Embracing the Call: Go and Make Disciples

Devotional

Day 1: Go Into All the World—The Call to Proclaim the Kingdom

Jesus commands His followers to go into all the world and preach the gospel, inviting everyone into the kingdom of God. This is not just a suggestion but a direct charge to every believer, reminding us that the message of salvation and the reality of God’s kingdom is meant for every person, everywhere. The kingdom of God is not a distant hope but a present reality where God rules and reigns, and we are called to expand it by sharing the good news. Even when the world seems far from Eden, God’s plan remains unchanged: we are to be fruitful, multiply, and bring His kingdom to every corner of the earth. As we go, we carry the hope, freedom, and healing that are found in Christ, knowing that our obedience can change lives for eternity. [19:10]

Mark 16:15-16 (ESV)
And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”

Reflection: Who in your life or community needs to hear the good news of Jesus today, and what is one step you can take to share it with them this week?

Day 2: Make Disciples, Not Just Converts

Jesus’ final instructions were not only to win the lost but to make disciples—teaching others to follow Him and live out His commands. The work of the church is incomplete if we stop at conversion; we are called to walk alongside new believers, nurturing their faith and helping them grow into mature followers of Jesus. Discipleship means investing time, sharing life, and teaching the ways of Christ so that others can stand firm in their faith and, in turn, disciple others. It’s not enough to celebrate a decision for Christ; we must be committed to the ongoing journey of spiritual growth, ensuring that no one is left to navigate faith alone. [33:40]

Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing 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.”

Reflection: Who is someone you know who needs encouragement or guidance in their walk with Jesus, and how can you intentionally invest in their discipleship this week?

Day 3: Empowered by the Holy Spirit to Be Witnesses

Jesus promised that His followers would receive power from the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses, starting at home and reaching to the ends of the earth. This empowerment is not just for personal benefit but for the mission of God—to boldly share the gospel and demonstrate His love in every sphere of life. The Holy Spirit equips us to overcome fear, endure hardship, and reach people from every background, even those we might consider “other.” Our witness begins in our own community and extends outward, fueled by the Spirit’s presence and authority. [41:17]

Acts 1:8 (ESV)
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need the Holy Spirit’s power to be a more effective witness, and how can you invite Him to work through you today?

Day 4: Church Is for Others—Creating Space for New Life

The church is called to be a place where those far from God can encounter His love and truth, not just a comfortable gathering for those already inside. When we structure our lives and our church for others, we get to experience the joy of seeing new life and fresh faith, just as a family delights in making space for a new child. This means being intentional about removing barriers, using language that is accessible, and creating an atmosphere where the Holy Spirit can move freely. As we focus on others, we rediscover the wonder of God’s grace and experience His presence in new and vibrant ways. [57:38]

Romans 15:7 (ESV)
Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

Reflection: What is one practical change you can make—either personally or as part of our church—to help someone new feel welcomed and able to encounter God among us?

Day 5: Question, Learn, and Grow—Building a Faith of Your Own

It is healthy and necessary to ask questions and seek understanding in your faith journey. True belief is not inherited or blindly accepted but forged through honest inquiry, study, and personal conviction. God invites us to wrestle with our doubts, search the Scriptures, and build a foundation that is strong and real. As we grow, we become better equipped to disciple others, not by giving all the answers, but by guiding them to discover truth for themselves. This process deepens our relationship with God and prepares us to help others do the same. [36:50]

Acts 17:11 (ESV)
Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.

Reflection: What is one question or doubt you have about your faith right now, and how can you seek God’s wisdom and understanding about it this week?

Sermon Summary

Today’s focus is on the call to “go”—to move beyond comfort, tradition, and self-focus, and to embrace the mission Jesus gave: making disciples of all nations, starting right where we are. The heart of God’s kingdom is not just about our own spiritual growth or enjoyment, but about reaching out, loving, and discipling others. Jesus’ final instructions before ascending were clear: with the authority He’s given us, we are to go, teach, baptize, and make disciples, not just converts. This is not a suggestion, but a commission that shapes the very purpose of the church.

The kingdom of God is at hand, and we are called to expand it—not by force or tradition, but by embodying the love, freedom, and healing that Jesus brings. The church is not a club for the already convinced, but a place where the lost, the hurting, and the searching can encounter the living God. Our gatherings, our ministries, and even our personal lives must be intentionally structured to welcome, nurture, and disciple those who are far from God.

This means shifting our focus: from what we like, to what will help others experience Jesus. It means creating an atmosphere where the Holy Spirit can move, where barriers are lowered, and where people can encounter God’s presence in a real and tangible way. Discipleship is not just about imparting knowledge, but about walking alongside others, asking good questions, and helping them discover the truth for themselves. It’s about loving people enough to make space for their questions, their struggles, and their journey.

We are reminded that the authority and power Jesus gives us is not for our own benefit, but to equip us for this mission. The joy of the Lord is our strength, and as we pour into others, we get to experience the wonder of God’s work afresh through their eyes. The church is at its best when it is outward-focused, loving, and intentional about making disciples. Let’s go—vamos!—and be the hands and feet of Jesus, both in our community and beyond.

