WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:24.140 Today we are finishing up an eight-week focus on our discipleship pathway, but I don't want you to think that as we finish up this eight-week focus on discipleship that we are finishing our focus on discipleship because discipleship is not something that we focus on for eight weeks or for a season but discipleship is what we give our lives to. 00:00:24.140 --> 00:00:42.880 It's a part of the everyday Christian life. It's not a seasonal thing. It's something that we have a part of our lives each and every day. It's not intended to be optional, but rather it's intentional. It's deliberate. It is for all believers, and it is transformative in our lives. 00:00:42.880 --> 00:00:59.700 You see, discipleship doesn't allow for complacency or simply going through the motions because at the heart of discipleship is the shaping of our lives to look more like Jesus's life. 00:01:00.219 --> 00:01:08.219 That's the heart of discipleship, and so as we begin to make our lives look more like Christ's life, then it changes us. 00:01:08.219 --> 00:01:18.680 It doesn't leave us the same. We can't simply go through the motions. We can't simply just be complacent with where we are, but we are looking towards Jesus. 00:01:19.599 --> 00:01:24.159 And so as we begin today, I want you to think with me about this question. 00:01:25.219 --> 00:01:29.960 What has had the biggest impact on your life spiritually? 00:01:30.960 --> 00:01:34.519 I want you to genuinely think about that with me for just a moment. 00:01:34.519 --> 00:01:42.219 What is it that has had the biggest impact on your life spiritually? 00:01:44.219 --> 00:01:49.959 Some of you may have an event of some type that has had an impact in your life. 00:01:50.299 --> 00:01:56.159 Maybe a conference could be a difficult time in your life. It could be anything. 00:01:56.159 --> 00:02:06.340 But my guess is that most of you right now, if you're actually doing what I ask and thinking about what has had the biggest impact on your life, 00:02:06.420 --> 00:02:09.759 you're not thinking about something, but you're thinking about someone. 00:02:10.979 --> 00:02:16.319 You're thinking about people that have influenced your life, that have invested in your life. 00:02:16.539 --> 00:02:20.740 You're thinking about those that God has placed in your life to shape you. 00:02:20.740 --> 00:02:26.600 When I think about what has shaped my life the most spiritually, people start coming to mind. 00:02:27.260 --> 00:02:34.120 My parents come to mind and how they raised me, the example they set before me, the way that I saw them live out their faith. 00:02:35.260 --> 00:02:40.060 Catherine comes to mind and the way that she challenges me each and every day, the way she encourages me, 00:02:40.660 --> 00:02:43.280 and sometimes reminds me how far I still have to go. 00:02:43.280 --> 00:02:45.939 But no, just this constant encouragement. 00:02:46.120 --> 00:02:48.060 There's those people that have got his place in our life. 00:02:48.120 --> 00:02:53.080 I'm reminded of people like Ken Jones and James Forrester when they come to mind. 00:02:53.180 --> 00:02:56.120 These people invested in me during my college time. 00:02:56.219 --> 00:03:01.560 They were campus ministers who poured into me, not only told me what it means to be a follower of Christ, 00:03:01.639 --> 00:03:04.300 but showed me with their life what it means. 00:03:04.860 --> 00:03:07.659 People like Steve and Kim Pace come to mind, 00:03:08.060 --> 00:03:11.180 who are members of the first church that I worked at in North Carolina. 00:03:11.180 --> 00:03:16.379 Steve and Kim realized that we live six hours away from our closest family, 00:03:16.379 --> 00:03:20.780 and so they decided to bring us into their family and began to invest in us, 00:03:20.860 --> 00:03:27.319 began to invite us on weekend lake trips, began to invite us to their Sunday evening dinners with their family. 00:03:27.920 --> 00:03:33.180 Steve was a teacher in the Sunday school class and not only taught God's Word, but lived it out, 00:03:33.600 --> 00:03:40.080 setting the example for us in our early days in ministry and early days as a married couple. 00:03:40.080 --> 00:03:45.320 People like Andy Childs, Carlos Silly, David Rissi, many of you in this room, 00:03:45.400 --> 00:03:48.320 many of the staff, my kids come to mind. 00:03:48.620 --> 00:03:52.240 You know, there's not much more humbling than when your kids listen to a sermon 00:03:52.240 --> 00:03:58.160 and then they bring that up later to make sure that you're following what you say in front of everyone. 00:03:58.159 --> 00:04:01.939 All of whom have invested in my life. 00:04:02.439 --> 00:04:05.800 And so this morning, as we close out our series, 00:04:06.599 --> 00:04:11.280 I want us to focus on the last four verses of Matthew. 00:04:11.740 --> 00:04:17.219 And so if you have a copy of God's Word, I want you to turn with me to Matthew chapter 28, 00:04:17.699 --> 00:04:22.740 and we're going to start reading in verse 16 and make our way through the end of the chapter. 00:04:22.740 --> 00:04:28.579 And so Matthew 28, starting in verse 16, this is what the Word of the Lord says. 00:04:29.300 --> 00:04:29.560 It says, 00:04:29.720 --> 00:04:42.139 Now this is always interesting to me right here. 00:04:42.199 --> 00:04:43.040 Let's just pause for this. 00:04:43.040 --> 00:04:44.019 This is really interesting to me. 00:04:44.100 --> 00:04:46.780 They worshiped Him, but some doubted. 00:04:47.019 --> 00:04:49.259 What is left for them to doubt? 00:04:49.259 --> 00:04:55.519 What is left for them to try to figure out about Jesus as far as if He really is the Messiah? 00:04:55.620 --> 00:04:58.779 The risen Savior is quite literally standing in front of them. 00:04:58.980 --> 00:05:00.539 What is left for them to doubt? 00:05:00.639 --> 00:05:04.019 Did they doubt maybe whether or not they should worship Him? 00:05:04.279 --> 00:05:05.839 Maybe, but probably not. 00:05:06.519 --> 00:05:10.159 Did they have doubts and confusion about this whole thing and what was going on? 00:05:10.459 --> 00:05:10.899 Possibly. 