The Great Commission: Answering Jesus' Call to Evangelism

The journey from corporate success to spiritual calling rarely follows a straight path. Evangelist Darrell Richardson's transformation from airline executive with a corner office to missionary in Kenya exemplifies how God selects not the perfect, but those needed to accomplish His purpose.

Standing at the intersection of biblical teaching and personal testimony, this episode unpacks the true meaning of evangelism through three pivotal questions: what is it, when did it begin, and where did it begin? Walking listeners through the resurrection narrative, Darrell illuminates how Jesus' final instructions—known as the Great Commission—established evangelism as not merely a suggestion but a divine command for every believer.

The heart of this message resonates in Darrell's candid recounting of hearing God's voice during early morning walks. "Trust and believe in me with all your heart," came the gentle instruction, followed months later by the life-altering command: "Now go tell them who I am." These divine encounters catalyzed a complete life restructuring—selling possessions, embracing missionary work, and ultimately finding purpose far beyond corporate achievement.

Whether you're struggling with your faith journey, questioning your purpose, or seeking to understand what true discipleship looks like, this episode offers both challenge and comfort. Are you merely a church-goer who appears on holidays, or a committed disciple actively engaged in sharing Christ? The invitation stands: join the journey of authentic discipleship where your life becomes a testament to something greater than yourself. Connect with us through the radio station or social media to continue the conversation and prayer.

Thank you for joining us in this episode of In the Field Audio Bible, where we explore the richness of God’s Word, one chapter at a time. We hope today’s reading brought insight, comfort, or inspiration to your journey of faith.

We’d love to hear your thoughts and questions! Feel free to send us a text to let us know how In the Field Audio Bible is impacting your faith journey. Until next time, may God’s Word guide and bless you.

Episode Transcript

Evangelist Darrell Richardso (00:05):
My name is Darrell Richardson and
I am so grateful to be heretoday to speak with you on the
subject of evangelism.
So great to be with In theField Worship Radio WFWR.
But first let's have a word ofprayer.
But first let's have a word ofprayer, father.

(00:26):
We asked you today to help usteach the word of God here today
.
Let us get our message acrossand please speak to everyone's
heart.
I know you've laid a burden onme today to bring a word of God
to the people and I know it's aspecial message that you want me

(00:47):
to deliver.
So, God, I'm just asking foryour guidance and for your help.
In Jesus name, I pray.
Amen and Amen.
Today we're going to focus onthree key questions about
evangelism.
Key questions about evangelismwhat is it?
When did it begin and where didit begin?

(01:12):
Evangelism is the spreading ofthe word of God by ministers in
public places and Christiansgiving personal witness.
What are the qualifications ofan evangelist?
A strong faith in Jesus Christand knowledge of the word of an
evangelist.
A strong faith in Jesus Christand knowledge of the Word of God
.
To truly understand evangelism,we must start with the

(01:33):
beginning.

Matthew 28 (01:33):
1.
After the Sabbath at dawn on thefirst day of the week, Mary
Magdalene and the other Marywent to look at the tomb.
In both the Gospels of Mark andLuke, both writers tell us that

(01:54):
the women were going to thetomb to finish what they didn't
get to finish on Friday becausethe Sabbath was coming.
It was really late on Fridaynight, and so they had spices to
put on the body which theydidn't get to finish, and so
they, Matthew, the women simplyto see the tomb, were going back
to finish it.
In Matthew and in the Book ofJohn.

(02:19):
John gives no reason for theircoming.
Joseph of Arimathea was,according to all four Gospels,
the man who assumed theresponsibility for the burial of
Jesus after his crucifixion.
He and Nicodemus had took thebody to Joseph's tomb and they

(02:39):
wrapped it in cloth and thewomen were mixing up the spices
and they did this to treat thebody for burial.
But since the Jewish Sabbath ison Saturday, they was running
out of time since it was so late, so they didn't get finished.
So both Mark and Luke both saythat the women was going back to

(03:02):
finish, to put more spices onthe body.
Many Christians interpretJoseph's role as fulfilling
Isaiah's prediction that thegrave of the suffering servant
would be with the rich man.
The prophecy in Isaiah 53, isknown as the Man of Sorrows
passage.
He was assigned a grave withthe wicked and with the rich.

