Sent To Make A Difference

What if growth isn’t about filling rooms but forming people who go? We open Matthew 28:18–20 and get clear about what Jesus actually asked of us: move under his authority, make disciples in everyday life, and teach toward obedience that changes how we live this week—not someday.

We start with the bedrock claim: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” That truth reframes stress, schedules, and hesitation. If Christ reigns, then we don’t wait for perfect moments; we step forward with joyful submission and gospel urgency—at work, in traffic, on the sidelines, and around the table. From there, we paint a picture of a sending church where disciple-making isn’t a program but our shared culture. Moms share the gospel with kids on the school run. Retirees invest their wisdom. Students invite boldly. Friends open Scripture over coffee and learn to pray simple, honest prayers. No capes, no stages—just presence, intention, and trust that the Holy Spirit does the deep work.

We also talk about baptism as a public declaration and first act of obedience. Baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit proclaims new identity, new family, and new purpose. It’s not a finish line; it’s the launch pad for a life lived openly for Jesus. If you’ve been delaying, we ask why—and invite you to take the step. If you’ve already taken it, consider who needs you beside them as they prepare. Finally, we press into the heart of discipleship: teaching people to obey. Information matters, but transformation is the aim. Doctrine should shape devotion—real choices, reconciled relationships, courageous generosity, and daily rhythms that look like Jesus.

If this resonates, share the episode with someone you’re ready to walk with, hit follow so you don’t miss what’s next, and leave a review to tell us the one step you’ll take this week. Who’s your one, and when will you reach out?

Chapters

• 1:02 The Great Commission Read
• 2:20 A Pastor’s Heart For The Flock
• 3:47 Church As A Sending Place
• 5:14 Authority Of Jesus Explained
• 8:10 Embracing Authority In Daily Life
• 12:10 Make Disciples As Core Culture
• 16:05 Everyday Discipleship Examples
• 19:20 Simple Starts And A Weekly Challenge
• 21:00 Baptism As Public Identification
• 24:00 Trinitarian Meaning Of Baptism
• 26:10 Moving Quickly Toward Obedience
• 27:19 Teach To Obey, Not Just Know

Transcript

SPEAKER_01: 0:02

The 50 Ministry of Pastor Timothy Madd and Providence Church, Ormond Beach, Florida. Providence Church is the local assembly of followers of Jesus Christ, dedicated to helping people become committed and mature followers of Jesus Christ. Now, here's Pastor Timothy Madd teaching the word.