00:05:11.719 --> 00:05:14.759 But Jesus is standing in front of them. 00:05:14.759 --> 00:05:19.800 And one commentator suggested he said maybe they were doubting whether or not they could serve Him. 00:05:20.120 --> 00:05:27.000 Maybe they were doubting because of their past, because of their past experiences, because of their track record. 00:05:27.259 --> 00:05:30.699 Maybe they were just coming doubting and just unsure about this whole thing. 00:05:31.180 --> 00:05:39.060 I want to say right now that because of Jesus, because of who He is, He makes all things new. 00:05:39.060 --> 00:05:41.699 And so it doesn't matter our past. 00:05:41.920 --> 00:05:44.360 It doesn't matter those things that we've been through. 00:05:44.459 --> 00:05:47.560 When we come to faith in Christ, He can use us. 00:05:48.040 --> 00:05:52.699 Now, yes, there are things that our past may prevent us from serving in different capacities, 00:05:53.000 --> 00:05:55.240 may prevent us from being able to have different offices. 00:05:55.600 --> 00:06:02.019 But if we are a follower of Christ, He wants to use us. 00:06:02.360 --> 00:06:04.120 He wants to use us in different ways. 00:06:04.120 --> 00:06:05.879 And so we continue reading here. 00:06:05.980 --> 00:06:06.180 It says, 00:06:06.180 --> 00:06:08.340 And Jesus came and said to them, 00:06:08.939 --> 00:06:12.459 All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 00:06:12.800 --> 00:06:15.740 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, 00:06:16.420 --> 00:06:20.199 baptizing them in the name of the Father and Son and the Holy Spirit, 00:06:20.579 --> 00:06:23.800 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. 00:06:24.139 --> 00:06:28.959 And behold, I am with you always to the end of the age. 00:06:28.959 --> 00:06:32.680 And so this morning, as we look at this section, 00:06:33.319 --> 00:06:37.599 I want to primarily be focusing on the last three verses of this. 00:06:37.879 --> 00:06:45.459 And it's my hope and prayer that as we look at a passage that I guess is pretty familiar to many of us, 00:06:45.519 --> 00:06:48.120 if you've been coming to this church for any length of time, 00:06:48.319 --> 00:06:51.539 this is a passage you've probably heard and referenced. 00:06:51.540 --> 00:06:55.520 But it's probably a passage that is very familiar to us. 00:06:55.580 --> 00:07:02.879 But I want to encourage us to come this morning with fresh eyes to look at what God has for us in store today. 00:07:03.300 --> 00:07:04.720 And so pray with me for just a moment. 00:07:04.840 --> 00:07:06.920 Father, I thank you for your word. 00:07:07.040 --> 00:07:09.140 I thank you for what it teaches us about you. 00:07:09.680 --> 00:07:11.800 Lord, I pray that if we have ears to hear, Lord, 00:07:11.840 --> 00:07:15.240 that you would help us to listen well this morning to your word, 00:07:15.420 --> 00:07:18.460 not just hearing the words, but applying them to our life. 00:07:18.459 --> 00:07:21.839 And so, Lord, give us a heart for you. 00:07:22.239 --> 00:07:24.899 Give us wisdom to follow you and give us courage in the process. 00:07:25.060 --> 00:07:26.299 And so, Lord, we thank you. 00:07:26.620 --> 00:07:28.659 And we ask all these things in Jesus' name. 00:07:29.019 --> 00:07:29.359 Amen. 00:07:30.379 --> 00:07:35.319 In these verses right here, Jesus is passing the torch to his disciples. 00:07:35.740 --> 00:07:37.959 He's getting ready to go back to the Father. 00:07:38.039 --> 00:07:40.479 And he's passing this torch to his disciples. 00:07:40.879 --> 00:07:42.620 He is promising to be with them, 00:07:42.679 --> 00:07:45.699 but letting them know that they have a mission, 00:07:45.699 --> 00:07:47.899 that he's calling them to something, 00:07:48.000 --> 00:07:52.039 a mission that Jesus has called all believers to be a part of. 00:07:52.420 --> 00:07:56.719 And so from this passage that many of us may be familiar with, 00:07:56.979 --> 00:07:59.800 I want us to make a few observations this morning. 00:07:59.959 --> 00:08:04.399 To begin with, what I want us to clearly see is that as disciples go, 00:08:04.860 --> 00:08:07.699 disciples go under authority. 00:08:08.480 --> 00:08:10.439 Disciples go under authority. 00:08:10.439 --> 00:08:15.000 It says, all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 00:08:15.579 --> 00:08:21.240 Jesus can only make this claim if he truly is fully God. 00:08:21.860 --> 00:08:25.540 You see, when tempted, Satan offered Jesus an earthly kingdom, 00:08:25.540 --> 00:08:28.939 but God had so much more in store for him. 00:08:29.600 --> 00:08:32.299 When tempted, there at the beginning of Jesus' ministry, 00:08:32.480 --> 00:08:34.899 Satan offered him, oh, this earthly kingdom, 00:08:34.980 --> 00:08:37.120 but God had so much more in store for him. 00:08:37.120 --> 00:08:42.879 In fact, Daniel 7, 14 tells us what the son of man's kingdom will be like. 00:08:43.340 --> 00:08:45.000 In Daniel 7, 14, we are told, 00:08:45.480 --> 00:08:49.120 and to him will be given dominion and glory and a kingdom 00:08:49.120 --> 00:08:53.700 that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him. 00:08:54.379 --> 00:08:57.519 His dominion is an everlasting dominion, 00:08:58.019 --> 00:09:00.340 which shall not pass away in his kingdom, 00:09:00.539 --> 00:09:03.680 one that shall not be destroyed. 00:09:03.679 --> 00:09:07.399 I think many times this is hard for us to wrap our minds around. 00:09:07.479 --> 00:09:12.120 This is hard for us to comprehend that Jesus' kingdom is so much greater, 00:09:12.259 --> 00:09:16.379 that his authority, that his reign is so much greater than anything. 00:09:16.519 --> 00:09:20.019 But I want you to think about it like this with me for just a moment today. 