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Candia Congregational Church
Alignment: Make Disciples
Our prayer is that on Sundays, God would gather His people together so that their faith may grow and be ready to go into the world as His ambassadors.
Locations & Times
Candia Congregational Church
1 South Rd, Candia, NH 03034, USA
Sunday 9:50 AM
Partner with us
We are thrilled you've joined us in worship today!
You can use the link below to let us know who you are, ask us a question, or let us know if you are ready to take the next step in your walk with Jesus.
https://candiacongregational.org/Have-A-QuestionPray With Us
We are a church that believes in the power of prayer! If you would like people who live to pray for others praying for you, then use the link below to let them know how they can pray for you. If you would like to pray with Pastor Steve after the service he is available after each service at the front of the sanctuary.
https://candiacongregational.org/Prayer-Request/Begin a Relationship with Jesus, The Son of God
John 1:12–13 (ESV) “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” To learn more about how you can become God’s son or daughter, click the link.
https://candiacongregational.org/Have-A-QuestionJoin a Small Group
In our Small Groups, you will find men and women, young and old, at different stages in their walk with Jesus. You will encounter imperfect people sincerely seeking to love God, and others learning how to help them do the same. In other words, you will find people just like you! Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV) "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works . . ."
https://candiacongregational.org/SmallGroupsGive As An Act Of Worship
We believe giving is an act of worship that begins with you and God sitting with your Bible and Bank Statement open. This gives you time to reflect on His provision in your life and determine what portion you will give back. Thank you in advance for your love and devotion to God and for partnering with us in His Kingdom Ministry. Please use the link below to access our e-giving platform. 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV) "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
https://app.faithteams.com/portal/desktop/give.html?c=9d530b1a-8930-11ec-9352-0a5ffbc0ff04
Opening Thought
When we hear Jesus say, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” it can feel overwhelming. The mission sounds so big, so global, so important that we quietly wonder if we’re really up to the task. We think of skills we don’t have, words we wouldn’t know how to say, or people who seem far more equipped than we are.
But Matthew shows us something surprising. The first people Jesus entrusted with this calling weren’t confident or fearless — they were worshiping… and hesitating. And before he sent them anywhere, Jesus came near and reassured them.
Because the mission was never meant to rest on their strength — or ours. It rests on his authority and his presence. Today, we’re invited to stop striving, draw close to Jesus, and discover that disciple-making flows naturally from a life that simply walks with him.
When we hear Jesus say, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” it can feel overwhelming. The mission sounds so big, so global, so important that we quietly wonder if we’re really up to the task. We think of skills we don’t have, words we wouldn’t know how to say, or people who seem far more equipped than we are.
But Matthew shows us something surprising. The first people Jesus entrusted with this calling weren’t confident or fearless — they were worshiping… and hesitating. And before he sent them anywhere, Jesus came near and reassured them.
Because the mission was never meant to rest on their strength — or ours. It rests on his authority and his presence. Today, we’re invited to stop striving, draw close to Jesus, and discover that disciple-making flows naturally from a life that simply walks with him.
Big Idea:
We don’t make disciples by becoming impressive Christians, but by living as ordinary people who walk closely with an extraordinary Savior.
We don’t make disciples by becoming impressive Christians, but by living as ordinary people who walk closely with an extraordinary Savior.
I. Jesus comes near before He SENDS.
Matthew 28:16-17, ESV
Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted.
Key Thought:
1) Jesus is looking for worshippers first.
2) The key to productivity is proximity to Jesus.
“God doesn’t send us out to earn his presence; he sends us out because we already have it.” Pastor Steve
Matthew 28:16-17, ESV
Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted.
Key Thought:
1) Jesus is looking for worshippers first.
2) The key to productivity is proximity to Jesus.
“God doesn’t send us out to earn his presence; he sends us out because we already have it.” Pastor Steve
II. The Great Commission is not an event; it is a LIFESTYLE.
Matthew 28:19, ESV
"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,”
Key Thought:
1) The command is not to "Go" but to "Make Disciples." This is
2) "Go" is best rendered, "As you are going, Make Disciples."
3) Making Disciples is a normal part of the Christ-Followers' life. It is what naturally happens when we are close to Jesus.
Tim Keller, Center Church, pg. 212
“We do not simply evangelize by adding meetings to the calendar. We do it by living differently in every part of life.”
In other words . . .
“Evangelism is not a program we run; it is a natural overflow of a heart that has been changed by the gospel.”
