The Great Pursuit: Living on Mission Every Day
Every day, 174,202 people die without a relationship with Jesus. That staggering number isn’t just a statistic—it’s a sobering reminder that eternity is real, and the mission of the Church matters. In a world desperate for hope, God invites every believer into something far greater than routine religion—He calls us into the Great Pursuit: the mission to make disciples of all nations.
This calling isn’t reserved for missionaries overseas or church staff. It’s for every follower of Jesus. From the Great Commission in Matthew 28 to the vision of a global multitude worshiping in Revelation 7, Scripture reveals both the purpose of our lives and the plan to carry it out.
This calling isn’t reserved for missionaries overseas or church staff. It’s for every follower of Jesus. From the Great Commission in Matthew 28 to the vision of a global multitude worshiping in Revelation 7, Scripture reveals both the purpose of our lives and the plan to carry it out.
A Vision Worth Pursuing
Revelation 7:9 gives us a glimpse of heaven: "After this I looked, and there was a vast multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language, which no one could number, standing before the throne and before the Lamb." This picture of unity and worship is the end goal of God’s mission—to redeem people from every corner of the earth.
That vision began with a promise to Abraham in Genesis, where God declared that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars. Now, through Jesus, that promise extends to all who believe. And the Church has been given a clear role to play in bringing this vision to life.
That vision began with a promise to Abraham in Genesis, where God declared that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars. Now, through Jesus, that promise extends to all who believe. And the Church has been given a clear role to play in bringing this vision to life.
The Mission: Make Disciples
In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commissions His followers: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations…” The main command here is not simply to go, but to make disciples. That means helping people learn from Jesus and live like Jesus.
Jesus outlines how we fulfill this mission through three actions:
Making disciples isn’t optional—it’s a command from the One who has all authority in heaven and on earth.
Jesus outlines how we fulfill this mission through three actions:
- Going – As you go about your daily life, you’re called to be intentional about pointing people to Jesus.
- Baptizing – This reflects the act of sharing the gospel so that others can believe, be saved, and publicly declare their faith.
- Teaching – Discipleship doesn’t stop at salvation. We’re called to help others grow in obedience to Christ’s teachings.
Making disciples isn’t optional—it’s a command from the One who has all authority in heaven and on earth.
Empowered by the Spirit
Jesus never intended for His followers to fulfill this mission on their own. In Acts 1:8, He promises: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses...” The Holy Spirit gives believers both the courage and the ability to live out this calling.
The moment someone places their faith in Jesus, the Holy Spirit takes up residence within them. But to experience the full power of the Spirit, we must yield to His leading. Obedience activates the power God has already placed within us. Fear, insecurity, and excuses often hold us back, but the Spirit fills us with boldness when we step forward in faith.
The moment someone places their faith in Jesus, the Holy Spirit takes up residence within them. But to experience the full power of the Spirit, we must yield to His leading. Obedience activates the power God has already placed within us. Fear, insecurity, and excuses often hold us back, but the Spirit fills us with boldness when we step forward in faith.
From Conviction to Action
Many believers carry a quiet, constant guilt for not sharing the gospel more often. But Jesus offers something better than shame—He offers purpose. We don’t have to stay stuck in conviction. We can move forward in obedience and joy.
Discipleship is not only about growing in your own faith but helping others do the same. Whether it’s inviting someone to church, mentoring a new believer, serving in a local ministry, or going on a short-term mission trip, every step of obedience matters.
If you don’t feel equipped, take a next step. Join a discipleship class. Learn how to share your story. Ask someone to mentor you. Start where you are. God doesn't call the qualified—He equips those He calls.
Discipleship is not only about growing in your own faith but helping others do the same. Whether it’s inviting someone to church, mentoring a new believer, serving in a local ministry, or going on a short-term mission trip, every step of obedience matters.
If you don’t feel equipped, take a next step. Join a discipleship class. Learn how to share your story. Ask someone to mentor you. Start where you are. God doesn't call the qualified—He equips those He calls.
Your Role in the Great Pursuit
The vision is clear. The mission is urgent. And the power is available. Will you say yes?
Maybe it’s time to engage more deeply through prayer, giving, or going. Maybe it's committing to a Go Day or signing up for a discipleship course. Maybe it's walking across the street or across the office to tell someone what Jesus has done in your life.
Every one of the 174,202 daily deaths represents a soul that matters to God. And He has chosen you to be a part of the answer.
Let today be the day you stop carrying quiet guilt and start living the Great Pursuit.
Maybe it’s time to engage more deeply through prayer, giving, or going. Maybe it's committing to a Go Day or signing up for a discipleship course. Maybe it's walking across the street or across the office to tell someone what Jesus has done in your life.
Every one of the 174,202 daily deaths represents a soul that matters to God. And He has chosen you to be a part of the answer.
Let today be the day you stop carrying quiet guilt and start living the Great Pursuit.
This blog is based on a message preached by Lead Pastor Dr. Brian Stone on Mission Sunday, April 27. You can watch the full message here.
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