Rev. Douglas Clawson considered Matthew 28:20b, “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age,” at the Reformed Forum Annual Theology Conference held on September 28, 2024 at Hope OPC in Grayslake, Illinois.

Rev. Douglas Clawson unpacks the profound promise found in Matthew 28:20, where Jesus assures his disciples of His continual presence as they carry out the Great Commission. Rev. Clawson carefully traces this theme of God’s presence from the Old Testament through to its fulfillment in Christ, emphasizing the deep continuity of God’s dwelling with his people.

Beginning with the genealogy in Matthew, Rev. Clawson explores how Jesus, as the fulfillment of both the Abrahamic and Davidic covenants, is the ultimate expression of “God with us”—Emmanuel. This theme, introduced at the beginning of Matthew’s gospel, is powerfully echoed in Christ’s final words to his disciples, promising to be with them “to the end of the age.” Rev. Clawson highlights how this promise of presence goes beyond omnipresence or general providence, focusing instead on Christ’s intimate, covenantal presence with his people.

Through a rich biblical theology, Rev. Clawson ties Jesus’ promise to God’s presence with Israel in the wilderness, in the tabernacle, and through the prophets. He draws parallels between God’s extensive and intensive presence among his people in the Old Testament and Jesus’ presence with his disciples through the Holy Spirit. This promise is foundational for the church’s mission, giving believers assurance that they never labor alone, but are always accompanied by Christ.

This address encourages listeners to reflect on the deep theological implications of Christ’s presence with his church, both now and until the consummation of the age. It is a stirring reminder that, as the church fulfills the Great Commission, Jesus—the Great “I Am”—is ever-present with his people, empowering and sustaining them.

Dr. James Cassidy considered Matthew 28:20a, “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you,” at the Reformed Forum Annual Theology Conference held on September 28, 2024 at Hope OPC in Grayslake, Illinois.

Dr. Cassidy offers a comprehensive exploration of the central role of preaching and teaching in the mission of the church. Rooted in the Great Commission, Dr. Cassidy emphasizes that the work of the church is inseparable from the task of proclaiming and teaching the Word of God. He challenges the common distinction between preaching and teaching, arguing that both serve the same ultimate purpose: the faithful execution of Christ’s command to make disciples.

Dr. Cassidy presents a biblical and theological case for viewing preaching and teaching as fundamentally the same activity within the church’s mission. He turns to the New Testament to show how the apostles, including Paul and Timothy, understood their ministry as both preaching the gospel and teaching the whole counsel of God. In this way, the church is called to faithfully declare not only the imperatives of Jesus but also the entire redemptive narrative of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation.

This address also covers the broader implications of preaching and teaching, emphasizing that these activities must be biblical, systematic, and polemical. Dr. Cassidy encourages pastors and ministers to preach the whole counsel of God, to structure their sermons with theological coherence, and to boldly defend the Christian faith against false religions and worldviews.

In conclusion, Dr. Cassidy underscores that preaching and teaching are the church’s primary tasks in fulfilling the Great Commission, and any other activities must serve or flow from this central mission. This address is a profound reflection on the core identity of the church and its mandate to proclaim Christ to all nations.