The Fake Commission

THE FAKE COMMISSION is a serious examination of the Great Commission. We live in a day where felt-needs are elevated over Biblical theology among many Christians, ministries and churches. The purpose of this book is to challenge and encourage the serious Christian and the church. Without a correct focus on evangelism and missions, one risks a life of self-deception regarding what real Christian service is. This book does no belabor imprecise terms like "balance" or "moderation" when discussing evangelism and good works - it seeks to be Biblical.

When our lives are done, it is the truly Spirit-led obedient believer who will hear:

"Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master." (Matthew 25:21).

It is my hope to stir the reader into a serious examination of the true calling on his life. Even Christians can be subject to the influences of the world around them. Some of these influences include the world defining what Christianity is supposed to look like. The world’s definition requires that Christians be nice, do a few good things, never judge, and keep their mouths closed, unless they are advocating viewpoints that will not offend anyone. The reward for such compliance is worldly acceptance, religious approval and financial contributions.

This book does not simply explore what the world is telling the church to be, it also examines what a growing segment of the visible church is telling the true Church to be. It will examine questions such as whether the Bible really calls us to “preach the gospel at all times, and if necessary, use words.” What does it really mean when Jesus said to do it to “the least of these?” Does a person become a true brother of Christ simply because he is poor, hungry, thirsty, sick, imprisoned or lacking adequate clothing? Is it possible to delude yourself into thinking that you are a faithful Christian by doing what you believe are “good works” yet ignore what Jesus has actually commanded you to do? Who gets the glory when good deeds are performed, but the Cross is not proclaimed? Is it possible that many in the church are really modern-day Pharisees who are content to clothe themselves with religious appearances when in reality they are simply “…holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; avoid such men as these.” (2 Timothy 3:5)

You are alive today so you still have time to engage in the true Great Commission and finish strong. Let us get started!

The most distinguishing feature of the author is that he is a sinner who, in his early youth, was saved from the judgment to come by the grace of God. He continues to recognize his complete reliance on the mercy, forgiveness and grace of Jesus Christ to this very moment.

* Other matters: John M. Strohman is a graduate of the University of Iowa College of Business and earned his Juris Doctor from the University of South Dakota School of Law. For over two decades he has served as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of South Dakota. As an attorney with 25 years of experience, he has handled a variety of cases, including serving as counsel for more than 150 cases before the South Dakota Supreme Court. John has also held faculty positions as an adjunct professor for Liberty University, South Dakota State University, Northern State University and Colorado Christian University. His teaching experience has spanned both the undergraduate and graduate level. In 2012 he authored The Application Commentary of the Gospel of Matthew. He has served on mission boards and is the current chairman of Cross Centered Missions. John and his wife, Sarah, share a passion for equipping young people in Christian service through discipleship, Sunday school, Bible studies and leading short-term mission trips.

Oh yes… and at age 53, he can still do a backflip!

(The author does not receive any personal royalties from the sales of this book. All royalties go directly to further world missions.)