00:09:20.819 --> 00:09:23.219 Imagine that you had this giant scale, 00:09:23.659 --> 00:09:25.939 and you were to put all of the authority, 00:09:26.379 --> 00:09:28.679 all of the power, all of the prestige 00:09:28.679 --> 00:09:31.000 of everybody that is influential in the world, 00:09:31.239 --> 00:09:33.739 all of that, those kingdoms, all those countries, 00:09:33.899 --> 00:09:35.199 all the present, all of those things, 00:09:35.399 --> 00:09:37.979 you were to put them on one side of the scale, 00:09:38.639 --> 00:09:42.000 and then you put the authority of Christ Jesus 00:09:42.000 --> 00:09:43.479 on the other side of the scale. 00:09:43.679 --> 00:09:45.739 It's not going to be something that, you know, 00:09:45.799 --> 00:09:48.319 slowly starts balancing out 00:09:48.319 --> 00:09:50.399 and just slightly tips in one direction. 00:09:50.759 --> 00:09:52.359 No, this is going to become a catapult. 00:09:52.360 --> 00:09:55.039 And because the authority of Jesus, 00:09:55.320 --> 00:09:57.320 the authority that God gives him, 00:09:57.659 --> 00:10:02.139 is so much greater than anything and everything in this world, 00:10:02.820 --> 00:10:04.340 the authority this world, 00:10:04.379 --> 00:10:06.460 all the authority this world can muster 00:10:06.460 --> 00:10:10.980 pales in comparison to the authority of King Jesus. 00:10:11.680 --> 00:10:14.399 John Piper said it well when he said it like this. 00:10:14.440 --> 00:10:15.159 He said this, 00:10:15.940 --> 00:10:17.879 Here is our witness to the world. 00:10:17.879 --> 00:10:20.659 The risen Christ, your king, 00:10:21.399 --> 00:10:23.720 is your king and has absolute, 00:10:24.220 --> 00:10:26.559 unlimited authority over your life. 00:10:26.980 --> 00:10:29.259 If you do not bow and worship him 00:10:29.259 --> 00:10:30.820 and trust him and obey him, 00:10:31.059 --> 00:10:33.919 you commit high treason against Christ the king, 00:10:34.120 --> 00:10:36.019 who is God over all. 00:10:36.580 --> 00:10:39.539 The resurrection is God's open declaration 00:10:39.539 --> 00:10:42.059 that he lays claim on every person 00:10:42.059 --> 00:10:44.399 and tribe and tongue and nation. 00:10:44.960 --> 00:10:47.779 All authority on earth is mine. 00:10:47.879 --> 00:10:48.399 He says, 00:10:48.879 --> 00:10:50.480 Your sex life is his to rule. 00:10:50.679 --> 00:10:52.240 Your business is his to rule. 00:10:52.320 --> 00:10:53.539 Your career is his to rule. 00:10:53.600 --> 00:10:54.480 Your home is his. 00:10:54.659 --> 00:10:55.740 Your children are his. 00:10:55.820 --> 00:10:56.779 Your vacation is his. 00:10:56.840 --> 00:10:57.659 Your body is his. 00:10:57.960 --> 00:10:59.379 He is God. 00:10:59.939 --> 00:11:00.340 He says, 00:11:00.399 --> 00:11:02.360 So if you resist his claim, 00:11:02.899 --> 00:11:06.299 feel no admiration for his infinite power and authority, 00:11:06.700 --> 00:11:10.120 and turn finally to seek satisfaction from thrills 00:11:10.120 --> 00:11:12.500 that allow you to be your own master, 00:11:12.960 --> 00:11:16.059 then you will be executed for treason in the last day. 00:11:16.059 --> 00:11:21.119 And it will appear so reasonable and so right 00:11:21.119 --> 00:11:23.859 that you should be executed for your disloyalty 00:11:23.859 --> 00:11:25.679 to your maker and redeemer 00:11:25.679 --> 00:11:28.859 that there will be no appeals and no objections. 00:11:28.860 --> 00:11:30.340 It says, 00:11:30.340 --> 00:11:33.980 Your life of indifference to the risen Christ 00:11:33.980 --> 00:11:37.220 and of half-hearted attention now and then 00:11:37.220 --> 00:11:39.060 to a few of his commandments 00:11:39.060 --> 00:11:40.460 will appear on that day 00:11:40.460 --> 00:11:44.580 as supremely blameworthy and infinitely foolish, 00:11:44.740 --> 00:11:48.180 and you will weep that you did not change. 00:11:49.320 --> 00:11:50.300 As you can tell, 00:11:50.399 --> 00:11:52.460 John Piper is not known for beating around the bush. 00:11:52.460 --> 00:11:56.840 But I agree that this is not a light issue 00:11:56.840 --> 00:11:58.480 that we shouldn't take seriously. 00:11:59.019 --> 00:12:01.360 This is something that we should clearly see. 00:12:01.480 --> 00:12:02.560 Jesus is king, 00:12:02.759 --> 00:12:04.300 and if we believe that, 00:12:04.440 --> 00:12:06.180 then we submit our lives to that, 00:12:06.240 --> 00:12:07.519 then we give our lives to that. 00:12:07.560 --> 00:12:10.019 If we truly understand that he is on the throne 00:12:10.019 --> 00:12:10.580 and reigning, 00:12:10.940 --> 00:12:13.200 then our response to that is, 00:12:13.300 --> 00:12:14.639 Lord, here's my life. 00:12:14.960 --> 00:12:16.519 What do you want me to do? 00:12:16.620 --> 00:12:17.480 Where do you want me to go? 00:12:17.680 --> 00:12:19.900 What is it that you have called me to? 00:12:19.899 --> 00:12:24.100 And so after Jesus reminds everyone of his authority, 00:12:24.399 --> 00:12:26.000 after he has their attention, 00:12:26.100 --> 00:12:27.539 he probably already had their attention 00:12:27.539 --> 00:12:29.980 because if you die and then come back from the grave, 00:12:30.079 --> 00:12:31.879 you probably have the attention of anybody 00:12:31.879 --> 00:12:33.000 that you speak to. 00:12:33.399 --> 00:12:35.439 And so he has their attention. 00:12:35.539 --> 00:12:35.819 He says, 00:12:36.179 --> 00:12:37.039 With this authority, 00:12:37.199 --> 00:12:39.659 there's something that I'm calling you to do. 00:12:40.000 --> 00:12:41.299 And so with this authority, 00:12:41.299 --> 00:12:44.439 we clearly see what it is that we're called to do, 00:12:44.500 --> 00:12:47.039 and that is disciples go and make disciples. 00:12:47.039 --> 00:12:50.779 Disciples go and make disciples. 00:12:51.219 --> 00:12:51.819 It says, 00:12:52.039 --> 00:12:54.019 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, 00:12:54.159 --> 00:12:55.719 baptizing them in the name of the Father 00:12:55.719 --> 00:12:57.620 and of the Son and the Holy Spirit, 00:12:57.980 --> 00:13:01.740 teaching to them to observe all that I have commanded you. 00:13:02.579 --> 00:13:04.500 Understanding that as disciples, 00:13:04.839 --> 00:13:06.759 we go under authority. 