SPEAKER_00: 0:22

We are in this, continuing this series that we're calling Growing God's Way. And it's a directional kind of series in the life of our church right now, preparing for a new season of fruitfulness. God has been blessing us over the last few years and grateful for his work among us. So Matthew 28 is where we are. And so Matthew 28, we're going to pick up in verse 18. Going to read down through verse 20. Jesus has been crucified, died for our sins, and buried, and rose from the dead. He has shown himself alive for 40 days at this time, and he is giving his last words really to his disciples. And they're in Galilee and they've gathered to hear him. He speaks to them, beginning in verse 18. The Bible says, And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I've commanded you. And lo, I'm with you always, even to the end of the age. And then Matthew puts at the end, Amen. This is God's word. Jesus' words. So as your pastor this morning, I really want you to hear me clearly, especially if you are a member here, a long-term attendee, I love this church dearly. I do. And it's I it's not for its buildings, not for our programs or events, but for you, the people of God. The people that God has gathered together in this family over the years. And at this moment, even in the life of this church, I want you to know I think about you during the week. I just can't get you off my mind. I wish I could sometimes. I think about you during the week. Uh I pray for your families. I rejoice in your joys, and I grieve your losses. I carry a shepherd's burden and a shepherd's joy, knowing that God is at work among us. I believe with all my heart, and so do the other pastors and many of the deacons and trustees as we've met and prayed. I believe with all my heart that He is continuing to grow something special in the life of Providence. Not just numerically, but spiritually. Not just attendance, but affection for Jesus. And I don't want us to slip into cruise control, to put it on autopilot. I want us to be a church that's marked by movement. I'm talking about bold, obedient, spirit-filled, mission-driven, for the glory of God and for the good of our community and the world. Here we live on the coast of Florida, and the one thing I've known over the last 19 years that I've lived here is people are constantly on the move, physically and spiritually. Some come to rest, others come to build, and many come searching for something different and new. However, through all this movement, one thing has become really clear to me, and that is that the church must not just be a gathering place, but a sending place. And in the life of Providence, we are seeing God grow his church in many ways. But he's not just calling us again to grow in number, he's calling us to mature in mission. And if we want to grow God's way, continue to grow God's way, we need to always continue to return to the words of Jesus in Matthew 28, verses 18 through 20. It's called by many people the Great Commission. And the Great Commission is not just a slogan, it's not just a church slogan, it's actually the church's mission. It defines who we are and what we're called to do. And so everything that these verses reveal in Jesus' final instructions are here right before his ascension to heaven. And these are his directions, his directives to his disciples, and through them to us in his word. They're not optional and they're not insignificant. They're essential. Every believer, every church, every local church is meant to be shaped by these words. I was thinking, and I have been thinking this for a while, what if, what if, what if the growth that we've been experiencing over the last few years isn't just for fuller rooms or better programs? What if God is preparing us for greater sending individually and as a church? What if he's calling us to go deeper in commitment and bolder in witness and more intentional in our everyday relationship? So today, just for the next few minutes, I hope we can deeply absorb these three verses, not just for a motivational speech, but really for a divine command. How we are, by God, by Jesus, sent to make a difference. Sent to make a difference in other people's lives, sent to make a difference in our community, and sent to make a difference in the world at large. And so let's go through them just for the next little bit with some open hearts and some willing hands, hopefully. So if we are sent to make a difference, what does that look like? How does that come about really in our own lives? Well, first of all, I think as we begin to look at verse 18, we need to embrace the authority that sends you. Embrace the authority that sends us. And I really want you to, let me read it again. And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. I want you to feel the weight and the wonder of that truth. Jesus has all authority, which has implications for how we live this week. This week. I'm talking about whether you're walking into your office on Monday, whether you are sitting in traffic on Granada or US 1, whether you are cleaning the house, whether you are watching your child's soccer game, whether you are waiting in a doctor's exam room, Jesus is in charge. He's in charge. Not your stress, not the economy, not your fears or your limitations. Jesus is risen, he is exalted, and he is seated at the Father's right hand. And so all things, yes, all things are under his feet. He rules the cosmos, he rules your, and he cares about your calendar, and he cares about your concerns. And his authority isn't