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C+C University District CG Discussion Guide

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Sermon Notes
Text: Matthew 28:18–20

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.”

Summary
Jesus does not hand his church a vague purpose; he gives his people a mission, his authority, and his presence.

The mission of the church is not invented by the church. The risen Christ, who has all authority in heaven and on earth, sends his people to make disciples of all nations. Discipleship is not mere religious interest or occasional attendance; it is full devotion to Jesus, growing in trust, obedience, worship, and Christlikeness by grace.

This mission flows from the Gospel itself. Jesus is the missionary God who came to seek and save the lost, lived in perfect obedience, died as the substitute for sinners, and rose bodily from the grave. Because believers have been reconciled to God through Christ, they are now entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation as ambassadors of Christ.

The local church is the visible expression of God’s kingdom in a particular place. Cross+Crown’s mission to make fully devoted followers of Jesus and its vision to saturate cities with Gospel communities means every member is sent into ordinary places: where we live, work, play, and learn. God has placed his people in specific relationships and neighborhoods so that the Gospel would be spoken and embodied there.

Faithfulness to this mission requires clear direction, Spirit-given courage, and Gospel-shaped values. Biblical truth anchors the church, authentic community displays the grace of Christ, and generosity resists self-protection. The fruit belongs to God, but the call to faithful witness belongs to every believer.

Key Takeaways
  • Christ Has Authority - The Great Commission begins with Jesus’ kingship, not our effort. His authority gives confidence, courage, and accountability to his people.
  • Disciples Make Disciples - Following Jesus means learning to obey all that he commanded and helping others do the same. This happens through ordinary, relational, Gospel-centered witness.
  • Sent With His Presence - Jesus sends his church into hard places, but never alone. His promise to be with us sustains faithfulness through opposition, delay, and weakness.

Discussion Questions
  • How does Jesus’ claim to “all authority” shape the way we understand the command to make disciples?
  • What is the difference between making converts and making disciples according to Matthew 28:18–20?
  • What comes to mind when you hear “fully devoted follower of Jesus"? What encourages you? What challenges you?
  • Who has God placed in your life, neighborhood, workplace, school, or family where you may need to “own the lostness” of your geography?
  • Who is one person you could intentionally pray for and move toward with relational Gospel witness this week?
  • How might your ordinary life become an apologetic for the Gospel through hospitality, forgiveness, generosity, or courage?

Practical Applications
  • Develop a Vision - Ask where God has given you burden, compassion, or conviction. Write one sentence describing how you want your life to serve Christ’s mission in this season.
  • Define the values - Consider what your calendar, spending, habits, and relationships reveal. Where do you need realignment with biblical truth, authentic community, or Gospel generosity?
  • Join the Mission - Choose one person in your ordinary sphere of life to pray for, encourage, and pursue with Gospel love. Look for a natural opportunity to speak of Christ clearly and graciously.
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