00:13:07.259 --> 00:13:08.679 Understanding that as disciples, 00:13:08.919 --> 00:13:13.480 we have the authority of King Jesus over us, 00:13:13.480 --> 00:13:16.920 who has the right and responsibility to tell us 00:13:16.920 --> 00:13:18.080 how to live our lives, 00:13:18.379 --> 00:13:20.139 understanding that we are going under authority 00:13:20.139 --> 00:13:22.320 and that he's called us to go and make disciples. 00:13:22.800 --> 00:13:24.680 I love what Craig Bloomberg notes here. 00:13:24.700 --> 00:13:25.019 He says, 00:13:25.379 --> 00:13:28.180 Jesus has the right to issue his followers 00:13:28.180 --> 00:13:29.860 their marching orders, 00:13:30.379 --> 00:13:32.740 but he also has the ability to help them 00:13:32.740 --> 00:13:36.340 carry those orders on the basis of his divine authority. 00:13:36.759 --> 00:13:39.460 This passage of scripture has been the fuel, 00:13:39.820 --> 00:13:40.759 has been the motivation, 00:13:40.759 --> 00:13:43.939 it's been the inspiration for so many missionaries 00:13:43.939 --> 00:13:45.240 going to the nations, 00:13:45.360 --> 00:13:46.679 and it should be. 00:13:47.139 --> 00:13:49.939 This should be an inspirational thing for us 00:13:49.939 --> 00:13:51.879 to see the fact that we should go to the nations. 00:13:52.019 --> 00:13:55.120 However, we must not miss the emphasis 00:13:55.120 --> 00:13:58.860 this verse is playing on what we should be doing. 00:13:59.319 --> 00:14:01.580 We must not miss the emphasis this verse is placing 00:14:01.580 --> 00:14:05.340 on the what it is that we should be doing. 00:14:05.980 --> 00:14:07.539 When you look at this verse in English, 00:14:07.539 --> 00:14:10.360 it is easy to miss where the emphasis is placed. 00:14:10.360 --> 00:14:12.000 However, in the Greek, 00:14:12.100 --> 00:14:13.940 the commandment has one verb here, 00:14:14.039 --> 00:14:16.000 one action that we are called to do 00:14:16.000 --> 00:14:18.800 that Jesus with all of his authority 00:14:18.800 --> 00:14:20.039 is calling us to do, 00:14:20.379 --> 00:14:23.159 and that is to make disciples. 00:14:24.080 --> 00:14:26.379 Now, this main command of make disciples 00:14:26.379 --> 00:14:29.580 is surrounded by several complimentary participles 00:14:29.580 --> 00:14:31.300 that are translated as go. 00:14:31.480 --> 00:14:34.220 Some translations try to capture the essence of it 00:14:34.220 --> 00:14:37.039 and say, as you go to do this, 00:14:37.039 --> 00:14:40.259 then, of course, you see baptizing and teaching, 00:14:40.419 --> 00:14:42.120 and so from those participles, 00:14:42.219 --> 00:14:45.079 we are better able to see how this command 00:14:45.079 --> 00:14:47.219 to make disciples plays out, 00:14:47.639 --> 00:14:51.459 and so we are to make disciples of all nations. 00:14:51.779 --> 00:14:53.259 The object of this verb, 00:14:53.360 --> 00:14:55.799 to make disciples, is all nations. 00:14:55.899 --> 00:14:58.599 We're to make disciples of all nations. 00:14:59.159 --> 00:15:00.179 Now, when you came in today, 00:15:00.219 --> 00:15:00.860 you didn't know you were gonna get 00:15:00.860 --> 00:15:01.959 an English lesson, did you? 00:15:02.459 --> 00:15:03.579 And you probably didn't guess 00:15:03.580 --> 00:15:05.400 that I would be the one to give that lesson, 00:15:05.400 --> 00:15:07.980 but when you look at this passage here, 00:15:08.120 --> 00:15:10.300 what you clearly see is that Jesus 00:15:10.300 --> 00:15:12.860 is focused on us making disciples 00:15:12.860 --> 00:15:14.160 of all the nations. 00:15:14.759 --> 00:15:17.580 Now, this plays out in the way that we teach, 00:15:17.680 --> 00:15:18.660 the way that we baptize, 00:15:18.720 --> 00:15:21.220 the way that we do these things by going, 00:15:21.320 --> 00:15:23.220 and so while we don't have time 00:15:23.220 --> 00:15:26.020 to fully discuss baptizing and teaching 00:15:26.020 --> 00:15:27.100 and what all that entails, 00:15:27.200 --> 00:15:28.360 I do want us to consider 00:15:28.360 --> 00:15:30.700 what it means to go for just a moment. 00:15:31.180 --> 00:15:32.900 After all, we're in the final week 00:15:32.899 --> 00:15:34.279 of our discipleship pathway, 00:15:34.639 --> 00:15:38.000 focusing on the fact that all disciples go. 00:15:39.279 --> 00:15:42.120 Here we see the need for the gospel presence 00:15:42.120 --> 00:15:43.259 in all nations. 00:15:43.799 --> 00:15:45.419 In Luke's account of the great commission 00:15:45.419 --> 00:15:47.240 that we talked about in length last week, 00:15:47.379 --> 00:15:49.720 we talked about the fact that as we go, 00:15:50.100 --> 00:15:52.439 that God has called us to go to Jerusalem, 00:15:52.659 --> 00:15:53.699 to all Judea and Samaria, 00:15:53.759 --> 00:15:54.639 and to the ends of the earth, 00:15:55.039 --> 00:15:57.259 reminding us that not only are we called 00:15:57.259 --> 00:15:59.659 to go locally where we are, 00:15:59.720 --> 00:16:01.319 but we're to take that gospel message 00:16:01.320 --> 00:16:03.760 to people who may not want to hear it, 00:16:03.780 --> 00:16:05.200 who may not like us, 00:16:05.240 --> 00:16:08.080 and may not want to be able to hear this message, 00:16:08.080 --> 00:16:10.080 and not only that, to our surrounding area, 00:16:10.160 --> 00:16:13.140 to places where we may not like them as much, 00:16:13.500 --> 00:16:15.640 but we're called to take this gospel message to them, 00:16:15.780 --> 00:16:17.360 and also to the end of the earth, 00:16:17.420 --> 00:16:20.320 to places that we've never even heard of before. 00:16:20.320 --> 00:16:24.540 We are to go to these places and make disciples. 00:16:24.539 --> 00:16:30.299 William Carey, the founder of the modern missionary movement, 00:16:30.539 --> 00:16:31.740 who famously said, 00:16:32.039 --> 00:16:33.299 attempt great things for God, 00:16:33.379 --> 00:16:34.839 expect great things from God. 00:16:35.240 --> 00:16:36.599 As you can imagine, 00:16:36.719 --> 00:16:39.679 he had a lot to say about this passage of scripture. 