Key Takeaways

1. The Great Commission is a call to action, not comfort. Jesus’ command to “go into all the world and make disciples” is not just about evangelism, but about investing in people’s growth, walking with them, and teaching them to follow Jesus in every area of life. This requires us to move beyond our own preferences and embrace the mission of God for others. [24:10]
2. True discipleship means more than conversion; it’s about spiritual parenting. When someone comes to faith, our responsibility doesn’t end there. We are called to nurture, teach, and walk with new believers, helping them grow into mature followers of Jesus, just as we would care for a newborn in a family. [33:00]
3. The authority and power of the Holy Spirit are given for the sake of the mission. Jesus promised that we would receive power to be His witnesses, starting at home and moving outward. This power is not for self-promotion or spiritual pride, but to enable us to reach those who are far from God, even when it’s uncomfortable or risky. [38:50]
4. The church must intentionally create space for those who are not yet part of it. Our gatherings, language, and culture should be accessible and welcoming, lowering barriers so that people can encounter God. As we do this, we not only bless others, but we also experience the joy and renewal that comes from seeing God work in new lives. [44:30]
5. It’s healthy and necessary to question, seek, and own your faith. God is not threatened by our questions; in fact, strong faith is built on honest wrestling and personal conviction. As we disciple others, we should encourage curiosity and guide people to discover truth for themselves, rather than simply handing down answers. [36:10]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:10] - Community Updates and City Involvement
[08:45] - The Call to Serve Beyond the Church
[13:30] - Personal Stories of Stepping Up
[18:50] - Vamos: The Heart Behind the Series
[24:10] - The Great Commission: Mark 16
[28:40] - Understanding the Kingdom of God
[33:00] - Discipleship vs. Conversion
[36:10] - The Value of Questions in Faith
[38:50] - Receiving Power for the Mission
[40:44] - Reaching “Those People”: Breaking Barriers
[44:30] - Creating a Welcoming Church Atmosphere
[49:00] - Structuring for Others, Not Just Ourselves
[53:20] - Experiencing God Through New Believers
[57:38] - Prayer and Invitation to Respond
[60:13] - Final Blessing and Dismissal

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Mark 16:15-18 (ESV) — > And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV) — > And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing 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.”

Acts 1:8 (ESV) — > But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.

Observation Questions

In Mark 16 and Matthew 28, what specific actions does Jesus command his followers to do? (preach, baptize, make disciples, teach, etc.)
According to Acts 1:8, where does Jesus say the mission should start, and how does it expand outward?
In the sermon, what is the difference the pastor points out between making converts and making disciples? [33:00]
What does the pastor say about the authority and power Jesus gives us—what is it for? [38:50]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus’ final instructions before ascending focused so much on “going” and making disciples, rather than just gathering together? [24:10]
The pastor says, “The church is not a club for the already convinced, but a place where the lost, the hurting, and the searching can encounter the living God.” What does this mean for how we view church and our role in it? [44:30]
How does the idea of “spiritual parenting” change the way we think about helping new believers? What responsibilities does it add? [33:00]
The sermon mentions that it’s healthy to question, seek, and own your faith. Why is this important in the process of discipleship? [36:10]

Application Questions

The Great Commission is a call to action, not comfort. What is one area of your life where you have chosen comfort over stepping out in faith? What would it look like to “go” in that area this week? [24:10]
Think about someone you know who is far from God or new to faith. What is one practical way you could walk alongside them, not just share information, but help them grow as a disciple? [33:00]
The pastor talked about shifting our focus from what we like to what will help others experience Jesus. Is there something in your church life or personal routine that could be changed to make space for others? What would that look like? [44:30]
The sermon says the authority and power of the Holy Spirit are given for the sake of the mission, not for our own benefit. How can you rely on the Holy Spirit this week to help you reach out, even if it feels uncomfortable or risky? [38:50]
The church must intentionally create space for those who are not yet part of it. What is one barrier—big or small—that you see in your church or small group that might keep someone new from feeling welcome? How could you help lower that barrier? [44:30]
The pastor encourages us to make room for questions and honest wrestling in faith. How can you create a safe space for others (or yourself) to ask hard questions about God and faith? [36:10]
The joy of the Lord is our strength, and we get to experience God’s work afresh through new believers. Can you share a time when seeing someone else’s faith journey renewed your own excitement or perspective? How can you seek out those moments more intentionally? [53:20]

Sermon Clips

Those people need God just as much as you do. And they're children of God just as much as you are. And we're called to disciple those people. So we've got to be in proximity to them. We can't stay away from them. Oh, shun the world. Oh, stay away from them. Oh, you know, separate yourself from among them. Be ye separate. Context, context, context. Paul said, how am I going to win people that are not saved if I don't hang out with them? [00:41:08] (37 seconds) #WelcomingAtmosphere

That's what church is about. That's what we are here for. We focus on those that the Lord wants, that God brings in, and we make it so that they can enter in. We don't put any barriers up, we try not to use some convoluted religious language and stuff like that, we try to—we create an atmosphere through the worship and through all this stuff, and what happens is we get to enjoy it while we're making it for them. [00:48:17] (31 seconds) #SharedMinistryResponsibility

It's not my job to build this church by myself. I am part of the body, so I still have to do the ministry, but it's not my job alone. I'm just—because I'm up on this stage does not mean that you can just come hear good messages, say, oh, wasn't that good message—because they all are good messages, I know, aren't—gonna have to do something about you if you know—but that's not what it's about. My job is to equip you to do the work of the ministry and what are we going to do? We're going to love on people, we're going to focus things toward them. [00:51:12] (40 seconds) #JoyInDisciplingChildren

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