Built to Go

Matthew 28:19–20 NKJV

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Built to Go

INTRODUCTION — WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOU HAVE BEEN BUILT?

FOR THE LAST SEVEN WEEKS, GOD HAS BEEN BUILDING US.

NOT BUILDING BRICK AND MORTAR.

NOT BUILDING PROGRAMS AND COMMITTEES.

NOT BUILDING TITLES AND POSITIONS.

GOD HAS BEEN BUILDING DISCIPLES.

WE STARTED THIS JOURNEY BY LEARNING THAT JESUS HAS CALLED US TO BE MORE THAN BELIEVERS.

BECAUSE IT IS POSSIBLE TO BELIEVE THAT JESUS EXISTS AND STILL NEVER TRULY FOLLOW HIM.

WE LEARNED THAT CONNECTED PEOPLE GROW.

BECAUSE NO BRANCH CAN BECOME FRUITFUL WHILE DISCONNECTED FROM THE VINE.

WE LEARNED THAT GOD IS CALLING US FROM SITTING TO SERVING.

BECAUSE EVERYBODY IN THE BODY OF CHRIST HAS BEEN GIVEN SOMETHING TO CONTRIBUTE.

WE LEARNED HOW TO LOVE LIKE JESUS.

BECAUSE THE WORLD WILL KNOW THAT WE BELONG TO HIM BY THE WAY WE LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

WE LEARNED HOW TO GROW THROUGH PRESSURE.

BECAUSE TRIALS DO NOT ALWAYS COME TO DESTROY US.

SOMETIMES PRESSURE COMES TO DEVELOP US.

AND LAST WEEK, WE LEARNED THAT GENUINE FAITH IS FAITH THAT MOVES.

BECAUSE FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD.

BUT NOW WE HAVE ARRIVED AT THE FINAL WEEK OF THIS SERIES.

AND THERE IS ONE FINAL QUESTION WE MUST ANSWER.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER WE HAVE BEEN BUILT?

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER WE HAVE BEEN TAUGHT?

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER WE HAVE BEEN STRENGTHENED?

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER WE HAVE DISCOVERED OUR GIFTS?

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER OUR FAITH BEGINS TO MOVE?

WHAT ARE WE SUPPOSED TO DO WITH EVERYTHING GOD HAS PLACED INSIDE OF US?

JESUS ANSWERS THAT QUESTION IN MATTHEW 28.

JESUS HAS BEEN CRUCIFIED.

HE HAS BEEN BURIED.

HE HAS RISEN FROM THE GRAVE.

HE HAS CONQUERED DEATH, HELL, AND THE GRAVE.

AND BEFORE HE ASCENDS BACK TO HIS FATHER, HE GATHERS HIS DISCIPLES ON A MOUNTAIN.

THESE ARE HIS FINAL INSTRUCTIONS.

THESE ARE HIS MARCHING ORDERS.

THESE ARE THE WORDS HE WANTS RINGING IN THEIR EARS AFTER HE IS GONE.

JESUS DOES NOT TELL THEM TO BECOME COMFORTABLE.

HE DOES NOT TELL THEM TO REMAIN ON THE MOUNTAIN.

HE DOES NOT TELL THEM TO BUILD A MONUMENT TO THE EXPERIENCE.

JESUS TELLS THEM,

“GO.”

CHURCH, WE HAVE NOT BEEN BUILT JUST TO OCCUPY A PEW.

WE HAVE NOT BEEN BUILT JUST TO ATTEND WORSHIP.

WE HAVE NOT BEEN BUILT JUST TO RECEIVE ANOTHER SERMON.

WE HAVE NOT BEEN BUILT JUST TO SHOUT WHEN THE MUSIC SOUNDS GOOD.

WE HAVE NOT BEEN BUILT JUST TO ENJOY THE BLESSINGS OF GOD FOR OURSELVES.

WE HAVE BEEN BUILT TO GO.

(PAUSE)

THE CHURCH GATHERS SO THAT THE CHURCH CAN BE STRENGTHENED.

BUT AFTER WE HAVE GATHERED, WE MUST SCATTER.

WE COME INTO THE SANCTUARY TO WORSHIP.

BUT WE LEAVE THE SANCTUARY TO WITNESS.

WE COME IN TO BE FILLED.

BUT WE GO OUT TO POUR.

WE COME IN TO BE ENCOURAGED.

BUT WE GO OUT TO ENCOURAGE SOMEBODY ELSE.

WE COME IN TO BE REMINDED OF THE GOSPEL.

BUT WE GO OUT TO CARRY THE GOSPEL.

BECAUSE THE CHURCH WAS NEVER INTENDED TO BECOME A SPIRITUAL HIDING PLACE.

THE CHURCH IS SUPPOSED TO BE A LAUNCHING PLACE.

FRIENDSHIP, GOD HAS BEEN BUILDING US.

AND WHEN GOD BUILDS SOMETHING, HE BUILDS IT WITH PURPOSE.

WE HAVE BEEN BUILT TO FOLLOW JESUS.

AND NOW WE ARE BUILT TO GO.

POINT I — GO WHERE JESUS SENDS YOU

MATTHEW 28:19 BEGINS WITH THESE WORDS:

“GO YE THEREFORE…”

THE FIRST WORD OF THE GREAT COMMISSION IS A WORD OF MOVEMENT.

GO.