00:16:40.480 --> 00:16:44.459 And in a journal entry on March 29th, 1794, 00:16:45.539 --> 00:16:46.799 Carey wrote these words. 00:16:47.000 --> 00:16:47.360 He says, 00:16:47.360 --> 00:16:51.279 Oh, what is there in all the world worth living for, 00:16:51.399 --> 00:16:54.019 but the presence and service of God? 00:16:54.440 --> 00:16:54.820 He said, 00:16:54.899 --> 00:16:59.779 I feel a burning desire that all the world may know this God 00:16:59.779 --> 00:17:01.419 and serve Him. 00:17:02.340 --> 00:17:04.920 This is why we go and make disciples. 00:17:05.480 --> 00:17:07.079 Love how James Montgomery Boyce, 00:17:07.079 --> 00:17:09.480 a pastor who died in around 2000, 00:17:09.920 --> 00:17:13.140 he said this concerning this great commission. 00:17:13.240 --> 00:17:13.900 He says this, 00:17:13.900 --> 00:17:17.680 this is the greatest work any person can ever have. 00:17:17.800 --> 00:17:18.700 And he said this, 00:17:18.740 --> 00:17:19.060 he says, 00:17:19.160 --> 00:17:21.380 and it is for all Christians. 00:17:22.000 --> 00:17:24.160 This is a tremendous message. 00:17:24.320 --> 00:17:27.820 How can we not tell it boldly to those who are perishing 00:17:27.820 --> 00:17:29.920 apart from Jesus Christ? 00:17:30.500 --> 00:17:33.280 I think we often understand that we are all called 00:17:33.280 --> 00:17:34.759 to be a part of the great commission. 00:17:35.180 --> 00:17:37.900 I think this is something that nobody would really argue with us, 00:17:37.940 --> 00:17:40.080 that we are called to share our gospel, 00:17:40.180 --> 00:17:42.780 this gospel message with the lost and dying world 00:17:42.779 --> 00:17:44.619 to those that need to hear 00:17:44.619 --> 00:17:47.740 that salvation lies only with Christ. 00:17:48.480 --> 00:17:50.259 But I think many times, 00:17:50.259 --> 00:17:52.879 our willingness to obey this 00:17:52.879 --> 00:17:55.339 is in direct connection to our comfort level 00:17:55.339 --> 00:17:58.940 and what we feel like we are capable of. 00:17:59.339 --> 00:18:01.319 I feel there's a direct connection there 00:18:01.319 --> 00:18:04.139 with understanding this 00:18:04.139 --> 00:18:08.099 in light of living an easy life at times, 00:18:08.099 --> 00:18:09.879 so long as it's convenient 00:18:09.879 --> 00:18:12.240 and does not require much of us. 00:18:12.240 --> 00:18:13.839 But if we are serious 00:18:13.839 --> 00:18:15.740 about fulfilling the great commission 00:18:15.740 --> 00:18:18.339 and not only sharing the gospel, 00:18:18.500 --> 00:18:19.899 but sometimes doing the harder work 00:18:19.899 --> 00:18:20.759 and honestly, 00:18:20.859 --> 00:18:22.000 always doing the harder work 00:18:22.000 --> 00:18:23.579 of making disciples, 00:18:23.579 --> 00:18:25.319 then we've got to be committed 00:18:25.319 --> 00:18:27.899 to thinking and training ourselves 00:18:27.899 --> 00:18:29.779 to take this gospel message. 00:18:30.459 --> 00:18:32.839 And this means that we are serious. 00:18:32.839 --> 00:18:35.659 If we're serious about knowing people 00:18:35.659 --> 00:18:38.399 and the ways to best communicate the gospel to them, 00:18:38.500 --> 00:18:40.559 we've got to take this seriously. 00:18:40.559 --> 00:18:41.919 If we care about people 00:18:41.919 --> 00:18:44.139 and getting the gospel to them, 00:18:44.259 --> 00:18:47.039 then we will put in the time and effort 00:18:47.039 --> 00:18:49.079 and make those sacrifices 00:18:49.079 --> 00:18:51.779 to do this most effectively. 00:18:51.779 --> 00:18:55.200 I shared a story with our men's group 00:18:55.200 --> 00:18:56.759 on Wednesday night a few weeks ago, 00:18:56.759 --> 00:18:59.599 but I think it really fits this well. 00:19:00.119 --> 00:19:01.480 I think it gets to the heart 00:19:01.480 --> 00:19:02.920 of what we're trying to communicate here 00:19:02.920 --> 00:19:04.859 that we should have a heart 00:19:04.859 --> 00:19:07.559 to reach the lost and dying around us 00:19:07.559 --> 00:19:09.740 and to think strategically about it, 00:19:09.799 --> 00:19:11.220 to plan for it, 00:19:11.220 --> 00:19:13.099 to do what God has called us to do. 00:19:13.379 --> 00:19:14.740 And I got to thinking about it 00:19:14.740 --> 00:19:16.039 in a relationship with something 00:19:16.039 --> 00:19:18.399 that many of you may be familiar with. 00:19:18.859 --> 00:19:20.879 Some of you may remember years ago, 00:19:20.880 --> 00:19:23.720 when our middle daughter, Ressie, was born. 00:19:24.440 --> 00:19:26.080 And you remember that she spent 00:19:26.080 --> 00:19:29.440 the first month of her life in the NICU 00:19:29.440 --> 00:19:32.220 before she was released from there. 00:19:32.640 --> 00:19:34.840 And so before we could take her home, 00:19:34.920 --> 00:19:35.920 there was a few things 00:19:35.920 --> 00:19:38.220 that she had to pass and complete. 00:19:38.580 --> 00:19:40.800 And one of those things was a hearing test. 00:19:41.660 --> 00:19:45.400 And so a few times before we left, 00:19:45.520 --> 00:19:47.160 they tested Ressie's hearing 00:19:47.160 --> 00:19:49.740 because she kept failing this hearing test. 00:19:49.740 --> 00:19:52.039 And they told us it's probably nothing. 00:19:52.200 --> 00:19:54.299 This happens a lot of times with NICU babies. 00:19:54.579 --> 00:19:56.079 A lot of things could be going on. 00:19:56.120 --> 00:19:57.339 There's a lot of things going on here. 00:19:57.620 --> 00:20:00.359 Just follow up with it in about a month from now. 00:20:01.019 --> 00:20:03.180 And I'm sure that everything will be okay. 00:20:03.460 --> 00:20:06.480 So we left not thinking very much about that. 00:20:06.940 --> 00:20:08.140 And then about a month later, 00:20:08.140 --> 00:20:09.500 we followed up with it 00:20:09.500 --> 00:20:10.960 and we took her to another place. 00:20:11.140 --> 00:20:13.599 And this time during this hearing test, 00:20:13.700 --> 00:20:16.900 they realized there might be something else to this. 00:20:16.900 --> 00:20:18.480 Not only did she fail it, 00:20:18.519 --> 00:20:20.960 but it was also pointing towards something 00:20:20.960 --> 00:20:22.080 that we had never heard of, 00:20:22.160 --> 00:20:23.660 which was auditory neuropathy. 