"You weren't saved to sit on the bench."

About this sermon

You're Built for This | Matthew 28:18-20 | Community Bible Church | Pastor Ed Newton You were not saved to sit. You were saved to be sent. In this powerful message from Matthew 28:18-20, Luke 24:49-50, and Acts 1:8, Pastor Ed Newton unpacks one of the most important truths a believer can grasp: you are not waiting to be qualified for God's call. You are already called, already equipped, and already covered by the authority, assignment, and assurance of Jesus Christ Himself. This sermon walks through three life-changing movements from the Great Commission that every follower of Jesus needs to understand. RECEIVE HIS AUTHORITY — Before Jesus ever told His disciples to go, He established who He is. "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." That is not a motivational statement. That is a declaration of cosmic reality. Colossians 1:16-17 tells us that everything was created through Him and for Him, and in Him all things hold together. Philippians 2:9-11 declares that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow. Ephesians 1:21-23 places Him far above every rule, authority, power, and dominion. The authority Jesus carries is absolute. And here is the part that changes everything: that authority is not just for Him. It is assigned to you. Luke 9:1 records that Jesus called His disciples and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases. Romans 8:16-17 reminds us that we are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ. Ephesians 2:6 says we are seated with Him in heavenly places. Luke 10:19 gives us authority to trample on serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy. That authority is not something you have to earn. It is something you have to access. Ephesians 3:12 says we can approach God with freedom and confidence. Hebrews 4:16 invites us to come boldly to the throne of grace. James 4:7 promises that if you resist the devil, he will flee. You are not powerless. You are covered. RECOGNIZE WHAT IS ASKED OF YOU — The Great Commission is not complicated. It is just costly. Jesus says go, make disciples, baptize, and teach. Each word carries weight. Go means intentionality. You do not accidentally fulfill the Great Commission. Discipleship means personal investment in the spiritual growth of another person. Baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is a declaration of identity rooted in a God who chose you before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4-5), a Son who loved you while you were still a sinner (Romans 5:8), and a Spirit who fills and empowers you for every assignment (Acts 1:8). And obedience covers everything: loving God with everything you have (Matthew 22:37), serving people sacrificially (John 13:34), forgiving radically (Colossians 3:13), living in a way that points others to the Father (Matthew 5:16), giving generously (2 Corinthians 8:9, 9:8), and dying daily to self (Luke 9:23). This is not a checklist. It is a way of life. REST IN HIS ASSURANCE — The Great Commission ends with a promise: "I am with you always, even to the end of the age." That promise is not motivational language. It is a guarantee. His presence dwells in you (1 Corinthians 6:19). His power is actively at work in you (Philippians 2:13). His promise never expires (Hebrews 13:5). You do not go in your own strength. You go in His. God does not anoint what He does not plan to use. If you have been waiting for a sign that you are ready, this is it. You are built for this. Whether you are a brand new believer trying to figure out what following Jesus actually looks like in your daily life, a longtime Christian who has been sitting on the sidelines, or someone who feels completely unqualified for the calling God has placed on your life, this message will remind you that the God who commands you to go is the same God who goes with you. 📖 Scripture References: Matthew 28:18-20 | Luke 24:49-50 | Acts 1:8 | Colossians 1:16-17 | Philippians 2:9-11, 2:13 | Ephesians 1:4-5, 1:21-23, 2:6, 3:12 | Romans 5:8, 8:16-17 | Luke 9:1, 9:23, 10:19 | Mark 16:17 | Hebrews 4:16, 13:5 | James 4:7 | Matthew 22:37, 5:16 | John 13:34 | Colossians 3:13 | 2 Corinthians 8:9, 9:8 | 1 Corinthians 6:19 We are Community Bible Church located in San Antonio, Texas. You may be brand new and want to explore what we are about, or you may have been with us a while but want to learn more. Either way, we are glad you are here! To learn more about Community Bible Church, visit http://www.communitybible.com To connect with us socially: Facebook - https://cbc.social/facebook Twitter - https://cbc.social/twitter Instagram - https://cbc.social/instagram Online Church is a ministry of Community Bible Church. We gather at http://OnlineChurch.com and enjoy good music and a message. We have services available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We hope you will find a service or several services that work for you and join us at Online Church. To connect with us socially: Facebook - http://facebook.com/cbconline

Topics

• Salvation