Embracing the Great Commission: A Call to Discipleship
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today is a day to rejoice and be glad, for it is the Lord's day, a time to gather and worship God. The Holy Spirit is here to guide our worship and praise. Today is also special because we are celebrating communion, a time to gather around Christ's table and share in His body and blood symbolically, equipping us to go out into the world.
Our focus today is on the Great Commission and the mission of the Global Methodist Church, which is to make disciples of Jesus Christ who worship passionately, love extravagantly, and witness boldly. This mission is rooted in the Bible, specifically in Jesus' last words to His disciples before ascending into heaven: "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit." This command is not optional; it is a directive for all Christians.
Jesus simplified the 613 rules and Ten Commandments into two: Love God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself. By following these two commandments, we fulfill all the others. The Great Commission is an extension of these commandments, urging us to bring people to Jesus and help them grow as disciples.
Grace plays a crucial role in our journey. Prevenient grace is with us from conception until we say yes to God. Justifying grace makes us righteous in a blink of an eye, washing away our sins. Sanctifying grace helps us grow as disciples, becoming more obedient and sensitive to others' needs.
Faith without works is dead, but works should not precede salvation. God loves us immensely and has many plans for us. Our mission is to share that love with others, making disciples and building God's kingdom. This is the only plan God has for us, and He equips us for this mission.
The Great Commission is a lifelong journey, not just a one-time event. It involves abiding in Christ, having a close personal relationship with Him, and producing much fruit. The ultimate expression of a Jesus follower is to make disciples who make disciples.
There are still many people in the world who have not heard the Gospel, especially in the 1040 corridor. We can support missions through prayer, financial help, and by developing relationships with those around us. Discipleship is done by individuals, not programs, and it involves investing our lives in others.
God calls everyone, including women and children, to participate in this mission. The Global Methodist Church aims to equip everyone to share their faith and make disciples. Jesus died on the cross not for our comfort but to enable us to make more disciples. Let us think about what God might be calling us to do and follow His commands.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Great Commission is a Command, Not a Suggestion: Jesus' directive to "go and make disciples of all nations" is a command for every Christian. It is not optional or conditional on our comfort or convenience. This mission is central to our purpose as followers of Christ, and we must take it seriously. [19:14]
2. Simplifying the Commandments: Jesus condensed the 613 rules and Ten Commandments into two: Love God and love your neighbor. By genuinely loving God and our neighbors, we naturally fulfill all other commandments. This simplifies our spiritual journey and focuses our efforts on what truly matters. [22:21]
3. The Role of Grace in Our Lives: Grace is multifaceted—prevenient grace draws us to God, justifying grace makes us righteous, and sanctifying grace helps us grow as disciples. Understanding these aspects of grace helps us appreciate God's work in our lives and motivates us to share this grace with others. [24:39]
4. Faith and Works: While faith without works is dead, works should not precede salvation. Our good deeds should flow from the love God has poured into our hearts, not as a means to earn His love. This balance ensures that our actions are genuine expressions of our faith. [27:08]
5. The Lifelong Journey of Discipleship: Christianity is more than acknowledging Jesus' existence; it is a lifelong journey of following Him. This involves daily surrender, abiding in Christ, and producing fruit. Our mission is to make disciples who make disciples, continually expanding God's kingdom. [36:39]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[17:00] - Communion and Community
[18:05] - The Great Commission
[19:14] - Command to Make Disciples
[20:51] - Daily Choice to Follow God
[22:21] - Simplifying the Commandments
[24:39] - Understanding Grace
[27:08] - Faith and Works
[29:00] - Building God's Kingdom
[31:20] - Lifelong Journey of Discipleship
[34:08] - Abiding in Christ
[39:03] - Global Mission Field
[45:12] - Relational Discipleship
[49:16] - Loving Like Jesus
[50:02] - Supporting Missions
[53:12] - Equipping Everyone
[55:10] - Following Jesus' Commands
[56:08] - Prayer and Commitment
[57:36] - Reciting the Nicene Creed
[01:03:25] - Communion
[01:04:37] - Closing Prayers
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV) - "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
2. Matthew 22:37-39 (NIV) - "Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"
3. John 15:5 (NIV) - "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the two greatest commandments that Jesus gave, and how do they simplify the 613 rules and Ten Commandments? ([22:21])
2. According to the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, what are the specific actions Jesus commands His followers to take?