00:20:24.280 --> 00:20:25.940 And so we didn't know very much about it, 00:20:26.000 --> 00:20:28.720 but we could tell from the reaction 00:20:28.720 --> 00:20:29.920 of those who were doing the test 00:20:29.920 --> 00:20:32.860 that this was probably not the best case scenario 00:20:32.860 --> 00:20:34.019 in this situation. 00:20:34.680 --> 00:20:36.320 And so shortly after that, 00:20:36.880 --> 00:20:39.580 we had someone from the state come by the house 00:20:39.580 --> 00:20:41.720 to share with us some different options that we had. 00:20:41.720 --> 00:20:44.579 And I will never forget the lady told us 00:20:44.579 --> 00:20:45.400 when she came there 00:20:45.400 --> 00:20:48.279 that that Ressie can't really hear anything 00:20:48.279 --> 00:20:49.620 based on the results 00:20:49.620 --> 00:20:51.240 that she really can't hear anything. 00:20:51.400 --> 00:20:52.559 And so this was the first time 00:20:52.559 --> 00:20:53.600 that it kind of floored us. 00:20:53.720 --> 00:20:55.200 And she, and so I'll never forget, 00:20:55.279 --> 00:20:57.220 she also told us that because of that, 00:20:57.240 --> 00:20:58.839 you probably don't even need to be worried 00:20:58.839 --> 00:21:00.640 about being quiet when she's napping 00:21:00.640 --> 00:21:01.559 and all of those things, 00:21:01.559 --> 00:21:02.700 which looking back, 00:21:02.740 --> 00:21:04.740 we missed out on some good naps because of that. 00:21:05.160 --> 00:21:07.299 But, but I remember her telling us 00:21:07.299 --> 00:21:08.900 that she probably can't hear anything. 00:21:08.900 --> 00:21:12.040 And I'll never forget the response 00:21:12.040 --> 00:21:13.640 from one me and Catherine, 00:21:13.720 --> 00:21:15.100 but also our family. 00:21:16.620 --> 00:21:19.120 All of a sudden we started getting books 00:21:19.120 --> 00:21:20.200 on sign language. 00:21:20.800 --> 00:21:22.940 All of a sudden we started figuring out 00:21:22.940 --> 00:21:24.340 different options going forward 00:21:24.340 --> 00:21:27.120 because while we didn't know exactly 00:21:27.120 --> 00:21:28.680 what the future held, 00:21:29.100 --> 00:21:31.420 we didn't know exactly what it was going to look like. 00:21:31.620 --> 00:21:34.680 We knew that there wasn't going to be anything 00:21:34.680 --> 00:21:37.900 that kept us from communicating with our little girl. 00:21:37.900 --> 00:21:40.519 We knew there wasn't going to be anything 00:21:40.519 --> 00:21:42.540 that stood in the way from us being able 00:21:42.540 --> 00:21:44.100 to effectively communicate with her, 00:21:44.200 --> 00:21:45.940 to let her know how much we loved her, 00:21:46.000 --> 00:21:48.740 to let her know that we were going to be there for her. 00:21:49.640 --> 00:21:52.560 And this has got to be our heart 00:21:52.560 --> 00:21:53.960 for the nations as well. 00:21:54.680 --> 00:21:56.700 This has got to be our heart 00:21:56.700 --> 00:21:59.440 for the lost and dying in our community. 00:22:00.700 --> 00:22:03.420 It's not just something that we go through the motions 00:22:03.420 --> 00:22:05.640 to say, hey, let's be a part of the great commission. 00:22:05.640 --> 00:22:07.900 Let's be a part of sharing the gospel. 00:22:08.360 --> 00:22:11.320 This is something we've got to be intentional with. 00:22:11.720 --> 00:22:13.520 It's going to take hard work. 00:22:13.600 --> 00:22:14.960 It's going to take sacrifice. 00:22:15.160 --> 00:22:17.360 It's going to take all sorts of things, 00:22:17.680 --> 00:22:19.640 but we've got to be committed 00:22:19.640 --> 00:22:21.640 to getting the gospel message 00:22:21.640 --> 00:22:24.780 to those that need to hear about it. 00:22:24.779 --> 00:22:29.000 One pastor that I listened to years ago 00:22:29.000 --> 00:22:31.680 put it very bluntly in a sermon when he said this. 00:22:32.240 --> 00:22:34.160 He said, if you are not learning 00:22:34.160 --> 00:22:37.019 to express the gospel to people around you 00:22:37.019 --> 00:22:38.539 in ways that are effective, 00:22:38.839 --> 00:22:42.319 one, either one, you don't believe that it's true, 00:22:42.579 --> 00:22:45.759 or two, you don't really care about those people at all. 00:22:45.759 --> 00:22:51.859 If you are not learning to express the gospel 00:22:51.859 --> 00:22:54.900 to people around you in ways that are effective, 00:22:55.900 --> 00:22:58.720 you either one, don't believe it's true, 00:22:59.039 --> 00:23:01.720 or two, don't really care about those people at all. 00:23:02.279 --> 00:23:04.279 And I realize this is a bold statement, 00:23:05.339 --> 00:23:07.000 but it may it be our prayer 00:23:07.000 --> 00:23:09.279 that we are willing to do whatever it takes 00:23:09.279 --> 00:23:10.900 to not only share the gospel, 00:23:10.900 --> 00:23:15.460 but pour into and invest in the lives of those around us. 00:23:16.280 --> 00:23:17.980 May we be intentional with this. 00:23:19.180 --> 00:23:21.200 May we be focused on this. 00:23:22.180 --> 00:23:24.340 The marching orders have been given, 00:23:24.759 --> 00:23:26.920 and those marching orders are great. 00:23:27.300 --> 00:23:28.500 It's called the Great Commission 00:23:28.500 --> 00:23:30.420 because it is a great message we get to share, 00:23:30.620 --> 00:23:32.440 but it's also a challenging mission 00:23:32.440 --> 00:23:34.360 that God has given to us. 00:23:35.380 --> 00:23:38.620 But what this message also reminds us of, 00:23:38.620 --> 00:23:40.600 what Jesus tells us very clearly 00:23:40.599 --> 00:23:42.359 as He closes this out, 00:23:42.919 --> 00:23:45.519 is that not only do disciples go under authority, 00:23:45.659 --> 00:23:48.579 not only do disciples go and make other disciples, 00:23:49.139 --> 00:23:51.079 disciples also go with a promise. 00:23:52.159 --> 00:23:53.599 Disciples go with a promise. 