(03:27):
In his death, though, he haddone no violence nor was any
deceit in his mouth.
Verse 2, there was a violentearthquake, for an angel of the
Lord came down from heaven andgo into the tomb, roll back the
stone and sit on it.
His appearance was likelightning and his clothes were

(03:50):
white as snow.
I take it by this is that whenthey describe his appearance was
as lightning, it was probablyhe was really bright.
I would think that's myinterpretation is that he was
given a really bright light,like a, like a streak of
lightning, and his clothes werewhite as snow.
Now, in verse four, it says theguards were so afraid of him

(04:14):
that they shook and become likedead men.
I think they're.
My interpretation of that is isthat they probably fainted.
In verse five, the angel saidto the women Do not be afraid,
for I know that you are lookingfor Jesus who was crucified.
He is not here.

(04:36):
He is risen.
Just as he said, come and seethe place where he lay.
Then go quickly and tell hisdisciples he has risen from the
dead and is going ahead of youinto Galilee, there you will see
him now.
I have told you so.
In Verse 8, the women hurriedaway from the tomb, afraid yet

(05:00):
filled with joy, and ran to tellJesus' disciples.
And ran to tell Jesus'disciples.
Suddenly, Jesus met them,greetings he said.
They came to him, clasped hisfeet and worshipped him.
In Verse 10, Jesus said to them"Do not be afraid, go and tell

(05:22):
my brothers to go to Galilee,there they will see me.
While the women were on theirway, some of the guards went
into the city and they told thechief priest everything that had
happened.
But they were concerned.
When the chief priest had metwith the elders, they came up

(05:48):
with a plan to pay off theseguards, to tell everyone that
the disciples had come to thetomb and had stole Jesus' body
away.
And they told the guards thatit would be okay if the governor
found out about it, that theywould take up for him and they
would help him out.
Up for them and they would helpthem out.
In Verse 16, the elevendisciples traveled to Galilee,

(06:11):
to the mountains where Jesus hadtold them to go.
When they saw him, theyworshipped him.
But some doubted.
Three years they had traveledwith the Savior.
Three years they had traveledwith the Savior.
Three years they had traveledwith the man that had created
everything.
Three years, three long years,they had watched him over and

(06:37):
over and over work many, manymiracles.
They first saw him turn waterinto wine.
Not just any wine, he turnedwater into aged wine.
Then they saw him cure peoplewho was lame, people who had
leprosy, people who could nothear, people who could not see.

(07:01):
They even witnessed him raisingpeople from the dead.
But some still doubted Verse 18.
Then Jesus came to them andsaid all authority in heaven and
on earth has been, has beengiven to me.

(07:22):
All authority in heaven and onearth has been given to me all
the armies, Michael's Army inHeaven, everything.
Now Jesus has authority over it.
And he's telling this to thedisciples.

(07:54):
In Verse 19,.
Jesus is talking to hisfollowers and disciples and he
says.
"Therefore, go and makedisciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name ofthe Father and of the Son and of
the Holy Spirit, and teachingthem to obey everything I have
commanded you, and surely I amwith you always, to the very end
of age.

(08:15):
These were marching orders fromJesus that we know as the Great
Commission.
These words are a command thatwe know as the Great Commission.
These words are a command.
That is why we call it theGreat Commission and not the
Great Suggestion.

(08:35):
Jesus did not say hey, look,guys, you know, if you're in the
mood, if you don't mind, wouldyou do me a favor the next time
you're over at this othercountry?
Would you just sort of mentionabout Christianity to them?
No, this is a command.