3. How does the sermon describe the different types of grace (prevenient, justifying, and sanctifying) and their roles in a Christian's life? ([24:39])
4. What does it mean to "abide in Christ" according to John 15:5, and how is this concept explained in the sermon? ([37:17])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is the Great Commission described as a command rather than a suggestion, and what implications does this have for Christians today? ([19:14])
2. How do the two greatest commandments (loving God and loving your neighbor) encompass all other commandments, and why is this significant for our daily lives? ([22:21])
3. In what ways does understanding the different types of grace (prevenient, justifying, and sanctifying) impact a believer's journey of faith and discipleship? ([24:39])
4. What does it mean to produce "much fruit" by abiding in Christ, and how can this be practically applied in a believer's life? ([37:17])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the Great Commission. How can you personally participate in making disciples in your community? What specific steps can you take this week to share your faith with someone? ([19:14])
2. Think about the two greatest commandments. How can you show love to God and your neighbor in a tangible way this week? Identify one specific action you can take. ([22:21])
3. Consider the role of grace in your life. How have you experienced prevenient, justifying, and sanctifying grace? Share a personal story of how one of these types of grace has impacted you. ([24:39])
4. Abiding in Christ involves a close personal relationship with Him. What daily practices can you implement to strengthen your relationship with Jesus? How can you ensure you remain connected to the vine? ([37:17])
5. The sermon emphasizes that faith without works is dead. What good works can you engage in that flow from your faith and love for God? Identify a specific need in your community that you can help meet. ([27:08])
6. The concept of relational discipleship was highlighted in the sermon. Who in your life can you come alongside to help them grow in their faith? How can you invest your time and love in this person? ([47:03])
7. The sermon mentioned the importance of supporting global missions. How can you contribute to missions, whether through prayer, financial support, or other means? What specific action will you take this month to support the spread of the Gospel? ([50:02])
Devotional
Day 1: The Great Commission is a Command, Not a Suggestion
The Great Commission is a directive from Jesus to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). This command is not optional or conditional on our comfort or convenience. It is central to our purpose as followers of Christ. Every Christian is called to participate in this mission, regardless of their personal circumstances or feelings of inadequacy. The Great Commission is about sharing the love and message of Jesus with others, helping them to become His disciples, and teaching them to obey everything He has commanded.
This mission is not just for pastors or missionaries; it is for every believer. It involves stepping out of our comfort zones and being intentional about sharing our faith. Whether through conversations, acts of kindness, or living out our faith authentically, we are all called to be witnesses of Jesus' love and grace. The Great Commission is a lifelong journey, not a one-time event. It requires daily commitment and reliance on the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us. [19:14]
Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): "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 in your life needs to hear about Jesus? How can you take a step today to share His love and message with them?
Day 2: Simplifying the Commandments
Jesus simplified the 613 rules and Ten Commandments into two: Love God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself. By genuinely loving God and our neighbors, we naturally fulfill all other commandments. This simplification helps us focus on what truly matters in our spiritual journey. It is not about following a long list of rules but about cultivating a deep, loving relationship with God and extending that love to others.
Loving God means prioritizing Him in every aspect of our lives, seeking to know Him more, and obeying His commands. Loving our neighbors means showing kindness, compassion, and forgiveness, even when it is difficult. These two commandments are interconnected; our love for God fuels our love for others, and our love for others reflects our love for God. By focusing on these two commandments, we can live out our faith in a way that honors God and impacts those around us. [22:21]
Mark 12:30-31 (ESV): "And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these."
Reflection: How can you show love to God and your neighbor in a practical way today? What specific actions can you take to demonstrate this love?
Day 3: The Role of Grace in Our Lives
Grace is a multifaceted gift from God that plays a crucial role in our spiritual journey. Prevenient grace is with us from conception, drawing us to God even before we are aware of His presence. Justifying grace makes us righteous in a blink of an eye, washing away our sins and reconciling us with God. Sanctifying grace helps us grow as disciples, becoming more obedient and sensitive to others' needs. Understanding these aspects of grace helps us appreciate God's work in our lives and motivates us to share this grace with others.
Grace is not something we can earn; it is a gift freely given by God. It empowers us to live out our faith and fulfill the Great Commission. As we experience God's grace, we are called to extend that grace to others, showing them the same love and forgiveness that we have received. This understanding of grace transforms our lives and enables us to be effective witnesses of Jesus' love and message. [24:39]
Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV): "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
Reflection: How have you experienced God's grace in your life? How can you extend that grace to someone else today?