just a doctrinal truth to be affirmed, it's a daily reality to be embraced. And so let's stop waiting for the perfect moment. Let's stop waiting for the perfect plan. Let's walk in obedience with joyful submission, holy boldness, and gospel urgency. Because Jesus, our King, reigns and he is with us. We're not here to go through the motions, but to proclaim Christ. And we do it with his authority, not our own, his. So every volunteer that greets someone at the door, every parent or grandparent who prays with their child at bedtime or whenever, every member who actually opens their Bible, either paper Bible or a Bible app at a coffee shop with a friend, all of that is a declaration of who's in charge. Jesus has all authority. And he's entrusted us to go as Christians with boldness. Jesus came and said to them, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. So this is the foundation. Before we, before Jesus tells us to go, as one who is sent to make a difference, before he tells us to go, he reminds us of who he is. He is the one with all authority. That phrase, all authority, it signifies rightful, legal, and sovereign power. Jesus holds the authority of Almighty God Himself, because He is God in the flesh. And this actually fulfills Daniel chapter 7, verse 13 through 14, where the Son of Man is given dominion and a kingdom that will never be destroyed. Now that is talking also about a future day as well. You need to know it's already. It's already and not yet, all at the same time. Because after his resurrection, Jesus, the Bible says in Ephesians 1:20 through 21, Jesus is exalted to the Father's right hand with full authority over salvation history, over creation, and over his church. And so what that means is that the gospel is not a suggestion. It's not just a suggestion, it's actually a royal declaration. And so we, individually and as a church, we proclaim the good news under the authority of the king. We don't create the message, we deliver it as ambassadors. And this authority is not only worldwide, but it's also personal. Jesus doesn't just rule over the nations, he rules over and he reigns over our lives. And his authority comforts us during our weaknesses, urges us forward when we hesitate, we don't walk alone, and we're not without power. We're not without authority. Think of a police officer stopping traffic. That officer might not have enough strength to stop the car physically. I doubt they do. But their badge and the blue lights hold the government's authority. If you've ever, in your rearview mirror, saw the blue lights flashing, you had a little moment of panic. I mean, just a tiny little you know what I'm talking about? Anybody ever had the blue lights flashing in their rearview mirror? You bunch of criminals. Sinners, that's what you are. But that's how it is with us. We don't act in our own strength, but under Christ's authority. And this authority is personal. It means your fears, it means your inadequacies, your past, and your doubts are all under his rule. And you don't have to be perfect, but you do have to be willing. And so the one who has said, all authority is his, the one who has all authority is the one who says, I'm sending you. Embrace that. Embrace it. Not only that, Jesus tells us here that we have to live out the disciple-making mission he gave us. We have to live out the mission he gave us. Go therefore, verse 19. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. This is my greatest hope for us as a church. I hope that every person in the family of Providence will live on mission. Not just a few, but it's really the calling of every believer. I imagine a church where making disciples isn't a special program, it's our culture. That means we don't just attend church together. We don't just attend worship together. We actually walk with one another regularly in grace and truth and genuine spiritual relationship. I hope to see discipleship, and I know it does some. Don't get me wrong. I'm aware of it does some. I hope to see discipleship happening in our kitchens, in our backyards, all over, and over coffee on Monday mornings or lunch on Thursdays or wherever it is. Listen, if you know Jesus as Savior and Lord, then you are ready to help someone else know him better. You are. You don't need to be a theologian to be obedient. Just available. Just available. God is already doing something significant among us, and I believe he is inviting us to embrace it entirely. I'm talking about a culture of faithful, personal, and intentional disciple making. Let's not just talk about it. Let's live it. Disciple making isn't just for missionaries overseas. I mean, I'm grateful that Todd and Christy and the team in Rome, Italy are doing that. It was great to hear their report a few months back. Praise God for that. And all the other missionaries that we support and are a part of. Disciple making isn't just for missionaries overseas, it's for everyday believers like you and me right here in our Providence family. It's for moms sharing the gospel with their kids on the drive to school. It's for retirees who use their time and their wisdom to invest in others. It's for teenagers who boldly invite their friends to come hear about Jesus. So this is not an optional addition to the Christian life. It's the heart of it. It's the heart of it. The mission is central to who we are. Our kids' ministry is not just childcare. It's planting seeds of faith, it's teaching them the gospel. Our BFGs aren't simply community, they're training grounds for discipleship. This and on and on. This is our identity because it is our Savior's final command. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations. The central command here is make disciples. Evangelism and conversion are obviously vital, it's part of it. But the goal is discipleship. Jesus didn't say make converts. He said what? Make disciples. Disciples. Creating lifelong followers of Jesus. In Jesus' time, when he's saying this, a disciple was more than just a student. A disciple actually attached their life to their teacher. Jesus said in Luke chapter 6, verse 40, he said, everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher. Wow. And so the word go suggests what? That's real deep, isn't it? You gotta be a Greek scholar to figure that one out. The word go suggests movement. It suggests action. It suggests purpose. Now, disciple making involves risk. It involves love. It involves building relationships. It takes place in everyday settings, kitchens, classrooms, coffee shops, porches, golf courses, you name it. And it isn't ostentatious, but it is impactful. Discipleship, and hear me well on this, discipleship isn't just about doing a Bible study. I bet we already know more of the Bible than we actually do. Discipleship isn't just more Bible study, it's actually about helping others become more like Jesus by walking closely with Him yourself. With Him yourself. It involves showing them what genuine faith looks like in daily life. How you pray, how you forgive, how you struggle, and how you keep trusting through trials and crisis and hardship. You're showing people what genuine faith looks like in daily life. And it's personal because it requires your life. It's shared because we grow best together. I mean, imagine. Imagine a mom who starts reading the Bible with her teenage daughter, or a man who begins praying regularly with a coworker or a friend or a buddy. One, maybe one who is new to the faith, the other more mature. And over time they grow together. And something happens. A spouse becomes curious. A neighbor listens in. A son or daughter starts asking questions. And eventually, friends and family who were once far from God began to respond. Because that's what disciple making can look like. It's faithful, it's simple, and it's personal. And when it happens, I'm telling you, when it happens, entire households and entire circles of friends can be changed for eternity. And so if you've never discipled someone, don't overthink it. Just get started. Just get started. How? Well, you could start by sharing your story and how Jesus has actually changed your life. Now, if you got nothing to talk about, maybe you don't need to be sharing that story. So I didn't get saved, you know, late in life. I was young. Okay, well, how's having Jesus in your life changed you in the last year? Let's not go back to the profession of faith point. You might not have been a drunk or a drug addict or living out in the world or something like that and had this miraculous, you know, conversion. You might have been converted as a child, but how much growth have you seen from a year ago? How has Jesus changed your life lately? What's he walked you through? You can share that. You begin to ask a friend or a family member or a coworker, anybody you want to ask. Ask them how they're doing spiritually. Maybe open the Bible with them. Read a gospel passage with them. Read a psalm with them. Pray with them, even if it's simple. Because it's not about being perfect. It's about being present. It's about being intentional. Jesus, you don't have to have all the answers. Just willingness. Jesus didn't say, disciple once you're trained. No. He said what? Go. He said, go. And your obedience, even if it feels small, can actually be the spark that God uses to change someone's life. And so here's the challenge. Ask God this week to reveal someone in your life who needs help growing in their faith. It could be a child, it could be a teenager, it could be a friend, a coworker, a family member, a neighbor, whatever. Once he reveals that, I promise you, if you begin praying and asking God to reveal that to you, he will. If you're not hard-headed and say, okay, I hear your answer, but I don't like it. No. This is open hands, open heart when he does. If you'll have enough gumption to pray and ask God to reveal someone to you, and he does, take the initiative. Send them a text. Give them a call. Set up a time to meet. Or invite them out to study God's Word with you. Or begin to pray. Begin to have that conversation. And as you walk with them, don't just help them grow. Also look for opportunities to share the gospel. This person might not be a Christian, might not be saved. Ask them where they stand with Jesus. Invite them to trust Him. And remember, it's not your job to save anybody. That's the work of the Holy Spirit. Your role is to be faithful. Your role is to speak truth and love and to point them to the Savior. Discipleship doesn't need a stage, it doesn't need a platform. It just needs your yes. Don't wait. Start this week. Live out the mission. Well, if we're going to be sent to make a difference, we also have to identify with Jesus publicly and help others do the same. Second part of verse 19. It says, go therefore, of course, the first part, go therefore and make disciples of all the nations. Second part, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. I'll tell you, there are a few moments, I think, that better capture the essence of the gospel than baptism. As a matter of fact, you see the water is in the