00:23:54.119 --> 00:23:54.439 It says, 00:23:54.579 --> 00:23:59.299 And behold, I am with you always to the end of the age. 00:24:00.319 --> 00:24:02.419 The great promise is that Jesus 00:24:02.419 --> 00:24:04.919 is going to be with us in this journey. 00:24:05.480 --> 00:24:07.799 The one who has all authority, 00:24:07.799 --> 00:24:09.959 who spoke the world into existence, 00:24:09.960 --> 00:24:12.259 think about that with me for just a moment. 00:24:12.380 --> 00:24:15.440 The one who spoke and formed everything that we know about 00:24:15.440 --> 00:24:18.299 from the largest star to the smallest Adam, 00:24:18.539 --> 00:24:22.000 He spoke it into existence out of nothing. 00:24:22.279 --> 00:24:24.180 The one who never takes time off. 00:24:24.240 --> 00:24:27.380 The one who loves you and me with an unmatched love. 00:24:27.380 --> 00:24:30.400 The one who freely left the glory of heaven, 00:24:30.520 --> 00:24:32.880 came and lived the life that we couldn't live, 00:24:33.260 --> 00:24:35.200 died the death that we deserve, 00:24:35.900 --> 00:24:38.040 went to the grave, conquered the grave, 00:24:38.380 --> 00:24:40.660 rose from the grave so that we can have new life. 00:24:40.900 --> 00:24:42.260 This is the one that says, 00:24:42.600 --> 00:24:44.600 And behold, I am with you always. 00:24:44.980 --> 00:24:46.960 No matter what I'm calling you to, 00:24:47.040 --> 00:24:49.120 no matter where you are going to go, 00:24:49.280 --> 00:24:50.640 I am with you. 00:24:50.700 --> 00:24:53.360 And that carries significant weight. 00:24:53.359 --> 00:24:56.299 This is the one who is going with us. 00:24:56.439 --> 00:24:59.319 And I think this is probably one of the most overlooked aspects 00:24:59.319 --> 00:25:00.379 of the Great Commission. 00:25:00.679 --> 00:25:03.339 It's an impossible task to do on our own. 00:25:03.839 --> 00:25:08.099 This is an impossible thing that God has called us to do on our own. 00:25:09.159 --> 00:25:10.879 But God said, Jesus said, 00:25:10.959 --> 00:25:15.259 And behold, I am with you always to the end of the age. 00:25:16.039 --> 00:25:18.579 Not to a certain point, but to the end. 00:25:18.579 --> 00:25:20.500 I am with you. 00:25:21.159 --> 00:25:22.019 I've heard it. 00:25:22.119 --> 00:25:23.519 You've heard it said many times. 00:25:23.659 --> 00:25:24.919 God doesn't call the equipped. 00:25:25.019 --> 00:25:26.220 He equips the called. 00:25:26.460 --> 00:25:29.279 Church, this is a mission he has called us all to. 00:25:29.699 --> 00:25:32.740 And when we step out in obedience to that call, 00:25:32.859 --> 00:25:37.879 we take great comfort in knowing that he is with us to help us 00:25:37.879 --> 00:25:40.339 and with what he has called us to do. 00:25:40.879 --> 00:25:43.099 There are things that we must pray about 00:25:43.099 --> 00:25:45.079 and details that must be considered. 00:25:45.079 --> 00:25:49.159 But there is no doubt that God's plan for the church 00:25:49.159 --> 00:25:52.460 is to live out the Great Commission. 00:25:54.000 --> 00:25:56.319 J.D. Greer, once again, in regards to the Great Commission, 00:25:56.439 --> 00:26:01.039 he said, I don't understand the way that looks at life and says, 00:26:01.159 --> 00:26:05.359 I'm just not that concerned with what is going on around the world. 00:26:05.839 --> 00:26:08.240 He says, I don't understand the posture that says, 00:26:08.319 --> 00:26:11.720 God, I am asking you what your will is. 00:26:12.659 --> 00:26:14.299 You see, we know what his will is. 00:26:14.299 --> 00:26:17.639 We know a lot of what God's desire is, 00:26:17.700 --> 00:26:19.799 and that is for us to live out the Great Commission. 00:26:19.879 --> 00:26:20.940 He goes on to give the example. 00:26:21.059 --> 00:26:22.819 He says, imagine it like this. 00:26:23.440 --> 00:26:25.919 Imagine you come across a railroad track, 00:26:26.039 --> 00:26:28.180 and there's a little girl, a crippled little girl, 00:26:28.220 --> 00:26:31.619 who's laying on the tracks, and you hear a train coming. 00:26:32.299 --> 00:26:35.319 He says, you don't in that moment stop and kneel down and pray, 00:26:35.419 --> 00:26:36.440 Lord, what's your will? 00:26:36.940 --> 00:26:38.779 Do you want me to help this girl or not? 00:26:39.059 --> 00:26:40.039 Lord, show me your will. 00:26:40.099 --> 00:26:40.740 You don't do that. 00:26:40.740 --> 00:26:41.740 You know his will. 00:26:41.740 --> 00:26:44.980 You pick up the child and remove her from the situation. 00:26:45.160 --> 00:26:46.900 You know what his plan is. 00:26:47.299 --> 00:26:49.259 You know what his desire is. 00:26:49.819 --> 00:26:52.819 Church, we know what God's desire is for us. 00:26:53.140 --> 00:26:57.079 His desire is for us to be a part of the Great Commission. 00:26:58.039 --> 00:27:01.279 The question is not whether or not you are called to the mission. 00:27:01.279 --> 00:27:06.000 The question is only where and how you are called to the mission. 00:27:06.619 --> 00:27:10.819 And so how do we, as a church, live out the Great Commission? 00:27:11.440 --> 00:27:13.700 How do we do this in our lives? 00:27:14.740 --> 00:27:17.299 Certainly, it's not that when we think of the church, 00:27:17.379 --> 00:27:20.000 it's not this building and thinking about picking it up 00:27:20.000 --> 00:27:21.319 and taking it to different places 00:27:21.319 --> 00:27:24.000 so that people can see the gospel, so they can hear it. 00:27:24.639 --> 00:27:26.980 Because the church is not this building. 00:27:27.099 --> 00:27:28.099 The church is you. 00:27:28.099 --> 00:27:34.759 And so when we ask, how do we, as a church, live out the Great Commission? 00:27:35.219 --> 00:27:36.659 The answer is pretty simple. 00:27:37.639 --> 00:27:40.359 You and I live out the Great Commission. 00:27:41.139 --> 00:27:43.480 And as you and I live out the Great Commission, 00:27:43.819 --> 00:27:46.719 the church lives out the Great Commission. 00:27:47.240 --> 00:27:50.419 And so I want to give you a very practical way to start this as we close. 