JESUS DOES NOT BEGIN WITH A SUGGESTION.

HE BEGINS WITH A COMMAND.

HE DOES NOT SAY, “CONSIDER GOING.”

HE DOES NOT SAY, “GO WHEN YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE.”

HE DOES NOT SAY, “GO WHEN YOU HAVE MASTERED THE ENTIRE BIBLE.”

HE DOES NOT SAY, “GO WHEN YOU HAVE NO MORE FEAR.”

HE SIMPLY SAYS,

“GO.”

THROUGHOUT SCRIPTURE,

WHENEVER GOD PREPARES TO DO SOMETHING SIGNIFICANT,

HE CALLS SOMEBODY TO MOVE.

GOD TOLD ABRAHAM TO GO FROM HIS COUNTRY TO A LAND THAT HE WOULD SHOW HIM.

GOD TOLD MOSES TO GO BACK TO EGYPT AND TELL PHARAOH TO LET HIS PEOPLE GO.

GOD ASKED ISAIAH, “WHOM SHALL I SEND, AND WHO WILL GO FOR US?”

AND ISAIAH ANSWERED, “HERE AM I; SEND ME.”

JESUS TOLD HIS DISCIPLES TO GO INTO ALL THE WORLD.

YOU SEE……..GOD HAS NEVER INTENDED FOR HIS PEOPLE TO BECOME SPIRITUALLY STATIONARY.

WE CANNOT FOLLOW A MOVING SAVIOR WHILE INSISTING ON STANDING STILL.

JESUS WAS ALWAYS GOING SOMEWHERE.

HE WENT INTO VILLAGES.

HE WENT INTO HOMES.

HE WENT INTO SYNAGOGUES.

HE WENT THROUGH SAMARIA.

HE WENT WHERE THE SICK WERE.

HE WENT WHERE THE BROKEN WERE.

HE WENT WHERE THE FORGOTTEN WERE.

HE WENT WHERE RELIGIOUS PEOPLE SAID HE SHOULD NOT GO.

JESUS DID NOT WAIT FOR EVERYBODY TO FIND HIM.

JESUS WENT LOOKING FOR THEM.

HE WENT LOOKING FOR THE BLIND MAN.

HE WENT LOOKING FOR THE WOMAN AT THE WELL.

HE WENT LOOKING FOR ZACCHAEUS.

HE WENT LOOKING FOR THE MAN AMONG THE TOMBS.

AND ONE DAY……THANK GOD…… HE CAME LOOKING FOR US.

THAT OUGHT TO MAKE YOU WANT TO SHOUT

SOMEBODY OUGHT TO BE GLAD THAT JESUS DID NOT WAIT FOR YOU TO FIND YOUR WAY TO HIM.

HE CAME INTO YOUR CONFUSION.

HE CAME INTO YOUR BROKENNESS.

HE CAME INTO YOUR MESS.

HE CAME INTO YOUR MIDNIGHT.

HE CAME INTO YOUR STRUGGLE.

HE CAME TO WHERE YOU WERE

AND BROUGHT YOU TO WHERE HE WANTED YOU TO BE.

AND NOW THE SAME JESUS WHO CAME FOR US

SENDS US TO GO FOR SOMEBODY ELSE.

SOMETIMES WE THINK MINISTRY ONLY HAPPENS INSIDE THE CHURCH BUILDING.

WE THINK WITNESSING REQUIRES A MICROPHONE.

WE THINK EVANGELISM ONLY HAPPENS DURING REVIVAL.

WE THINK ONLY PREACHERS, DEACONS, MISSIONARIES, AND MINISTRY LEADERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR REACHING PEOPLE.

BUT JESUS DID NOT GIVE THE GREAT COMMISSION ONLY TO CLERGY.

HE GAVE IT TO DISCIPLES.

SO I’M HERE TO TELL YA…….IF YOU BELONG TO JESUS, YOU HAVE BEEN SENT BY JESUS.

YOUR MISSION FIELD MAY NOT BE IN ANOTHER COUNTRY.

YOUR MISSION FIELD MAY BE YOUR FAMILY.

YOUR MISSION FIELD MAY BE YOUR WORKPLACE.

YOUR MISSION FIELD MAY BE YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

YOUR MISSION FIELD MAY BE YOUR SCHOOL.

YOUR MISSION FIELD MAY BE THE GROCERY STORE.

YOUR MISSION FIELD MAY BE THE HOSPITAL WAITING ROOM.

YOUR MISSION FIELD MAY BE THE PERSON WHO SITS NEXT TO YOU EVERY WEEK AND HAS NEVER TOLD ANYBODY WHAT THEY ARE GOING THROUGH.

THERE ARE PEOPLE AROUND US EVERY DAY WHO ARE SMILING ON THE OUTSIDE AND SUFFERING ON THE INSIDE.

THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO LOOK STRONG BUT ARE ONE DISAPPOINTMENT AWAY FROM GIVING UP.

THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN WOUNDED BY CHURCH.

THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT GOD.

THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO WOULD NEVER WALK INTO THIS SANCTUARY UNTIL SOMEBODY FIRST WALKS INTO THEIR LIFE.

AND I BELIEVE…..THAT GOD HAS STRATEGICALLY PLACED YOU WHERE SOMEBODY NEEDS TO SEE JESUS THROUGH YOU.

