BIG idea – GOD HAS MORE!

In Matthew 28:18-20 we find what is called the Great Commission, where Jesus tells us to “go and make disciples of all nations...” by the authority He’s given us. This command shouldn’t come with a lot of pressure, because discipleship happens one step at a time.

Salvation is just the beginning of this new life, and a spiritual journey of growth and transformation. As we mature in our relationship with Jesus, we will begin to experience all God has for us! This is exciting, because every time we take a next step on our discipleship journey, we, by design, experience MORE of God! We then, can reveal more of Him to others!

2 Corinthians 3:16-18 (NIV) says, “But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord – who is the Spirit – makes us more and more like Him as we are changed into His glorious image.”

Over the coming weeks, let’s experience the “more” God has for our lives as we take steps to know Him, find freedom, discover our purpose, and a make a difference in the lives of others.

Make It Practical – When I take a step, I experience…

• A deeper relationship with God. Because of what Jesus did on the cross, the “veil” is torn. We have access to a relationship with God, and we will know Him more with every step.

• A life of true freedom. Freedom and Lordship are connected. Every step we take, we are choosing God’s way over our way. We are choosing to live our lives in the boundaries defined by God.

• A role in God’s mission. When we live out God’s purpose for our lives, we reflect God’s glory to the world. As a disciple, we begin to make disciples.

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurable more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.” Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)

Talk About It

1. Read 1 John 5:3 (NIV). How does this verse and this week’s message speak to any “pressure” we may feel toward fulfilling the Great Commission?

2. Share how you have experienced God do more in your life as you have taken steps toward Him.

3. Pastor C discussed how the world views freedom as living with no boundaries or living within our own boundaries. But true freedom is living inside God’s boundaries. How does living inside God’s boundaries affect our views and experiences in our relationships, time, finances, forgiveness, etc.?

“Every time we take a step; we experience more of God.”

Prayer Jesus, thank You for Your sacrifice on the cross, so that we can live in relationship with God again. Help us, Lord, to live every day for You and to take steps to live in Your will, obey Your commands, and grow in relationship with You. We want to know our purpose and reflect Your glory as we live out the mission You have for our lives. Today, we release every fear and excuse that keeps us from taking steps toward You, God! Help us to see what our next steps are. We are excited to experience more of You! It’s in Your mighty name we pray. Amen!