Day 4: Faith and Works
While faith without works is dead, works should not precede salvation. Our good deeds should flow from the love God has poured into our hearts, not as a means to earn His love. This balance ensures that our actions are genuine expressions of our faith. When we truly understand and experience God's love, it naturally leads to a desire to serve and help others. Our works become a reflection of our faith and a way to demonstrate God's love to the world.
It is important to remember that our salvation is not based on our works but on our faith in Jesus Christ. However, our faith should produce fruit in our lives, leading us to live in a way that honors God and serves others. This involves being attentive to the needs of those around us and taking action to meet those needs. By doing so, we fulfill the Great Commission and build God's kingdom on earth. [27:08]
James 2:17-18 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."
Reflection: What are some ways you can put your faith into action today? How can you serve others and demonstrate God's love through your actions?
Day 5: The Lifelong Journey of Discipleship
Christianity is more than acknowledging Jesus' existence; it is a lifelong journey of following Him. This involves daily surrender, abiding in Christ, and producing fruit. Our mission is to make disciples who make disciples, continually expanding God's kingdom. Discipleship is not a one-time event but a continuous process of growing in our relationship with Jesus and helping others do the same.
Abiding in Christ means staying connected to Him through prayer, reading the Bible, and living in obedience to His commands. It requires a daily commitment to seek His presence and guidance in every aspect of our lives. As we abide in Christ, we become more like Him and are able to bear much fruit. This fruit is evident in our character, actions, and the impact we have on others. By making disciples who make disciples, we fulfill the Great Commission and contribute to the growth of God's kingdom. [36:39]
John 15:4-5 (ESV): "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
Reflection: How can you deepen your relationship with Jesus today? What steps can you take to abide in Him and produce fruit in your life?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Our mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ. Who worship passionately, love extravagantly, and witness boldly. And where did that thought come from? From the Bible itself. In our reading today, we learned about the last words that Jesus spoke to his disciples before he ascended into heaven." [18:05] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Making disciples is our purpose as Christians. And it's for you and for me and for everyone in this place and hearing us by internet claims to be a Christian. It's not something we can just decide to do or not. We can decide to do it or not. And in many cases, we have been doing that. But Jesus is asking us to make a choice and to choose him." [19:14] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Love God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength. And what's the second commandment? Love your neighbor as yourself. That's right. And if we follow those two commandments, we will meet all of the Ten Commandments. The Ten Commandments are about first our relationship with God, and then about our relationship with people." [22:21] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The ultimate expression of a Jesus follower is to follow the Great Commission by giving away the Jesus in you others by becoming a disciple who makes disciples. Jesus says go and make disciples of all nations." [39:03] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The most effective way of reaching people today is to develop a relationship with them. To love them. And show them how a Christian is different from the world. That's true for people in China or Iran or the U.S. You don't have to go to a foreign country to share Jesus. To love people." [45:12] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Grace is something that God has given to each of us. It begins, those of you that have been to a walk to Emmaus know about these kinds of grace. I imagine there are some here that also know. They come from John Wesley. Prevenient grace is God's grace that's with us from the moment of our conception to the moment we say yes to God." [24:39] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When God tells us to do something, He will equip us. He will provide what we need. He'll provide the people that we need to stand with us, alongside, and to help us. And you can trust God to do that. I share this because following Jesus is a call that's, is to do more than acknowledge that Jesus died on the cross. But a call from God to go is a call to participate with Jesus in His ministry." [33:32] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "To abide in Christ to abide in the Lord is to have a close personal relationship with Him. Every day. So that you can get to know Him. You can have an opportunity come closer to Christ each day. And as you become closer to Him become more like Him. And you walk in His footsteps. Where He leads you and He guides you." [37:17] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Discipling is done by somebody not something. Discipleship is done by persons not programs. Discipleship is done by individuals not institutions. It happens when one maturing believer pours out himself or herself and invests their life into another who is open to following Jesus. God wants us to grow up to know the whole truth and to tell it in love to those who need to hear it." [51:26] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus came to die on the cross for you and for me and he didn't do that so we could be comfortable in the pews. He did that so that we could make more disciples. That's the only plan God has. He didn't he doesn't have a plan B. If we fail we fail. So I encourage you to think about what God might be calling you to do." [53:44] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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