Matthew 28:18-20 (NLT)
18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all peoples, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Bring it on home. There’s so much in these few sentences. Read them for the richness that’s in there. Christ tells us in no uncertain terms: I am – everything that ever was, is, or will be; tell everyone that and bring them to me; teach obedience; He is always there until this age ends.

Was he leaving any leeway, any room for doubt? If it isn’t crystal clear, maybe this clarifies it:

Luke 9:23 (NLT)
23 Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.”

Is there any ambiguity there? For those humans who don’t know Christ but know of him, let these words sink in. Christ isn’t the church building, the institution, the laws. Christ is the way, the life to live, and if the words aren’t his, they aren’t his. Pretty simple.

It doesn’t happen immediately for us – or maybe it does. Who knows? Who cares? We have our cross to bear and sometimes that sucks big time. So what?

Jeremiah 29:11 [Full Chapter]
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

Psalm 27:14 (NLT)
14 Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.