Embracing the Great Commission Through Baptism and Prayer
Summary
In today's gathering, we celebrated the profound act of baptism, a testament to the Great Commission's call to make disciples of all nations. This morning, we witnessed four baptisms, each a powerful declaration of faith and a reminder of the transformative power of accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. As we reflect on these baptisms, I encourage each of you to consider your own journey of faith and the possibility of making a similar commitment if you haven't already.
We also took time to lift up our sister Pam Eller in prayer, who is currently in the hospital. We prayed for healing, wisdom for her doctors, and comfort for her spirit, trusting in God's power to heal and His desire for a personal relationship with each of us. Our prayers extend beyond our local community, reaching out to support mission work globally, including our ongoing efforts in Ecuador. We heard testimonies from those who have recently returned from a mission trip there, emphasizing the importance of the Great Commission and the call for every disciple to be on mission, whether locally or globally.
The Great Commission, as outlined in Matthew 28:18-20, is a call to action for all believers. It challenges us to step out of our comfort zones, to share the gospel, and to make disciples. This mission is not limited to distant lands but begins right where we are—in our neighborhoods, workplaces, and communities. We are reminded that while sharing the gospel can be daunting, we are not alone. The Holy Spirit empowers us, providing the words and courage needed to fulfill this mission.
As we move forward, I urge you to pray fervently for opportunities to share the gospel, to give generously to support mission work, and to consider going—whether across the street or across the world—to share the love of Christ. Let us be a church that is active in reaching the unreached, committed to the call of the Great Commission, and obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Power of Baptism: Baptism is a public declaration of faith and a step of obedience in the life of a believer. It symbolizes the believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Reflect on your own baptism or consider taking this step if you haven't yet. [17:03]
2. Prayer as a Foundation: Prayer is the starting point for any mission. It aligns our hearts with God's will and opens doors for the gospel. Commit to praying for those who are lost, for missionaries, and for opportunities to share the gospel. [01:06:49]
3. The Great Commission: Every believer is called to be on mission, whether locally or globally. The Great Commission is a mandate to make disciples of all nations, and it begins with sharing the gospel in our own communities. [01:01:22]
4. Overcoming Fear in Evangelism: Sharing the gospel can be intimidating, but we are not alone. The Holy Spirit empowers us, giving us the words and courage needed to speak. Trust in His presence and step out in faith. [01:03:51]
5. Generosity in Mission: Supporting mission work financially is a tangible way to participate in the Great Commission. Consider how you can give to support missionaries and mission projects, knowing that your contributions help spread the gospel. [01:08:25]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:30] - Baptism Celebration
[05:00] - Reflecting on Personal Faith
[10:00] - Prayer for Pam Eller
[17:03] - Offering and Prayer
[20:00] - Announcements
[25:00] - Mission Trip to Ecuador
[30:00] - The Great Commission Explained
[35:00] - Being on Mission Locally
[40:00] - Overcoming Fear in Evangelism
[45:00] - Steps to Engage in Mission
[50:00] - Call to Prayer and Giving
[55:00] - Invitation to Respond
[01:15:24] - Closing Prayer and Song
[01:20:00] - New Members Introduction
[01:22:39] - Closing Remarks and Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Matthew 28:18-20
Observation Questions:
1. What is the significance of baptism as described in the sermon, and how does it relate to the Great Commission? [00:30]
2. How did the church community support Pam Eller during her time in the hospital, and what role did prayer play in this support? [17:03]
3. What were some of the experiences shared by those who went on the mission trip to Ecuador, and how did these experiences emphasize the Great Commission? [01:00:55]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of the Holy Spirit in overcoming fear when sharing the gospel? [01:03:51]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the act of baptism serve as a public declaration of faith, and why is it considered a step of obedience for believers? [00:30]
2. In what ways does prayer align our hearts with God's will, and how can it open doors for sharing the gospel? [17:03]
3. What does it mean for every believer to be "on mission," and how can this be applied both locally and globally? [01:01:22]
4. How does the sermon suggest believers can overcome the fear of evangelism, and what role does the Holy Spirit play in this process? [01:03:51]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own baptism or consider taking this step if you haven't yet. How does your personal journey of faith align with the call to make disciples? [00:30]
2. How can you incorporate prayer into your daily routine to support missionaries and seek opportunities to share the gospel? [17:03]
3. Identify one person in your community or workplace who might be open to hearing about the gospel. What steps can you take to engage them in a spiritual conversation this week? [01:01:22]
4. What fears do you have about sharing your faith, and how can you rely on the Holy Spirit to give you the courage and words needed? [01:03:51]
5. Consider how you can financially support mission work. What changes can you make in your budget to contribute to spreading the gospel? [01:08:25]
6. Think about a time when you felt the Holy Spirit guiding you in a conversation. How can you be more attentive to His leading in your daily interactions? [01:03:51]
7. How can you actively participate in your church's mission efforts, whether through prayer, giving, or going on a mission trip? What steps will you take to get involved? [01:09:13]
Devotional
Day 1: Baptism as a Transformative Declaration
Baptism is a profound act of faith, symbolizing a believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a public declaration of one's commitment to follow Christ and an outward expression of an inward transformation. For those who have already been baptized, it serves as a reminder of their own journey of faith and the transformative power of accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior. For those who have not yet taken this step, it is an invitation to consider making this commitment and experiencing the profound change that comes with it. [17:03]
Romans 6:3-4 (ESV): "Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."