00:27:51.159 --> 00:27:54.639 Now, this is not intended to be a checkbox that you check off and say, 00:27:54.640 --> 00:27:57.360 well, now I've completed the Great Commission, I'm done. 00:27:57.540 --> 00:27:58.980 But rather a starting point. 00:27:59.060 --> 00:28:03.640 Because again, just like a car, it's so much easier to steer when it's moving. 00:28:03.840 --> 00:28:05.780 When we are doing what God has called us to do, 00:28:05.900 --> 00:28:09.680 He starts revealing all kinds of things to us about what He has called us to do. 00:28:10.200 --> 00:28:14.820 But I want you to think right now of one person in your life 00:28:14.820 --> 00:28:20.500 that is either not involved in church or you know is not a believer. 00:28:20.500 --> 00:28:26.279 Think of one person in your life right now that you know is not involved in church, 00:28:26.400 --> 00:28:30.039 that you know is not a believer, and come up with a name in your mind right now. 00:28:30.980 --> 00:28:33.220 And if a name doesn't come to mind, if you say, 00:28:33.319 --> 00:28:35.599 well, Brett, I don't have anybody like that in my life. 00:28:35.680 --> 00:28:38.039 All of my friends go to church. 00:28:38.140 --> 00:28:40.420 All of my friends are strong believers, are growing. 00:28:40.700 --> 00:28:42.759 I don't have anybody like that. 00:28:43.079 --> 00:28:45.420 Then let me tell you, make some new friends. 00:28:45.420 --> 00:28:50.820 Because if your path that you are on right now 00:28:50.820 --> 00:28:56.200 doesn't take you alongside people who are far from God, 00:28:56.440 --> 00:28:58.940 who don't have the hope that we have, 00:28:59.000 --> 00:29:00.539 then maybe we need to change some lanes. 00:29:02.100 --> 00:29:05.620 Yes, we want to have those people in our life that will encourage us. 00:29:05.820 --> 00:29:07.840 We want to have those strong believers in our life 00:29:07.840 --> 00:29:10.720 that will be there to disciple us, 00:29:10.779 --> 00:29:12.660 that will be there to invest in us. 00:29:12.660 --> 00:29:16.720 But God calls us to reach the lost and dying, 00:29:17.100 --> 00:29:19.480 whether it's across the street or across the world. 00:29:20.000 --> 00:29:22.000 And so I want you to think about somebody. 00:29:22.560 --> 00:29:26.259 Have somebody in mind that you can pray for. 00:29:26.980 --> 00:29:29.160 But then I want you to take it another step. 00:29:30.040 --> 00:29:31.700 And I want you to invite that person. 00:29:32.519 --> 00:29:33.440 Invite them to your home. 00:29:34.060 --> 00:29:35.240 Invite them out to lunch. 00:29:36.220 --> 00:29:37.620 Invite them to a Bible study. 00:29:37.779 --> 00:29:38.640 Invite them to church. 00:29:38.940 --> 00:29:40.180 Whatever the case may be, 00:29:40.180 --> 00:29:42.240 be there for them. 00:29:42.819 --> 00:29:43.799 Pray for them. 00:29:44.180 --> 00:29:45.380 Invest in their life. 00:29:45.579 --> 00:29:48.420 Share the good news of Jesus with them. 00:29:48.720 --> 00:29:53.420 And can you imagine the difference this would make in our community 00:29:53.420 --> 00:29:56.980 if every single person committed to that today? 00:29:57.500 --> 00:30:03.319 Can you imagine if we all obeyed what God has called us all to do? 00:30:04.180 --> 00:30:06.700 Can you imagine the difference that it would make 00:30:06.700 --> 00:30:11.400 if we all obeyed what it is that God has called all of us to do? 00:30:11.400 --> 00:30:12.800 And so would you pray with me? 00:30:12.860 --> 00:30:14.220 Father, I thank you so much. 00:30:15.600 --> 00:30:17.320 I thank you so much for Jesus. 00:30:17.660 --> 00:30:22.640 Lord, I thank you for the hope that we have that only he can provide. 00:30:23.480 --> 00:30:27.700 Lord, I thank you that there were those in my life who shared this good news, 00:30:27.880 --> 00:30:30.820 who shared this hope that only you can save. 00:30:31.220 --> 00:30:32.759 Lord, I thank you for those people. 00:30:32.759 --> 00:30:37.339 And Lord, I pray that you give us the boldness to be those people to somebody else. 00:30:38.019 --> 00:30:42.920 Lord, help us to share the gospel with the lost and dying that are around us. 00:30:43.259 --> 00:30:46.720 Father, burden our hearts for the lost in our community today. 00:30:46.720 --> 00:30:54.319 Lord, burden our hearts for the lost around the world to those who have never heard the gospel. 00:30:54.700 --> 00:30:59.079 Lord, we thank you for the partnerships that you have already given us, 00:30:59.120 --> 00:31:02.180 that we can invest in, that we can pour into, 00:31:02.400 --> 00:31:05.759 of those who are taking this gospel message to the nations, 00:31:05.920 --> 00:31:08.079 to those that we can come alongside with. 00:31:08.220 --> 00:31:12.500 Lord, but also I pray that we see this is something that we don't outsource. 00:31:12.500 --> 00:31:18.539 Lord, I pray that we see this is something that we don't let somebody else take care of, 00:31:18.559 --> 00:31:22.539 but we understand that this call to reach the nations, 00:31:22.779 --> 00:31:26.019 this call to reach the lost and dying in this community, 00:31:26.259 --> 00:31:28.279 in this state, in this nation around the world, 00:31:28.440 --> 00:31:31.180 is a call that you've placed on all of our lives. 00:31:31.900 --> 00:31:36.319 And so, Lord, I pray that as we think about the fact 00:31:36.319 --> 00:31:38.680 that all disciples go, 00:31:38.680 --> 00:31:42.799 that all disciples are to be about the Great Commission, 00:31:43.759 --> 00:31:46.759 Lord, that you would give us a heart and a desire 00:31:46.759 --> 00:31:48.920 where you've placed us, 00:31:49.240 --> 00:31:50.640 what you've called us to do, 00:31:50.880 --> 00:31:52.920 to go and make disciples. 00:31:53.900 --> 00:31:56.500 And Lord, we ask all this in Jesus' precious name. 00:31:56.860 --> 00:31:57.180 Amen. 00:31:57.900 --> 00:31:59.360 I'm going to invite you to stand. 00:31:59.460 --> 00:32:01.840 We're going to sing a song of invitation this morning. 00:32:02.220 --> 00:32:04.779 And I want to encourage you to stand and sing, 00:32:04.779 --> 00:32:10.200 stand and pray, stand and respond as God leads, guides, and directs.