James 4 (08:58):
17 says "Therefore, to him who knows to do good and
does not do it, to him it is sin.
So this is called the sin ofomission, which is not doing
what you're supposed to do.
These words were given to everyfollower of Jesus.

(09:20):
If I am his disciple, I amcommanded to go and make
disciples of others.
On the other hand, if I'm notmaking disciples of others, then
I'm not being the disciple Godwants me to be.
How many times have you heardnon-Christians say that the

(09:40):
problem with Christians arealways trying to push their
religion on them?
The problem is we're commandedby our Savior, we're commanded
by the Creator of everything togo, spread His Word and to
baptize people in the name ofthe Father, the Son and the Holy
Spirit.
For many of us, the GreatCommission has instead become

(10:06):
the great omission.
So now, how are you doing withyour part in fulfilling the
great commission?
Tell me, are you doing yourpart or waiting for the world to
come to you?
He now solemnly commissionedthe apostles and his ministers

(10:27):
to go forth among all nations.
The salvation they were topreach is a common salvation.
Whoever will, let him come andtake the benefit.
All are welcome to Jesus Christ.
Christianity is a religion of asinner who applies for salvation
for his sin, paid for by thedeath and resurrection of Jesus

(10:52):
Christ.
The sinner appeals to the mercyof the Father through the
atonement of the Son and by thesanctification of the Holy
Spirit, and gives up himself tobe the worshiper and servant of
God as the Father, Son and HolyGhost three persons but one, God

(11:14):
.
Baptism is an outward sign ofthat inward washing or
sanctification of the Spiritwhich seals the believer's
justification.
Now we must examine ourselveswhether we really possess the
inward and spiritual grace of adeath and to sin and a new birth

(11:40):
and to righteousness, for whichthose who were the children of
sin become the children of God,believers shall have the
constant presence of their Lordforever and ever.
These words are not just givento the original 11 disciples,

(12:01):
nor were they exclusively forpastors, evangelists and
missionaries.
They are for every follower ofJesus Christ.
If we are his disciples, thenwe are commanded to go and make
disciples of others.
It doesn't mean you need toboard an airplane and fly

(12:22):
halfway around the world and goto some third world country.
But how about speaking withyour neighbor across the street?
How about talking to your momand your dad, your uncle, your
aunt?
How about talking to yourchildren?
How about explaining to yourchildren who Jesus is?
What does it mean to makedisciples?

(12:45):
Jesus said teach these newdisciples to obey all the
commandments I've given you.
I believe it means that youdemonstrate discipleship for
them by the way you live yourlife and tell them about God's
word.
Set an example, stand up, takea stand, be a Christian, be a

(13:09):
leader, folks.
That's what it's all about.
That's what he's trying to getus to do is step up and show
that we are disciples of his.
We believe in him, we havefaith in him.
We know that he is there.
We walk with him every day.
We talk with him every day.
Just be a Christian day.

(13:33):
Just be a Christian.
My story is one of a man whorose to the top in his industry.
This is my journey, my journeyfrom 37,000 feet to making a
soft landing with Jesus.
All my life, I had worked hardand climbed the corporate ladder
.
I did whatever it took to takethat next step.

(13:56):
I now had a corner office inthe corporate C-Suite of a large
airline.
I could travel to any countryin the world by just showing up
at the airport and boarding anairplane.
Everything was provided for me.
After all, I was in charge.
But one day, Jesus came knockingat my door.

