Make Disciples of Jesus Christ // Matthew 28:18-20

In the final week of our Be the Church series, Pastor Evan opens Matthew 28:18-20 to ask one of the most pressing questions a local church can ask: what does it actually mean for us at Bethel to make disciples of Jesus Christ in Topeka, Kansas, in 2026?

In this message, we walk through four movements:
The authority behind our mission. All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to the risen King. We go as ambassadors, not on our own credentials.
The heart of our mission. "Go" is a participle. The only command in the Great Commission is make disciples. As you are going through your ordinary life, in your neighborhood, your workplace, your kid's ballgames, this is where the mission lives.
The method of our mission. Baptizing and teaching. Patient, lifelong formation that produces obedience, not just information. We walk close enough to people that the dust of Jesus, kicked up by the Word and the Spirit, lands on them through us.
The promise that sustains our mission. Matthew opens with Emmanuel, "God with us," and closes with the risen Christ saying, "I am with you always." The gospel is bookended by His presence.

Along the way we look honestly at the 70 to 80,000 unbelievers in our city, the wound that Westboro Baptist has left on the name of Christ in Topeka, the story of a 100-person church in the United Kingdom that began planting churches and is now planting 27 in a single year, and the ancient Jewish proverb that a disciple should walk so closely behind his rabbi that the dust kicked up would land on his face.

The challenge this week is simple. Ask the Lord to give you one name. One person in Topeka who needs Jesus. Pray for them every day. Ask for one step of obedience, whether it is a conversation, an invitation, or a question. Edward Kimball never knew what God would do with one awkward conversation. You may never know either. The call is just to be faithful.

Key Scriptures: Matthew 28:18-20, Daniel 7:13-14, Matthew 1:23

Bethel Baptist Church is a gospel-centered church in Topeka, Kansas, committed to helping people love God, love people, and make disciples of Jesus Christ. Join us for biblical preaching, Christ-centered worship, authentic community, and opportunities for the whole family to grow in faith.

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If you are looking for a church in Topeka, KS, we would love to welcome you to Bethel Baptist Church.

Thanks for listening to this sermon from Bethel Baptist Church. If the message encouraged you, we would love to meet you in person this Sunday. You can find service times, directions, and more information at www.betheltopeka.org. And if you would like to support the ministry of Bethel, you can give securely online at www.betheltopeka.org/give. God bless, and we hope to see you soon.

Thanks for listening to this sermon from Bethel Baptist Church. If the message encouraged you, we would love to meet you in person this Sunday. You can find service times, directions, and more information at www.betheltopeka.org. And if you would like to support the ministry of Bethel, you can give securely online at www.betheltopeka.org/give. God bless, and we hope to see you soon.