YOU MAY BE THE ONLY SERMON SOME PEOPLE WILL EVER HEAR.

YOU MAY BE THE ONLY BIBLE SOME PEOPLE WILL EVER READ.

THEY MAY NEVER REMEMBER WHAT YOU QUOTED.

BUT THEY WILL REMEMBER HOW YOU TREATED THEM.

THEY WILL REMEMBER WHETHER YOU LISTENED.

THEY WILL REMEMBER WHETHER YOU SHOWED COMPASSION.

THEY WILL REMEMBER WHETHER YOUR LIFE MATCHED THE FAITH YOU TALKED ABOUT.

CHURCH, GOD HAS GIVEN US GRACE.

GOD HAS GIVEN US GIFTS.

GOD HAS GIVEN US TESTIMONY.

GOD HAS GIVEN US INFLUENCE.

AND WHILE WE MAY DO MANY GOOD THINGS, WE MUST NEVER FORGET OUR CENTRAL PURPOSE.

WE HAVE BEEN CALLED TO KEEP THE LIGHT OF JESUS SHINING IN A DARK WORLD.

WE HAVE NOT BEEN SAVED TO HIDE OUR LIGHT.

WE HAVE BEEN SAVED TO LET IT SHINE.

TRANSITION

BUT GOING BY ITSELF IS NOT ENOUGH.

YOU CAN MOVE AND STILL MISS YOUR MISSION.

YOU CAN BE BUSY AND STILL BE UNPRODUCTIVE.

YOU CAN HAVE A FULL CALENDAR AND AN EMPTY PURPOSE.

YOU CAN ATTEND EVERY MEETING AND STILL NEVER TOUCH A LIFE.

MOVEMENT WITHOUT DIRECTION IS ONLY ACTIVITY.

SO JESUS DOES NOT MERELY TELL US TO GO.

HE TELLS US WHAT WE ARE SUPPOSED TO DO WHEN WE GET THERE.

POINT II — BUILD PEOPLE, NOT JUST ATTENDANCE

JESUS SAYS,

“GO YE THEREFORE, AND TEACH ALL NATIONS…”

THE COMMAND IS TO MAKE DISCIPLES.

JESUS DOES NOT SAY, “BUILD AN AUDIENCE.”

HE DOES NOT SAY, “COLLECT SPECTATORS.”

HE DOES NOT SAY, “GATHER CONSUMERS.”

HE DOES NOT EVEN SAY, “MAKE PEOPLE RELIGIOUS.”

HE SAYS,

“MAKE DISCIPLES.”

A DISCIPLE IS MORE THAN SOMEBODY WHO COMES TO CHURCH.

A DISCIPLE IS SOMEBODY WHO IS COMMITTED TO BECOMING LIKE JESUS.

A DISCIPLE LEARNS TO THINK LIKE JESUS.

LOVE LIKE JESUS.

FORGIVE LIKE JESUS.

SERVE LIKE JESUS.

SACRIFICE LIKE JESUS.

OBEY LIKE JESUS.

A DISCIPLE DOES NOT SIMPLY ADMIRE JESUS.

A DISCIPLE FOLLOWS JESUS.

THERE IS A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BEING IN THE CROWD AND BEING A DISCIPLE.

THE CROWDS LIKED THE MIRACLES.

THE CROWDS LIKED THE BREAD.

THE CROWDS LIKED THE HEALINGS.

THE CROWDS SHOUTED WHEN JESUS ENTERED JERUSALEM.

BUT WHEN THE ROAD BECAME DIFFICULT, MANY IN THE CROWD DISAPPEARED.

DISCIPLES REMAIN WHEN THE CROWD WALKS AWAY.

DISCIPLES FOLLOW WHEN FOLLOWING COSTS SOMETHING.

DISCIPLES OBEY WHEN OBEDIENCE IS UNCOMFORTABLE.

DISCIPLES STAY COMMITTED WHEN THEY DO NOT UNDERSTAND EVERYTHING GOD IS DOING.

THE GOAL OF THE CHURCH IS NOT MERELY TO FILL SEATS.

THE GOAL IS TO FORM DISCIPLES.

ATTENDANCE MATTERS.

MEMBERSHIP MATTERS.

BIBLE STUDY MATTERS.

WORSHIP MATTERS.

BUT NONE OF THOSE THINGS ARE THE FINAL DESTINATION.

THEY ARE TOOLS GOD USES TO TRANSFORM US.

YOU SEE…..

SOMEONE CAN ATTEND CHURCH AND NEVER SURRENDER.

SOMEONE CAN CARRY A BIBLE AND NEVER OBEY IT.

SOMEONE CAN SING EVERY HYMN AND STILL REFUSE TO FORGIVE.

SOMEONE CAN HOLD A POSITION AND STILL HAVE AN UNCHANGED HEART.

SOMEONE CAN KNOW CHURCH LANGUAGE AND STILL NOT KNOW CHRIST INTIMATELY.

JESUS IS NOT IMPRESSED BY HOW RELIGIOUS WE APPEAR.

JESUS IS LOOKING FOR TRANSFORMED LIVES.

HE IS LOOKING FOR PEOPLE WHO CAN SAY,

“LORD, TEACH ME.”

“LORD, CORRECT ME.”

“LORD, CHANGE ME.”

“LORD, USE ME.”

“LORD, SEND ME.”

THERE IS AN ILLUSTRATION ABOUT A MAN WHO VISITED AN ORCHARD.

HE NOTICED THAT ONE TREE WAS COVERED WITH APPLES WHILE ANOTHER TREE HAD BEAUTIFUL LEAVES BUT NO FRUIT.

THE FRUITLESS TREE LOOKED HEALTHY FROM A DISTANCE.

ITS BRANCHES WERE FULL.

ITS LEAVES WERE GREEN.

IT PROVIDED SHADE.

BUT WHEN THE OWNER INSPECTED IT CLOSELY, THERE WAS NO FRUIT.

THE APPEARANCE WAS THERE.

BUT THE EVIDENCE WAS MISSING.

CHURCH, DISCIPLESHIP IS NOT MEASURED ONLY BY HOW WE LOOK ON SUNDAY.

DISCIPLESHIP IS MEASURED BY THE FRUIT OUR LIVES PRODUCE.

JESUS SAID WE WOULD KNOW THE TREE BY ITS FRUIT.

THE FRUIT OF LOVE.

THE FRUIT OF PATIENCE.

THE FRUIT OF KINDNESS.

THE FRUIT OF FAITHFULNESS.

THE FRUIT OF SELF-CONTROL.

THE FRUIT OF COMPASSION.

THE FRUIT OF OBEDIENCE.

A HEALTHY TREE DOES NOT PRODUCE FRUIT FOR ITSELF.

THE TREE NEVER EATS ITS OWN APPLES.

ITS FRUIT IS FOR SOMEBODY ELSE.

AND INSIDE EVERY PIECE OF FRUIT IS SEED WITH THE POTENTIAL TO PRODUCE ANOTHER TREE.

THAT IS WHAT DISCIPLESHIP LOOKS LIKE.

GOD GROWS FRUIT IN US SO THAT SOMEBODY ELSE CAN BE FED THROUGH US.

AND GOD PLACES SEED IN US SO THAT ANOTHER DISCIPLE CAN GROW BECAUSE OF US.

WHEN GOD COMFORTS YOU, YOU OUGHT TO COMFORT SOMEBODY ELSE.

WHEN GOD TEACHES YOU, YOU OUGHT TO TEACH SOMEBODY ELSE.

WHEN GOD RESTORES YOU, YOU OUGHT TO HELP RESTORE SOMEBODY ELSE.

WHEN GOD BRINGS YOU THROUGH SOMETHING, YOU OUGHT TO TURN AROUND AND HELP SOMEBODY WHO IS STILL IN IT.

YOUR TESTIMONY WAS NEVER MEANT TO STOP WITH YOU.

YOUR DELIVERANCE WAS NEVER MEANT TO STOP WITH YOU.

YOUR WISDOM WAS NEVER MEANT TO STOP WITH YOU.

YOUR EXPERIENCE WAS NEVER MEANT TO STOP WITH YOU.

GOD DID NOT BRING YOU OUT JUST SO YOU COULD CELEBRATE BEING OUT.

HE BROUGHT YOU OUT SO YOU COULD REACH BACK AND TELL SOMEBODY ELSE, “THERE IS A WAY OUT.”

DISCIPLES REPRODUCE DISCIPLES.

SOMEBODY PRAYED FOR YOU.

SOMEBODY TAUGHT YOU.

SOMEBODY ENCOURAGED YOU.

SOMEBODY INVITED YOU.

SOMEBODY CORRECTED YOU.

SOMEBODY SHOWED YOU WHAT FAITH LOOKED LIKE.

AND NOW IT IS YOUR TURN TO BE THAT SOMEBODY FOR SOMEBODY ELSE.

TRANSITION

BUT DISCIPLES ARE NOT MADE IN ONE EMOTIONAL MOMENT.

DISCIPLESHIP REQUIRES MORE THAN A HANDSHAKE AFTER SERVICE.

IT REQUIRES MORE THAN FILLING OUT A MEMBERSHIP FORM.

IT REQUIRES MORE THAN COMING DOWN THE AISLE.

COMING TO CHRIST IS THE BEGINNING OF THE JOURNEY.

IT IS NOT THE END.

BECAUSE JESUS DOES NOT SIMPLY TELL US TO MAKE DISCIPLES.

HE TELLS US HOW DISCIPLES ARE FORMED.

POINT III — TEACH THEM TO LIVE THE WORD

JESUS SAYS IN VERSE 20,

“TEACHING THEM TO OBSERVE ALL THINGS WHATSOEVER I HAVE COMMANDED YOU…”

NOTICE THAT JESUS DOES NOT SIMPLY SAY, “TEACH THEM WHAT I SAID.”

HE SAYS, “TEACH THEM TO OBSERVE WHAT I COMMANDED.”

IN OTHER WORDS,

TEACH THEM TO LIVE IT.

THERE IS A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN KNOWING THE WORD AND LIVING THE WORD.

INFORMATION CAN CHANGE YOUR MIND.

BUT APPLICATION CHANGES YOUR LIFE.

YOU CAN KNOW THAT THE BIBLE SAYS, “FORGIVE,” AND STILL HOLD A GRUDGE FOR TWENTY YEARS.

YOU CAN KNOW THAT THE BIBLE SAYS, “LOVE YOUR ENEMIES,” AND STILL REFUSE TO SPEAK TO SOMEBODY SITTING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE SANCTUARY.

YOU CAN KNOW THAT THE BIBLE SAYS, “WALK BY FAITH,” AND STILL ALLOW FEAR TO MAKE EVERY DECISION.

YOU CAN KNOW THAT THE BIBLE SAYS, “SERVE ONE ANOTHER,” AND STILL WAIT FOR EVERYBODY ELSE TO DO THE WORK.

JESUS IS NOT LOOKING FOR PEOPLE WHO MERELY KNOW SCRIPTURE.

HE IS FORMING PEOPLE WHOSE LIVES LOOK LIKE SCRIPTURE.

JAMES TELLS US TO BE DOERS OF THE WORD AND NOT HEARERS ONLY.

BECAUSE THE WORD HAS NOT FINISHED WORKING WHEN IT REACHES YOUR EARS.

THE WORD HAS NOT FINISHED WORKING WHEN IT REACHES YOUR NOTES.

THE WORD HAS NOT FINISHED WORKING WHEN IT REACHES YOUR MEMORY.

THE WORD HAS FINISHED WORKING WHEN IT BEGINS TO SHOW UP IN YOUR LIFE.

IT MUST MOVE FROM YOUR HEAD TO YOUR HEART.

FROM YOUR HEART TO YOUR HANDS.

FROM YOUR HANDS INTO YOUR HABITS.

LET ME SEE IF I CAN MAKE THIS PLAIN……

A DOCTOR MAY PRESCRIBE MEDICINE THAT CAN HELP A PATIENT.

THE PATIENT CAN READ THE LABEL.

MEMORIZE THE INSTRUCTIONS.

STUDY THE INGREDIENTS.

LEARN HOW THE MEDICINE WORKS.

TELL EVERYBODY ELSE ABOUT THE MEDICINE.

BUT IF THE PATIENT NEVER TAKES WHAT WAS PRESCRIBED, THE MEDICINE CANNOT ACCOMPLISH ITS PURPOSE.

IN THE SAME WAY, THE BIBLE WAS NOT ONLY GIVEN TO BE STUDIED.

IT WAS GIVEN TO BE APPLIED.

IT DOES US NO GOOD TO CELEBRATE THE PRESCRIPTION

WHILE REFUSING TO TAKE THE MEDICINE.

IF WE STUDIED LOVE, WE OUGHT TO LOVE DIFFERENTLY.

IF WE STUDIED SERVING, WE OUGHT TO SERVE DIFFERENTLY.

IF WE STUDIED PRESSURE, WE OUGHT TO ENDURE DIFFERENTLY.

IF WE STUDIED FAITH, WE OUGHT TO MOVE DIFFERENTLY.

IF WE STUDIED FORGIVENESS, WE OUGHT TO RELEASE SOME THINGS DIFFERENTLY.

CHURCH IS NOT SUCCESSFUL SIMPLY BECAUSE WE HAD A GOOD SERVICE.

CHURCH IS SUCCESSFUL WHEN WHAT HAPPENED IN THE SERVICE

CHANGES WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE SERVICE.

THE SERMON IS NOT SUCCESSFUL ONLY BECAUSE SOMEBODY SHOUTED.

THE SERMON IS SUCCESSFUL WHEN SOMEBODY GOES HOME AND FORGIVES.

BIBLE STUDY IS NOT SUCCESSFUL SIMPLY BECAUSE WE COMPLETED THE LESSON.

BIBLE STUDY IS SUCCESSFUL WHEN THE LESSON RESHAPES OUR LIVING.

WORSHIP IS NOT SUCCESSFUL SIMPLY BECAUSE THE MUSIC MOVED US.

WORSHIP IS SUCCESSFUL WHEN THE GOD WE WORSHIP MOVES THROUGH US.

TRANSITION

BUT WHEN WE HEAR THIS ASSIGNMENT, IT CAN FEEL OVERWHELMING.

GO INTO THE WORLD.

MAKE DISCIPLES.

TEACH PEOPLE TO OBEY EVERYTHING JESUS COMMANDED.

THAT IS A BIG RESPONSIBILITY FOR ORDINARY PEOPLE.

THE DISCIPLES MUST HAVE WONDERED,

“HOW CAN WE DO THIS WITHOUT JESUS PHYSICALLY WALKING BESIDE US?”

“HOW CAN ELEVEN MEN REACH NATIONS?”

“HOW CAN PEOPLE WHO HAVE STRUGGLED WITH DOUBT CARRY A MESSAGE THIS GREAT?”

JESUS KNOWS THE ASSIGNMENT IS BIGGER THAN THEY ARE.

SO HE ENDS THE COMMISSION WITH A PROMISE GREATER THAN THE ASSIGNMENT.

POINT IV — GO WITH CONFIDENCE BECAUSE JESUS GOES WITH YOU

JESUS SAYS,

“AND, LO, I AM WITH YOU ALWAY, EVEN UNTO THE END OF THE WORLD.”

WHAT A PROMISE.

JESUS DOES NOT PROMISE THAT THE WORK WILL ALWAYS BE EASY.

HE DOES NOT PROMISE THAT EVERYONE WILL ACCEPT THE MESSAGE.

HE DOES NOT PROMISE THAT NOBODY WILL CRITICIZE YOU.

HE DOES NOT PROMISE THAT YOU WILL NEVER FEEL TIRED.

HE DOES NOT PROMISE THAT YOU WILL ALWAYS KNOW EXACTLY WHAT TO SAY.

BUT HE PROMISES,

“I AM WITH YOU.”

WHEN YOU FEEL INADEQUATE,

HE IS WITH YOU.

WHEN YOUR FAMILY WILL NOT LISTEN,

HE IS WITH YOU.

WHEN SOMEBODY REJECTS YOUR INVITATION,

HE IS WITH YOU.

WHEN MINISTRY BECOMES DIFFICULT,

HE IS WITH YOU.

WHEN YOU FEEL LIKE YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE TRYING,

HE IS WITH YOU.

WHEN YOU DO NOT KNOW

WHAT THE NEXT STEP IS,

HE IS WITH YOU.

THE ONE WHO SENDS YOU IS THE ONE WHO STAYS WITH YOU.

JESUS DOES NOT STAND AT A DISTANCE AND SHOUT INSTRUCTIONS.

HE WALKS WITH US INTO THE ASSIGNMENT.

THAT IS WHY ISAIAH COULD SAY,

“HERE AM I; SEND ME.”

ISAIAH HAD ALREADY RECOGNIZED HIS WEAKNESS.

HE HAD ALREADY CONFESSED, “I AM A MAN OF UNCLEAN LIPS.”

BUT AFTER GOD CLEANSED HIM, ISAIAH MADE HIMSELF AVAILABLE.

HE DID NOT SAY, “SEND SOMEBODY MORE QUALIFIED.”

HE DID NOT SAY, “SEND SOMEBODY YOUNGER.”

HE DID NOT SAY, “SEND SOMEBODY WITH MORE EXPERIENCE.”

HE SAID,

“HERE AM I.”

YOU SEE……

ISAIAH WAS NOT CONFIDENT IN ISAIAH.

ISAIAH WAS CONFIDENT IN THE GOD WHO WAS SENDING HIM.

AND THAT IS WHERE OUR CONFIDENCE MUST COME FROM.

WE ARE NOT QUALIFIED BECAUSE WE KNOW EVERYTHING.

WE ARE QUALIFIED BECAUSE WE KNOW THE ONE WHO DOES.

WE ARE NOT STRONG ENOUGH BY OURSELVES.

BUT HIS STRENGTH IS MADE PERFECT IN OUR WEAKNESS.

WE DO NOT GO IN OUR OWN AUTHORITY.

WE GO IN THE AUTHORITY OF JESUS.

WE DO NOT GO IN OUR OWN POWER.

WE GO IN THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

WE DO NOT GO CARRYING OUR OWN MESSAGE.

WE GO CARRYING THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST.

AND THE GOSPEL STILL HAS POWER.

IT STILL SAVES.

IT STILL HEALS BROKEN HEARTS.

IT STILL RESTORES FAMILIES.

IT STILL GIVES HOPE TO THE HOPELESS.

IT STILL REACHES PEOPLE RELIGION HAS REJECTED.

IT STILL BREAKS CHAINS.

IT STILL CHANGES LIVES.

THE SAME GOSPEL THAT REACHED JERUSALEM CAN REACH DETROIT.

THE SAME GOSPEL THAT REACHED THE DISCIPLES CAN REACH OUR CHILDREN.

THE SAME GOSPEL THAT REACHED OUR ANCESTORS CAN REACH THIS GENERATION.

THE SAME JESUS WHO SAVED US IS STILL ABLE TO SAVE SOMEBODY ELSE.

WE JUST HAVE TO BE WILLING TO GO.

CLOSING CELEBRATION — WE ARE BUILT TO GO

FRIENDSHIP, CAN I CLOSE THIS SERIES BY REMINDING YOU WHAT GOD HAS BEEN BUILDING IN US?

FOR SEVEN WEEKS, THE MASTER BUILDER HAS BEEN WORKING ON US.

HE HAS BEEN SHAPING US.

STRETCHING US.

CORRECTING US.

STRENGTHENING US.

AND NOW IT IS TIME TO USE WHAT HE HAS BUILT.

BECAUSE I LEARNED THAT I AM MORE THAN A BELIEVER,

I AM BUILT TO GO!

BECAUSE I AM CONNECTED TO THE TRUE VINE,

I AM BUILT TO GO!

BECAUSE GOD MOVED ME FROM SITTING TO SERVING,

I AM BUILT TO GO!

BECAUSE I AM LEARNING TO LOVE LIKE JESUS,

I AM BUILT TO GO!

BECAUSE GOD TAUGHT ME HOW TO GROW THROUGH PRESSURE,

I AM BUILT TO GO!

BECAUSE MY FAITH IS NO LONGER STANDING STILL,

I AM BUILT TO GO!

AND BECAUSE JESUS PROMISED THAT HE WOULD ALWAYS BE WITH ME,

I AM BUILT TO GO!

I AM BUILT TO GO INTO MY HOME AND LIVE THE GOSPEL.

I AM BUILT TO GO INTO MY NEIGHBORHOOD AND SHOW COMPASSION.

I AM BUILT TO GO INTO MY WORKPLACE AND CARRY INTEGRITY.

I AM BUILT TO GO INTO THE COMMUNITY AND SERVE THE FORGOTTEN.

I AM BUILT TO GO TO THE HURTING AND CARRY HOPE.

I AM BUILT TO GO TO THE LOST AND TELL THEM JESUS SAVES.

I AM BUILT TO GO!

BUT BEFORE JESUS TOLD US TO GO,

HE SHOWED US HOW FAR LOVE WAS WILLING TO GO.

HE WENT FROM GLORY TO A MANGER.

HE WENT FROM A MANGER TO THE DUSTY ROADS OF GALILEE.

HE WENT FROM GALILEE TO JERUSALEM.

HE WENT FROM JERUSALEM TO A JUDGMENT HALL.

HE WENT FROM THE JUDGMENT HALL TO A WHIPPING POST.

HE WENT FROM THE WHIPPING POST TO CALVARY.

HE CARRIED AN OLD RUGGED CROSS UP GOLGOTHA’S HILL.

THEY PUT NAILS IN HIS HANDS.

THEY PUT NAILS IN HIS FEET.

THEY PIERCED HIM IN HIS SIDE.

THEY LIFTED HIM BETWEEN EARTH AND HEAVEN.

HE HUNG HIS HEAD AND DIED.

HE DIED UNTIL THE SUN REFUSED TO SHINE.

HE DIED UNTIL THE EARTH BEGAN TO SHAKE.

HE DIED UNTIL THE VEIL IN THE TEMPLE WAS TORN.

HE DIED UNTIL THE CENTURION DECLARED,

“SURELY THIS WAS THE SON OF GOD.”

THEY TOOK HIM DOWN FROM THE CROSS.

THEY PLACED HIM IN A BORROWED TOMB.

FRIDAY NIGHT, HE WAS IN THE GRAVE.

SATURDAY MORNING, HE WAS STILL IN THE GRAVE.

SATURDAY NIGHT, HE WAS STILL IN THE GRAVE.

BUT EARLY SUNDAY MORNING,

BEFORE THE SUN FINISHED CLIMBING INTO THE SKY,

BEFORE THE BIRDS BEGAN SINGING THEIR MORNING SONGS,

BEFORE THE WOMEN REACHED THE TOMB,

JESUS GOT UP!

HE GOT UP WITH ALL POWER IN HIS HANDS!

POWER TO SAVE.

POWER TO HEAL.

POWER TO DELIVER.

POWER TO RESTORE.

POWER TO REDEEM.

POWER TO MAKE ALL THINGS NEW.

AND AFTER HE GOT UP,

HE LOOKED AT HIS DISCIPLES.

HE LOOKED DOWN THROUGH EVERY GENERATION.

HE LOOKED THROUGH HISTORY.

HE LOOKED ALL THE WAY TO FRIENDSHIP BAPTIST CHURCH.

AND HE SAID,

“NOW YOU GO!”

GO TELL THE BROKEN THAT THERE IS HEALING.

GO TELL THE CAPTIVE THAT THERE IS FREEDOM.

GO TELL THE SINNER THAT THERE IS GRACE.

GO TELL THE WEARY THAT THERE IS STRENGTH.

GO TELL THE GRIEVING THAT THERE IS COMFORT.

GO TELL THE LONELY THAT THERE IS A FRIEND.

GO TELL THE DYING THAT THERE IS ETERNAL LIFE.

GO LOVE SOMEBODY.

GO FORGIVE SOMEBODY.

GO SERVE SOMEBODY.

GO ENCOURAGE SOMEBODY.

GO REACH SOMEBODY.

GO TEACH SOMEBODY.

GO TELL SOMEBODY THAT JESUS SAVES!

JESUS SAVES……

JESUS SAVES…...

SAY YEAH……

SAY YEAH…….

CHURCH, WE HAVE BEEN BUILT TO FOLLOW JESUS.

AND NOW,

WE ARE BUILT TO GO!

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ALTAR CALL

THERE MAY BE SOMEONE HERE TODAY WHO REALIZES THAT BEFORE YOU CAN GO FOR JESUS, YOU MUST FIRST COME TO JESUS.

PERHAPS YOU HAVE ATTENDED CHURCH.

PERHAPS YOU HAVE HEARD SERMONS.

PERHAPS YOU KNOW RELIGIOUS LANGUAGE.

BUT YOU HAVE NEVER TRULY SURRENDERED YOUR LIFE TO JESUS CHRIST.

TODAY, JESUS IS CALLING YOU.

HE WENT TO THE CROSS FOR YOU.

HE ROSE FROM THE GRAVE FOR YOU.

AND HE IS OFFERING YOU FORGIVENESS, SALVATION, AND A BRAND-NEW LIFE.

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO CLEAN YOURSELF UP BEFORE YOU COME.

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO FIX EVERYTHING BEFORE YOU COME.

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO UNDERSTAND EVERYTHING BEFORE YOU COME.

COME JUST AS YOU ARE.

PERHAPS YOU ONCE WALKED CLOSELY WITH GOD, BUT SOMEWHERE ALONG THE WAY YOU DRIFTED.

TODAY, THE LORD IS CALLING YOU HOME.

PERHAPS YOU ARE SAVED, BUT YOU NEED A CHURCH FAMILY WHERE YOU CAN GROW, SERVE, AND BECOME THE DISCIPLE GOD HAS CALLED YOU TO BE.

THE DOORS OF FRIENDSHIP BAPTIST CHURCH ARE OPEN.

WE ARE NOT A PERFECT CHURCH.

BUT WE SERVE A PERFECT SAVIOR.

AND WE ARE COMMITTED TO GROWING TOGETHER, SERVING TOGETHER, AND FOLLOWING JESUS TOGETHER.

