Empowered to Go: Sharing God's Love Authentically
Summary
Today, we gathered around the value that “saved people find people.” This is not just a catchy phrase, but a core calling for every follower of Jesus. The heart of God is that those who have experienced His saving grace would, in turn, become instruments of that grace to others. We are not called to keep the good news to ourselves, but to go—just as Jesus commanded in Matthew 28—to make disciples, to baptize, and to teach. This “go” is not reserved for the spiritually elite or those with special qualifications. It’s for anyone who has crossed the line of salvation and surrendered their life to Jesus. The only requirement is that you know Him and are willing to share what you know.
Going doesn’t mean you have to be a Bible scholar or a professional teacher. It simply means being a witness—sharing your story, modeling a relationship with Jesus, and living out your faith in front of those closest to you. The greatest influence you have is with those in your immediate circle: your family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors. In a world that is increasingly hungry for spiritual answers, especially among younger generations, God is calling us to step into conversations, to build relationships, and to love people genuinely—not as projects, but as people made in God’s image.
We don’t go in our own strength. Jesus promised His authority and the power of the Holy Spirit to empower us. God went first—He loved us before we ever loved Him, and He took the risk of loving us even knowing some would reject Him. He created us as sons and daughters, not just as random people, and He did it with joy and purpose. God’s plan from the beginning was to use us, filled with His Spirit, to reach others. There is no “Plan B”—we are His A plan.
So, the challenge is simple but profound: Will you go? Will you let your life be a witness? Will you pray for the power of the Holy Spirit to fill you with boldness and love? Whether it’s inviting someone to church, sharing a scripture, praying with a friend, or simply living out your faith authentically, the greatest “go trip” you’ll ever take is right in your own backyard. God is looking for the hungry—those who desire to be used by Him. Let’s respond with open hearts and say, “Here am I. Use me.”
Key Takeaways
- The command to “go” is not about spiritual qualifications or expertise, but about willingness and authenticity. God calls every believer to share what they know and to model a genuine relationship with Jesus, not to perform or impress. The only prerequisite is having crossed the line of salvation and being willing to share your story. [20:46]
- God’s method for reaching the world is deeply relational. The most significant influence we have is with those closest to us—our families, friends, and coworkers. Building trust and loving people authentically opens doors for spiritual conversations and allows our witness to have integrity and impact. [24:12]
- We are not sent out in our own strength, but in the authority of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. This means that when we step out in faith, it is God’s presence and power that works through us, giving us boldness and effectiveness beyond our natural abilities. Our dependence on the Spirit is essential for fruitful witness. [29:29]
- God went first—He loved us before we ever loved Him, and He took the risk of loving us even knowing some would reject Him. This foundational truth means that our mission to love and reach others is rooted in God’s own example. We are called to love first, even when it’s risky or when we might be rejected, because that’s what God did for us. [34:37]
- God’s plan to reach the world is us—there is no backup plan. From before time began, He purposed to use His people, filled with the Holy Spirit, to share the good news of Jesus. Our lives, lived authentically and empowered by the Spirit, are God’s chosen means to bring others into His family. [42:19]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Shoutouts to Campuses and Baptism Stories
[03:05] - Series Introduction: Gathered and Our Values
[05:20] - What Does “Saved People Find People” Mean?
[08:45] - The Challenge of Selfishness and Living for Others
[12:30] - When Our Christianity Gets Tested
[16:13] - The Green Light: Go Means Move
[19:11] - Jesus’ Command to Go (Matthew 28)
[20:46] - Debunking Myths About “Go”
[23:35] - What It Means to Be a Witness
[24:12] - Influence Through Relationships
[25:17] - Spiritual Hunger in Our World
[27:06] - Are You a Life Learner?
[29:29] - We Go in God’s Authority and Power
[30:11] - What “Go” Tells Us About God
[34:37] - God’s Risky Love: He Went First
[37:07] - Created as Sons and Daughters
[39:24] - The Power of the Holy Spirit for Witness
[42:19] - God’s A Plan: No Backup
[43:18] - Practical Ways to Go in Everyday Life
[48:16] - Stories of Going: Real Life Examples
[49:09] - Responding to God’s Call and Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Saved People Find People"
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### Bible Reading
- Matthew 28:18-20
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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.”
- Acts 1:8
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
- 1 John 4:9-10
This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
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### Observation Questions
1. In Matthew 28:18-20, what specific actions does Jesus command his followers to do?
2. According to Acts 1:8, what is the source of power for being a witness, and where are believers called to be witnesses?
