempts as possible to open up the way of eternal Salvation for them. Think of it this way: When we work for a company we prioritise our actions. At one time Coca Cola’s mission statement was to put a bottle of Coca Cola on the table of every household in the Western world. If you work for the company your purpose is Coca Cola. But within your daily work life you have different priorities. For example, depending on your job, you might prioritise dealing with customers above dealing with junk email. When it comes to the Christian life the biblical model seems to dictate that our purpose is ‘to love God’. This will be done and demonstrated in many ways and have many different facets, but according to Scripture – and a whole host of respected authorities from across denominations – it quite clearly appears that our priority should be to preach the Gospel. Dr Billy Graham summarises, ‘I am convinced that if the church went back to its main task of preaching the Gospel and getting people converted to Christ, it would have a far greater impact on the social, moral and psychological needs of men than any other thing we could possibly do.’If we want to change a nation, we must change the people who make up that nation. If we want to change the people who make up a nation, we must change their hearts. And if we want to change their hearts, we must plant the incorruptible seed of the Gospel in every individual. If our purpose is to love, then our priority must be to preach.Let's join Tony as he looks at the Biblical perspective of evangelism from an angle you may never have considered.Support the show (https://www.greatcommissionsociety.org/donate)