Introduction

Good morning, friends and family! Today, we gather together to explore the powerful message found in Matthew 28.

In the words of the great Christian author, C.S. Lewis, "Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important." This quote rings true as we dive into today's topic. As Christians, we are called to make a real difference in the world, to step up and take action in the name of Jesus Christ.

Let's read the Scripture passage together:

"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.'"

As we embark on this journey today, let us begin with an opening prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, we come to you today with open hearts and minds, ready to receive your wisdom and guidance. Help us to understand your word. May your Holy Spirit guide our thoughts and actions as we explore your Word together. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

The Call to Discipleship

The call to discipleship is a direct command from Jesus Christ himself. In the passage we read earlier, Jesus instructs his followers to "go and make disciples of all nations." This command is not just for the original twelve disciples, but for all who follow Christ. It is a call to action, a call to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ to all people, regardless of their background, nationality, or social status.

One of the most significant aspects of discipleship is the idea of transformation. When we become disciples of Jesus Christ, we are transformed by the renewing of our minds and hearts. This transformation is not a one-time event, but an ongoing process of growth and development. As we grow in our faith, we become more like Christ, and our lives begin to reflect his love, grace, and compassion.

Discipleship also involves a commitment to learning and growth. Jesus tells his followers to teach new disciples "to obey everything I have commanded you." This means that as disciples, we are continually learning and growing in our understanding of God's Word and his will for our lives. We are called to be lifelong learners, continually seeking to deepen our relationship with Christ and to grow in our knowledge of his teachings.

Another critical aspect of discipleship is the idea of community. Jesus did not call us to be solitary followers, but to be part of a community of believers who support, encourage, and challenge one another in our faith journeys. The early church, as described in the book of Acts, was a vibrant community of believers who shared their lives, their resources, and their faith with one another. This model of community is still relevant today, as we are called to be part of a church family that nurtures and supports one another in our walk with Christ.

Discipleship also involves a commitment to service. Jesus modeled a life of service, and he calls us to follow his example. As disciples, we are called to serve others, both within our church community and in the world around us. This service can take many forms, from volunteering at a local food bank to participating in a mission trip overseas. The key is to be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit and to be willing to use our gifts and talents to serve others in the name of Christ.

The Call to Discipleship is not just about our personal relationship with Jesus Christ, but also about our responsibility to share the Good News with others. This means that we are called to be witnesses to the love and grace of Christ, both in our words and in our actions. We are called to share our faith with others, inviting them to experience the life-changing power of a relationship with Jesus Christ.

This call to evangelism can be challenging, as it often requires us to step out of our comfort zones and engage with people who may be different from us or who may not be receptive to our message. However, Jesus promises that he will be with us always, even to the very end of the age. This means that we do not have to rely on our own strength or abilities, but can trust in the power of the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us as we share the Good News with others.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to care for the poor, the marginalized, and the oppressed. This means that we must be willing to stand up against injustice and work to create a more equitable and just society. This can be a challenging and sometimes unpopular stance, but it is a vital part of our call as disciples of Christ.

This call is not an easy one, and it requires us to make sacrifices and to prioritize our relationship with Christ above all else. This may mean giving up certain comforts or privileges, or it may mean facing persecution or ridicule for our faith. However, the rewards of discipleship far outweigh the costs, as we experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from living a life that is fully surrendered to Christ.

The Church's Responsibility to Eradicate Poverty

The Church's responsibility to eradicate poverty is deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus Himself, who consistently emphasized the importance of caring for the poor and marginalized in society ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO