Introduction

“The church lies at the very center of the eternal purpose of God. It is not a divine afterthought. It is not an accident of history. On the contrary, the church is God’s new community. For His purpose, conceived in a past eternity, being worked out in history, and to be perfected in a future eternity, is not just to save isolated individuals and so perpetuate our loneliness but rather to build His church, that is to call out of the world a people for His own glory.” Sinclair Ferguson

BUILD Yourself and BUILD Others 

1. Our Confidence (v.18,20b)

v.18 – “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” 

“The mission Jesus is about to give is based exclusively and entirely on his authority. There can only be a mission imperative because there is first this glorious indicative. God does not send out his church to conquer. He sends us out in the name of the One who has already conquered. We go only because he reigns.” Kevin DeYoung 

v.20b – “And behold I am with you always, to the end of the age.” 

He is always with us! He is with us in our going, in our proclaiming and in our making. The mission/task God has given us is not done in vain! He is with us! 

1. Our Call (v.19a)

“God never intended for your salvation to be an end, but a beginning. God saved you to be a conduit through whom His glorious, life-changing gospel would flow to others.” Robby Gallaty 

Go

“Go” – Going implies being sent! This includes EVERY believer

“Go proclaiming into all nations” – going implies proclaiming the gospel!

“While you are going…” – this implies lifestyle 

• Our Commitment (v.19b-20a)

“…make disciples of all nations, baptizing them…teaching them…” 

Make

“make disciples” – implies obedient mature men and women 

Disciple is a learner; someone who wants to grow and develop

Baptizing

“baptizing them” – implies repentance and forgiveness; inclusion God’s family 

Baptism is both internal and external; both private and public 

Teach

“teaching them” – implies more than response; Disciples not converts! 

Teaching them the gospel; to love God and love others 

Hindrances to ‘making disciples’ - Steve Murrell in his book ‘WikiChurch’

• Mentoring Myth – only pastors disciple
• Ministry Myth – because of previous sins, not right personality, don’t know the Bible or pray enough – I’m not ready for ministry
• Maturity Myth – full Christian growth must be achieved 

1. Conclusion