(14:18):
You see, he doesn't select theperfect all the time.
He selects the ones that heneeds to get the job done, needs
to get the job done.
It was in 2014.
One morning, it was justbreaking daylight and I was out

(14:44):
walking, as I normally did of amorning, and I'm walking along
and I remember I'm talking withJesus and I'm asking him
questions and I'm saying, lord,what do you want from me?
What is it that you would haveme to do?
And then a voice spoke to me.
It really shakes you when thishappens, but Jesus has got such

(15:09):
a sweet, loving, kind voice.
And I heard this voice come inand he said "Dress and believe
in me with all your heart.
And so he said and he was gone.
Wow, shook me up.
I got to tell you I had heardJesus' voice a few times before,

(15:34):
but never to this extent.
So a few months go by and I'mstill walking in the morning and
I hear the Lord start to comein again and he says trust and
believe in me with all yourheart so I may give you eternal

(15:56):
life.
And wow, that hit me.
That hit me really hard,because what he was saying to me
was all I want you to do istrust and believe in me with all
your heart.
In return, I'll give youeternal life.
He didn't say, darrell, I wantyou to get on an airplane and
fly halfway around the world.

(16:17):
He wasn't saying I want you tostart a televangelist program.
He wasn't saying I want you tobring 10,000 people to me.
He was just saying trust andbelieve in me with all your
heart and I will give youeternal life.
So that was, that was an eyeopener for me.

(16:37):
It changed my life.
It was when Jesus really reacheddown and grabbed me by the back
of the neck and said I need youto do something.
A few months later again, oh,dark 30, I'm walking along and
here come this voice.
Only this time, I have to say,this time it wasn't that sweet

(16:58):
and kind and loving voice likeit always been.
He just said one thing to me.
He said now go tell them who Iam.
Now go tell them who I am, andI'm going to tell who go where.
What am I supposed to do?
I don't know what to do.
And he was gone.

(17:18):
And it was just that simple.
And with that, though, I tellyou it really shook me, because
it changed my life completely.
I ended up, in the end, sellingoff almost everything I had.
I became a missionary, and mydaughter and I took a trip to

(17:43):
Kenya several times, actuallyseveral times.
We did a lot of work therehelping the people out.
We did a lot of work therehelping the people out, and I
remember when I was up preachingin the churches over there and
I would start to tell peopleabout Jesus, and I have a
feeling that that was reallywhat he was telling me to go do,

(18:06):
and that's what I ended updoing Today here on this radio
program.
I challenge you.
I challenge you to become adisciple of Jesus Christ, not
just simply a church-goingperson who shows up now and then
, especially on Easter andChristmas.
Will you be a disciple?

(18:30):
Will you join me?
If so, your life will never bethe same.
We're going to say a prayer andJesus is talking to me, that
there's people that is listeningto this, that he's wanting me

(18:52):
to get a message across to, andthat message is that you need to
come and accept Jesus as yourSavior.
So, if you would, let's justclose our eyes and let's say the
sinner's prayer and if you arenot a Christian, just repeat

(19:13):
these words after me.
And if you are a Christian butyou're not a disciple of Jesus,
it's time for you to become adisciple of Jesus Christ.
That's why you're here.
That's why he commanded for youto do not just come to church
every once in a while and stayfor 40 minutes and then go to

(19:34):
Burger King.
Your job is to come and to be adisciple of Jesus.
So close your eyes and we'regoing to say a quick prayer, and
if you're not a Christian, justrepeat after me.
And guess what?
You will be one.

(19:56):
Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I'ma sinner.
I asked for your forgiveness.
I believe you died for my sinsand rose from the dead.
I turn from my sins and inviteyou to come into my heart and my
life.

(20:16):
I want to trust and follow youas my Lord and Savior.
I want to be your disciple andwill follow your commandments in
your name, Jesus, Amen.
So if you said that prayer,you've now asked Jesus to let
you come into the heavenlyfamily.

(20:38):
You've asked Jesus to forgiveyou for your sins.
Please get in touch with us.
You can get in touch with methrough the radio station.
Here my address and stuff willbe online.
You can find me on Facebook.
Reach out to us.
There's prayer request lineswith the radio station and with
the blog.
So you've got all kinds of waysto get to us.

(21:00):
Contact me and I will pray withyou and talk with you.
So thank you very much.
It's been a tremendousopportunity to be here, and we
want to thank the radio stationfor having me.
And thank you very much.
Good night, bye you.