Living the Deeper Life: Jesus’ Authority and Our Mission

As we continue through the “Living the Deeper Life” series, we now focus our attention on the Great

Commission in Matthew 28:18-20. As we seek to live out the deeper life of Christ, we recognize that

this involves following Jesus in obedience, growing in grace, fostering a genuine faith family, serving others with gladness, and boldly proclaiming the gospel. But at the heart of our mission lies the call to make disciples of all nations, grounded in Jesus’ absolute authority.

Jesus’ Absolute Authority:

In Matthew 28:18, Jesus declares, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” This verse is the key verse in the gospel of Matthew and the foundation upon which our mission is built. As believers, our response to this declaration is twofold: we are to worship Jesus, acknowledging His sovereign rule over all creation, and we are to live out the Great Commission, taking His message to the ends of the earth. Our church’s mission statement begins with the call to live the deeper life of Christ, rooted in Colossians 2:6-7. To live this deeper life, we must first grasp the significance of Jesus’ authority. It is not just a theological concept but a reality that shapes how we live, worship, and engage in mission. Jesus’ authority compels us to follow Him in obedience, as outlined in Mark 8:34, where we are called

to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. This obedience is the starting point for living a life that reflects Christ’s lordship.

The Great Commission: Our Mission

The Great Commission, begins with the word “Go.” This command to go is closely connected to the central command to “make disciples.” As we reflect on our mission at Connect Church, it becomes clear that the command to go is not optional. It is an integral part of our calling as followers of Jesus. We are to move beyond the walls of our church, reaching out to our communities and the world with the life-changing gospel message. Making disciples is the primary task given to us by

Jesus. This task involves baptizing new followers of Jesus in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and teaching them to observe all that Jesus has commanded. Baptism and teaching are essential components of discipleship, marking

the beginning of a disciples walk with Him and their ongoing growth in faith. In the context of our church’s mission, making disciples means more than just evangelizing. It involves developing new followers of Jesus, helping them grow in grace, as

highlighted in 2 Peter 3:18a. It means fostering a genuine faith family, where followers of Jesus are supported, encouraged, and held accountable in their walk with Jesus, as seen in Acts 3:32. Our goal is to see individuals not just come to faith but to be transformed by the renewing of their minds and hearts, fully committed to living for Jesus.

Serving and Proclaiming: The Outward Expression of Our Faith

As we make disciples, we are also called to serve others with gladness, following the example of Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve (Psalm 100:2a; 1 Peter 4:10; Matthew 20:28). Serving others is an expression of the deeper life we are called to live. It is a visible demonstration of Jesus’ love in action. At Connect Church, we seek to promote a culture of service, where every member is equipped and encouraged to use their gifts to bless others and glorify God. Additionally, our mission includes boldly proclaiming the life-changing gospel message (Ephesians 6:15). The gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, and it is our responsibility to share this message with urgency and clarity. As we proclaim the gospel, we do so to the glory of God, ensuring that He receives all the honor and praise for the work of salvation in the lives of individuals and communities.

The Ultimate Purpose: Making Disciples

At the core of our mission is the purpose of making disciples. This task is not just for pastors or missionaries; it is the calling of every follower of Jesus. As we live out the deeper life of Christ, we are to be intentional in our relationships, seeking opportunities to share the gospel, disciple others, and help them grow in their faith. Making disciples is a process that requires patience, commitment, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. It involves walking alongside others, teaching them the truths of Scripture, and encouraging them to live out their faith in every aspect of life. It is a labor of love that

reflects the heart of Jesus, who invested in His disciples and sent them out to do the same.

Jesus’ Presence: Our Source of Strength

Finally, as we engage in the mission of making disciples, we are reminded of Jesus’ promise in Matthew 28:20b: “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” This knowledge of Jesus' presence gives us courage and strength.

We don’t walk alone; the risen Lord Jesus is with us, equipping us to carry out the Great Commission. In the “Living the Deeper Life” series, I have been encouraging us to fully embrace our church’s mission statement. As we follow Jesus in

obedience, grow in grace, foster a genuine faith family, serve others with gladness, and boldly proclaim the gospel, we do so with the confidence that Jesus, who has all authority, is with us every step of the way. Let us go out into the world and

live the deeper life of Christ, making disciples of all people, and bringing glory to God in all that we do.