Blog
What Is Your Next Spiritual Move?
- June 17, 2023
- Posted by: Marcel Sanchez
- Category: Building Teams and Developing Leaders Spiritual Life
You have a next step in your spiritual life and so do I. Until God calls you home or Jesus returns in the clouds, there’s a next step that you must learn, accept, and follow. The last two weekends at my home church, Global Church, have been beyond exciting. They’ve truly been inspirational in so many ways.
One of my good friends, Tony Merritt, was formally ordained and commissioned as a Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Tony and his beautiful family (Erline, Olivia, Eden, Alan, and Timothy) will be moving to Maryland this summer. Tony will serve as Associate Pastor of Cheverly Baptist Church. So, if you’re in the area and looking to worship at a good church, stop by and attend one of their weekend services. And if you really want to make Tony and Erline smile (along with their kids), bring them a box of pastelitos de guayaba from Miami.
I’m so proud of Tony. The picture above, along with our friend and mentor, Pastor Russell Johnson, is a huge win for Tony, for our church, and for The Great Commission. I’ve been honored to serve as one of Tony’s coaches and mentors in the ministry. The thrill of watching someone come to faith in Christ through your church ministry, be shaped by the people within your church and other like-minded churches and ministries, both locally and internationally, is beyond what words could express.
What I would like to share today is something that we can forget as followers of Jesus. You see, The Great Commission is not reserved exclusively for Pastors and Missionaries. All of us as followers of Jesus, you included, are responsible to carry out the task of going out and sharing the amazing message of salvation by God’s grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone, every day of our lives.
Let me share with you a few principles today to help us get started. I can’t unpack everything in one post, so we will divide this topic into a few articles to help you digest it all in smaller parts.
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)
The Great Commission is God’s strategy to reach people
The Great Commission is God’s strategy and plan to reach people for Christ (Matthew 28:18-20).
It involves full participation from every follower of Christ. The Lord empowers us to witness and teaches us how to train others in the faith (Acts 1:8). His divine plan is both local and global. His plan is for every believer from every ethnic group, age group, and location on the earth. And yes, you are included in God’s plan to reach people for Christ and build them up in the faith (Mark 16:15).
And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15, NKJV)
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
How has the Lord changed your heart recently regarding reaching friends, co-workers, and family members for Christ and building them up in the faith?
The Great Commission is for today
Practically speaking, reaching people and making disciples is what should burn deep within our hearts. Jesus did not tell his followers to form a focus group and consider the theological implications of his words. He wanted them to obey his commands in the present. He wanted them to live in light of the Great Commission.
After all, this is why he chose us. Our divine selection was intended to fulfill God’s glorious purposes (John 15:6). And as we pray according to his purposes, he answers our prayers. God’s strategy and plan to reach the nations for Christ is for today.
“Go” – God expects you to move and take action
Our life is not to be centered on personal comfort. Jesus calls us to “go,” move, and take action for the sake of the Gospel (John 17:18). This command is at the heart of our responsibility. We all have to move! The Church at Jerusalem in Acts 15 was comfortable and focused locally. They were influenced by Pharisees in the church. Their focus was inward. The church had a Jewish identity; they had one culture.
The church was comfortable staying in one area. If you were Jewish you would fit right in. If you were not Jewish, things would be very different. These Jewish believers were highly structured and traditional to the core. It was the Jewish way of doing church. The worship was Jewish and the structure was Jewish. They were only reaching Jews. No Gentile members were present. They focused exclusively on Jerusalem and their Jewish traditions. This is why God eventually forced them to scatter and preach the Gospel in different places and to different people.
The Church in Antioch was very different. They were not a “comfortable church.” It was somewhat messy and yet organic in nature. In Acts 13 we read that the church of Antioch was focused on everyone everywhere. They had a global perspective. They lived in the spirit of the Great Commission (John 20:21).
“Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” (John 20:21, NASB)
This church consisted of many cultures. They had their own style of worship and church structure. They were a beautiful blend of many cultures and languages. This church was outward focused. They were committed to reaching everyone everywhere. This included both Jews and Gentiles. The world was their focus.
We are called to obey the Great Commission as we practice the Great Commandment.
What does all this mean for you today as a follower of Jesus?
Consider where you find yourself stuck or growing in your spiritual walk with Christ.
What has God been changing in your heart and mind recently?
What has the Holy Spirit been leading you to do? Have you been following His promptings?
You are called to obey the Great Commission by going beyond your comfort zone.
“Go” and to tell others about Jesus. Love people in the same way that Jesus loved you.
Serve others as you would want to be served. Be the example of godliness that you want to see in others.
What’s your next spiritual move?
Strengthen Others Today!
If you found this article helpful, consider posting it on social media or sharing it with fellow peers, clients, and friends.