Reflection: Reflect on your own baptism or consider what taking this step might mean for you. How does your life reflect the newness of life that baptism symbolizes?
Day 2: Prayer as the Catalyst for Mission
Prayer is the foundation of any mission, aligning our hearts with God's will and opening doors for the gospel. It is through prayer that we intercede for those who are lost, seek guidance for missionaries, and ask for opportunities to share the gospel. As believers, we are called to be fervent in prayer, trusting in God's power to heal, guide, and transform lives. This commitment to prayer is not just for our local community but extends globally, supporting mission work and those who are on the front lines of sharing the gospel. [01:06:49]
Colossians 4:2-4 (ESV): "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak."
Reflection: Who in your life needs prayer today? Commit to praying for them and for opportunities to share the gospel with them.
Day 3: Embracing the Great Commission
The Great Commission is a call to action for all believers, challenging us to step out of our comfort zones to share the gospel and make disciples. This mission is not limited to distant lands but begins right where we are—in our neighborhoods, workplaces, and communities. Every believer is called to be on mission, whether locally or globally, and to be obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit. The task may seem daunting, but we are reminded that we are not alone; the Holy Spirit empowers us to fulfill this mission. [01:01:22]
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: What is one practical step you can take this week to share the gospel in your community? How can you rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance and courage?
Day 4: Overcoming Fear in Evangelism
Sharing the gospel can be intimidating, but believers are not alone in this task. The Holy Spirit empowers us, providing the words and courage needed to speak. Trusting in His presence allows us to step out in faith, overcoming the fear that often accompanies evangelism. As we share the love of Christ, we are reminded that it is not our own strength or eloquence that matters, but the power of the Holy Spirit working through us. [01:03:51]
2 Timothy 1:7-8 (ESV): "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God."
Reflection: What fears hold you back from sharing your faith? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to help you overcome these fears today?
Day 5: Generosity in Supporting Mission Work
Supporting mission work financially is a tangible way to participate in the Great Commission. By giving generously, believers can help spread the gospel and support missionaries and mission projects around the world. This act of generosity is not just about financial contributions but also about being willing to go and share the love of Christ, whether across the street or across the world. As a church, we are called to be active in reaching the unreached and committed to the call of the Great Commission. [01:08:25]
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (ESV): "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Reflection: How can you contribute to mission work this week, whether through giving, prayer, or personal involvement? What steps can you take to be more generous in supporting the spread of the gospel?
Quotes
God, I pray for this offering this morning, Lord, that you would take it and use it. God, that you would multiply it as it goes out to spread the gospel, to point people to Jesus. Whether here in Granite Falls or all the way down into Ecuador or across the world. And I pray that you would use this to bring honor and glory to your name today. For it is in Jesus' name that we pray. Amen. [00:18:40] (26 seconds)
You keep hearing over and over again, the Great Commission, the Great Commission. Let me just read it. Matthew chapter 28 verses 18 through 20 say, Matthew chapter 28 verses 18 through 20 say, this. Jesus came near and said to them, all authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. You know what that verse means? Jesus is the boss and he's about to give us what we need to be doing. [01:00:55] (27 seconds)
He says, 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 everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always to the end of the age. We are in a series right now about discipleship. [01:01:22] (23 seconds)
Do you realize that every disciple needs to be on mission? is in accordance with what has been given to us by Jesus himself right there in Matthew 28, 18 through 20. You can be on mission across the street. You can be on mission at your job. You can be on mission in Ecuador. But every disciple on mission, that is the goal. That is what we want to push for here at Concord Baptist Church. [01:01:49] (41 seconds)
Kenley, were you nervous to share the gospel? Samuel, were you nervous? Adam, most veteran missionary, when you start sharing the gospel, whether it is here in America or overseas, are you nervous? Are you anxious? We all are. We all are. But here is the beauty of that last part of the verse where it says, and lo, and remember, I am with you always, even to the ends of the earth. Here is the beauty in that verse. Yeah, you are nervous. Yeah, you are anxious. Yeah, you want to. [01:03:51] (32 seconds)
i'll take that step and start doing something here a disciple will be involved in sharing the gospel at home and around the world what are you doing here in your neighborhood what are you doing here and you're in at what are you doing here in the community around our church so pastor dan what what should i do where do i start number one pray pray how many of us can pray raise your hand that should be all of us how many of us can pray we can all pray this is where you start pray [01:05:27] (35 seconds)
Pull up the International Mission Board prayer list and pray for them. They have got prayer requests that go out every single day that you can pray for, but start by praying, and in your prayer, ask God to give you a passion to share the gospel. Well, what else can I do, Pastor Dan? So I can pray. Yep, I'm going to commit to pray. All right, great. Number two, the next. [01:06:49] (27 seconds)
Give financially. Give to Concord Baptist Church. Give to Adam. Adam raises support. Give to missionaries who are overseas that need support, but give part of your finances to missions. Our offering here at Concord doesn't just go, to buy gummies for the nursery. It partly does that, but a part of our money goes to sending it to the International Mission Board to support missionaries overseas. [01:07:25] (35 seconds)
The flesh will give us an unhold number of excuses to not go, to not share, to not talk about Jesus. What is holding you back? You need to identify right now what's holding you back as a Christian from being obedient to the Great Commission, because identifying those things that are holding you back, you can begin to pray and ask God to give you victory over those things that are holding you back from being obedient, not to me, but from being obedient to Jesus. [01:14:15] (35 seconds)
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