3. In 1 John 4:9-10, who took the first step in showing love, and how did God demonstrate that love?
4. The sermon said, “Going doesn’t mean you have to be a Bible scholar or a professional teacher. It simply means being a witness—sharing your story, modeling a relationship with Jesus, and living out your faith in front of those closest to you.” What are some examples the pastor gave of what “going” looks like in everyday life? [43:18]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus made “go and make disciples” a command for all believers, not just for pastors or missionaries? What does this say about God’s expectations for every Christian? [19:11]
2. The sermon emphasized that we don’t go in our own strength, but in the authority of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. How does this change the way someone might approach sharing their faith? [29:29]
3. The pastor said, “God went first—He loved us before we ever loved Him, and He took the risk of loving us even knowing some would reject Him.” How does understanding God’s risky love affect the way we approach people who might not respond positively? [34:37]
4. The message highlighted that our greatest influence is with those closest to us—family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors. Why do you think God’s method for reaching the world is so relational? [24:12]
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### Application Questions
1. The only requirement for “going” is that you know Jesus and are willing to share what you know. Is there someone in your life right now who needs to hear your story? What’s one step you could take this week to share with them? [20:46]
2. The pastor challenged us to “model a relationship with Jesus” in front of those closest to us. What is one area of your life where you could be more intentional about living out your faith at home, at work, or with friends? [24:12]
3. The sermon said, “We don’t go in our own strength. Jesus promised His authority and the power of the Holy Spirit to empower us.” When was the last time you prayed specifically for boldness and the Holy Spirit’s help to share your faith? Would you be willing to pray that this week? [29:29]
4. God’s love is risky—He loved us first, even knowing some would reject Him. Is there someone you’ve been hesitant to reach out to because you’re afraid of being rejected? What would it look like to love them first, regardless of their response? [34:37]
5. The pastor said, “God’s plan to reach the world is us—there is no backup plan.” How does this truth motivate or challenge you personally? What might need to change in your priorities or schedule to make space for “going” in your everyday life? [42:19]
6. The message gave practical ideas like inviting someone to church, sharing a scripture, praying with a friend, or simply starting a spiritual conversation. Which of these feels most natural to you, and which one would stretch you the most? Why? [43:18]
7. The pastor invited us to respond with, “Here am I. Use me.” What would it look like for you to pray that prayer honestly this week? Is there a specific area or relationship where you sense God might want to use you? [49:09]
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Devotional
Day 1: Go—God’s Command to Move and Make Disciples
God’s call to “go” is not a suggestion but a clear command for every follower of Jesus. Just as a green light signals us to move forward, God’s directive is for us to actively step out, share our faith, and help others become disciples. This isn’t reserved for the spiritually elite or those with special qualifications; it’s for anyone who has crossed the line of salvation. When God says “go,” He means for us to move beyond our comfort zones, to care about the souls and eternities of others, and to participate in His mission to reach the world. [19:11]
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: Where is God prompting you to “go” today—whether across the street, across your workplace, or across a relationship barrier—and what is one step you can take to move forward in obedience?
Day 2: Witnessing in the Power of the Holy Spirit
You are not sent out alone or in your own strength. God promises that when you go, the Holy Spirit will empower you to be a witness—giving you boldness, words, and the ability to share what God has done in your life. This power is not for show or self-glory, but so that you can effectively tell others about Jesus everywhere you go, starting with those closest to you and reaching outward. The Holy Spirit’s presence is the difference-maker, turning ordinary conversations and relationships into opportunities for eternal impact. [23:35]
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 to rely more on the Holy Spirit’s power to be a bold and loving witness for Jesus today?
Day 3: God Went First—He Loved and Sent Before We Did
God never asks us to do something He hasn’t already done Himself. He modeled “going” by sending Jesus to us first, loving us before we ever loved Him. This love is unconditional and sacrificial, not dependent on our response. God’s initiative reminds us that sharing His love with others is simply following His example—taking the risk to love first, even when we don’t know how people will respond. [31:47]
1 John 4:9-10 (ESV)
In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
Reflection: Who in your life needs to experience God’s “first move” love through you, and how can you take a step to show them that love today?
Day 4: You Are Chosen and Adopted with Purpose
Before the world began, God chose you in Christ—not just as another person, but as His beloved son or daughter. He created you with joy and intention, adopting you into His family and giving you a unique role in His plan. This identity is not based on your performance or worthiness, but on God’s great pleasure and love. Knowing you are chosen and adopted gives you confidence to go and share His love, knowing you represent your Father’s heart. [37:07]
Ephesians 1:4-5 (ESV)
Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will.
Reflection: How does knowing you are chosen and adopted by God change the way you see your purpose and the people around you today?
Day 5: You Are Sent—God’s A Plan to Reach the World
God’s plan to reach the world is you—there is no backup plan. He sends you to share the good news, and He equips you with His Spirit so you can succeed. The world cannot believe unless someone tells them, and you are that someone. Whether it’s inviting a friend, starting a spiritual conversation, or simply living out your faith authentically, you are sent by God to make an eternal difference right where you are. [43:18]
Romans 10:14-15 (ESV)
How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”
Reflection: Who is one person God is putting on your heart to reach out to this week, and what is one practical way you can share the good news with them?
Quotes
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