IF GOD IS SPEAKING TO YOUR HEART, DO NOT ALLOW FEAR TO HOLD YOU IN YOUR SEAT.

STEP OUT IN FAITH.

COME TODAY.

THE DOORS OF THE CHURCH ARE OPEN.

TRANSITION FROM ALTAR CALL TO PRAYER

CHURCH FAMILY, AS WE REMAIN IN THIS SACRED MOMENT, I WANT US NOW TO PREPARE OUR HEARTS TO PRAY.

WHETHER SOMEONE HAS RESPONDED PUBLICLY OR IS MAKING A DECISION PRIVATELY IN THEIR HEART, WE ARE GOING TO ASK GOD TO SEAL HIS WORD, STRENGTHEN EVERY DISCIPLE, AND GIVE US THE COURAGE TO GO WHEREVER HE SENDS US.

LET US BOW TOGETHER NOW AS WE GO TO GOD IN PRAYER.

PASTORAL PRAYER

GRACIOUS AND ETERNAL GOD, OUR FATHER,

WE COME BEFORE YOU TODAY WITH GRATEFUL HEARTS.

THANK YOU FOR LOVING US ENOUGH TO SAVE US.

THANK YOU FOR LOVING US ENOUGH TO CHANGE US.

THANK YOU FOR LOVING US ENOUGH TO CALL US INTO YOUR SERVICE.

THANK YOU FOR EVERY LESSON YOU HAVE TAUGHT US THROUGHOUT THIS SERIES.

THANK YOU FOR REMINDING US THAT WE ARE MORE THAN BELIEVERS.

THANK YOU FOR KEEPING US CONNECTED TO THE VINE.

THANK YOU FOR MOVING US FROM SITTING TO SERVING.

THANK YOU FOR TEACHING US TO LOVE LIKE JESUS.

THANK YOU FOR HELPING US GROW THROUGH PRESSURE.

THANK YOU FOR GIVING US FAITH THAT MOVES.

AND THANK YOU FOR REMINDING US TODAY THAT WE HAVE BEEN BUILT TO GO.

FORGIVE US, LORD, FOR THE TIMES WE BECAME TOO COMFORTABLE.

FORGIVE US FOR THE TIMES WE KEPT THE GOOD NEWS TO OURSELVES.

FORGIVE US FOR THE OPPORTUNITIES WE MISSED BECAUSE WE WERE AFRAID.

FORGIVE US FOR EXPECTING PEOPLE TO COME TO US WHEN YOU COMMANDED US TO GO TO THEM.

GIVE US EYES TO SEE THE PEOPLE YOU HAVE PLACED IN OUR PATH.

GIVE US EARS TO HEAR THE PAIN BEHIND THEIR WORDS.

GIVE US HEARTS THAT ARE FILLED WITH COMPASSION.

GIVE US WISDOM TO KNOW WHAT TO SAY.

GIVE US COURAGE TO SPEAK WHEN THE DOOR IS OPEN.

GIVE US PATIENCE TO WALK WITH PEOPLE AS THEY GROW.

GIVE US HUMILITY TO REMEMBER THAT WE ARE ONLY SERVANTS.

FILL US AFRESH WITH THE POWER OF YOUR HOLY SPIRIT.

LET OUR HOMES BECOME MISSION FIELDS.

LET OUR WORKPLACES BECOME MISSION FIELDS.

LET OUR NEIGHBORHOODS BECOME MISSION FIELDS.

LET OUR CHURCH BECOME A PLACE WHERE DISCIPLES ARE FORMED, GIFTS ARE DEVELOPED, WOUNDS ARE HEALED, AND PEOPLE ARE SENT INTO THE WORLD CARRYING THE LOVE OF JESUS.

BLESS EVERY PERSON WHO IS MAKING A DECISION TODAY.

SAVE THOSE WHO DO NOT KNOW YOU.

RESTORE THOSE WHO HAVE WANDERED.

STRENGTHEN THOSE WHO ARE WEAK.

COMFORT THOSE WHO ARE GRIEVING.

HEAL THOSE WHO ARE SICK.

ENCOURAGE THOSE WHO FEEL FORGOTTEN.

PROVIDE FOR THOSE WHO ARE IN NEED.

STAND WITH THOSE WHO ARE FACING DIFFICULT DECISIONS.

AND REMIND EVERY ONE OF US THAT WE NEVER GO ALONE.

YOUR PRESENCE GOES BEFORE US.

YOUR SPIRIT LIVES WITHIN US.

YOUR GRACE SUSTAINS US.

YOUR POWER KEEPS US.

SEND US INTO THIS WORLD AS LIGHTS IN DARKNESS.

SEND US WITH LOVE IN OUR HEARTS.

SEND US WITH TRUTH ON OUR LIPS.

SEND US WITH COMPASSION IN OUR HANDS.

SEND US WITH THE GOSPEL IN OUR LIVES.

AND WHEN YOU ASK,

“WHOM SHALL I SEND, AND WHO WILL GO FOR US?”

GIVE US THE COURAGE TO ANSWER,

“HERE AM I, LORD. SEND ME.”

WE ASK THESE BLESSINGS IN THE STRONG, SAVING, RESURRECTED, AND MATCHLESS NAME OF JESUS CHRIST.

AND ALL OF GOD’S PEOPLE SAID,

AMEN.