Matthew 28:19, ESV
"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,”
Key Thought:
1) The command is not to "Go" but to "Make Disciples." This is
2) "Go" is best rendered, "As you are going, Make Disciples."
3) Making Disciples is a normal part of the Christ-Followers' life. It is what naturally happens when we are close to Jesus.
Tim Keller, Center Church, pg. 212
“We do not simply evangelize by adding meetings to the calendar. We do it by living differently in every part of life.”
In other words . . .
“Evangelism is not a program we run; it is a natural overflow of a heart that has been changed by the gospel.”
III. The Promise of His Presence
Matthew 28:19–20, ESV
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.”
Key Thought:
1) God does not simply "watch" from heaven, but is "God with us" every step of the way.
2) Faithfulness isn't a skillset, but is closeness to Jesus.
Matthew 28:19–20, ESV
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.”
Key Thought:
1) God does not simply "watch" from heaven, but is "God with us" every step of the way.
2) Faithfulness isn't a skillset, but is closeness to Jesus.
IV. Being Faithful to the command is SIMPLER than you think.
Matthew 28:19, ESV
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.
Key Thoughts:
1) As you go (Going) - “Go where life already happens.”
2) Baptizing - “Welcome people into God’s presence.”
3) Teaching - “Walk with them as they learn to obey Jesus.”
"Disciple-making means living intentionally among people, inviting them into Christ’s community, and walking alongside them toward obedient faith." Pastor Steve
Matthew 28:19, ESV
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.
Key Thoughts:
1) As you go (Going) - “Go where life already happens.”
2) Baptizing - “Welcome people into God’s presence.”
3) Teaching - “Walk with them as they learn to obey Jesus.”
"Disciple-making means living intentionally among people, inviting them into Christ’s community, and walking alongside them toward obedient faith." Pastor Steve
Final thought:
The Great Commission isn’t a burden placed on strong people — it’s an invitation given to ordinary people who stay close to an extraordinary Savior. Jesus didn’t send experts; he sent worshipers who still had questions, and he promised to be with them every step of the way. So this week, don’t focus on being impressive or having all the answers. Simply stay near to Christ, love the people already around you, and take the next faithful step. As you go… trust that Jesus is already at work.
The Great Commission isn’t a burden placed on strong people — it’s an invitation given to ordinary people who stay close to an extraordinary Savior. Jesus didn’t send experts; he sent worshipers who still had questions, and he promised to be with them every step of the way. So this week, don’t focus on being impressive or having all the answers. Simply stay near to Christ, love the people already around you, and take the next faithful step. As you go… trust that Jesus is already at work.
Your Blessing
As you go into this week,
may you rest in the authority of Christ,
walk closely with the presence of Christ,
and trust the Spirit of Christ to work through your ordinary faithfulness.
And may you remember:
you are not sent out alone —
the Lord says, “I am with you always.”
So go in peace,
love God with all your heart,
love your neighbors well,
and as you go… make disciples.
Amen.
As you go into this week,
may you rest in the authority of Christ,
walk closely with the presence of Christ,
and trust the Spirit of Christ to work through your ordinary faithfulness.
And may you remember:
you are not sent out alone —
the Lord says, “I am with you always.”
So go in peace,
love God with all your heart,
love your neighbors well,
and as you go… make disciples.
Amen.
A 5 Day Sermon Based Devotional
Make Disciples
“The Great Commission,” is big—maybe even overwhelming. We often assume Jesus is asking us to be more capable, more confident, or more impressive. But we will discover something surprising: Jesus sends hesitant worshipers, not spiritual experts. The mission doesn’t begin with our strength—it begins with his presence. This week, as you read and reflect, slow down, draw near to Jesus, and discover how disciple-making flows naturally from a life that stays close to him.
https://www.candiacongregational.org/blog/SGDG-MakeDisciples“The Great Commission,” is big—maybe even overwhelming. We often assume Jesus is asking us to be more capable, more confident, or more impressive. But we will discover something surprising: Jesus sends hesitant worshipers, not spiritual experts. The mission doesn’t begin with our strength—it begins with his presence. This week, as you read and reflect, slow down, draw near to Jesus, and discover how disciple-making flows naturally from a life that stays close to him.
Check Out Our Website For More Information and Resources
There is so much more to know about the Christian life. Check out our website for information about this church, its ministries, and other ways to grow and find your place in God's Kingdom.
https://candiacongregational.org/