baptistry, and then at the beginning of the second service, we're baptizing. On September 14th, we're going to have another ocean baptism. I praise God for that. And watching God, watching someone go under the water in surrender and emerge into the arms of a rejoicing church family, that's sacred. It's sacred, it's powerful. And it never loses its impact. Because baptism isn't only a symbol, it's actually a declaration. Every time we do it, it's a declaration that Jesus saves and transforms lives. So I just need to say, if you felt that baptism might be your next step, I would be honored. I want you to know, I would be honored, and others of us would, to help you to walk with you through it. You don't have to figure it out alone. We're here for you. Let's take that step together in faith and in obedience. And so, at Providence, over these last 15 years, we've repeatedly witnessed the power of baptism. We've witnessed that a lot this year. Praise God. When someone publicly commits to their faith in Jesus. And what happens is it actually impacts more than just their personal story. It actually spreads through families. It ignites conversations among friends. It renews faith in others as well. And it serves as a reminder that God continues to save and change lives. Every single baptism proclaims Jesus is Lord. Everyone. My goal, my prayer is to make this church family and this place we're taking this step is common. It's celebrated, it's encouraged. It's where each of us help others find the courage to say yes to Jesus both publicly and joyfully. Baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. Baptism is more than a ritual. It's actually the first step of obedience in the Christian life. It's how believers publicly identify with Jesus, symbolizing death to sin, resurrection with Christ, and new life. And that Trinitarian formula might sound theological, but it holds a deep personal significance. Because when we're baptized in the name of the Father, of the Son and the Holy Spirit, we're expressing that my whole life belongs to the God who created me, the God who rescued me through Jesus, and is now transforming me by the Holy Spirit. That's what you're saying. It's more than just a ritual, it is a complete surrender to the God who invites us into his family and grants us a new identity as our own. And baptism reminds us, and everybody else that witnesses it, that we do not belong to ourselves, but to Christ. It's a visible statement that our lives are no longer ours, but surrendered to Jesus' Lordship. And so through baptism, we show a new identity that we are now sons and daughters of God. And we're welcomed into this new community, the family of faith. And we're given a new purpose, and that's to live for his glory and make him known. But baptism isn't the finish line, it's the starting point of a life lived openly for Jesus. It's the moment when we publicly declare, I belong to him. So, are you ready to be recognized as a follower of Christ? Regardless of the cost. Regardless of the cost. Jesus said, Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will acknowledge before my Father in heaven. And so, in a world that often keeps faith very private and doesn't want it out in the open, baptism is a very bold declaration saying that Jesus is my Savior, my King, and my Lord. So here's my challenge. If you've been delaying baptism, ask yourself why. What's holding you back? Fear? Uncertainty? Right? Don't let anything stand in the way of obeying Jesus. And so, if you've already been baptized, then let me ask you this question: Who are you helping to take that next step? Because God might actually call you to walk alongside someone else as they take this public act of faith. Let's be a church that doesn't postpone obedience across the board. But a church that moves quickly toward it. So identify with Jesus and help others to do the same. It's part of being sent to make a difference. Verse 20. First part of verse 20. Teaching them to observe all things that I've commanded you. So if we're going to be sent ourselves to make a difference, what has to happen? Well, we have to commit to the growth that transforms you. Commit to the growth that transforms you. I have to tell you what, what I want for Providence Church is not just that we would be a church that knows the Bible, although that's incredibly important. But not that we would just be a church that knows the Bible, but that we would live it and breathe it and walk it out in every part of our lives. I want us to be a people who move beyond agreement with Jesus into actual obedience to him. Where his commands shape our conversations, where his commands shape our decisions and our daily rhythms. Because this is where real power is. That's when trust deepens in marriages and strongholds in our lives begin to crumble. And family and friends actually start asking, why are you different? Are you different? I'm praying not just for smarter Christians, but obedient ones. Not just for more teaching, but for transformation. I mean, look, if you've been around any serious length of time around here, you know that we believe in teaching the whole counsel of God. But not just filling minds with facts, but shaping hearts that obey. That's really why I am committed to preaching verse by verse. That's why our groups delve into the scripture. And that's why spiritual growth should be expected, not optional. But the goal isn't knowledge alone, it's transformation. Teaching them to observe all that I've commanded you. Jesus didn't say, teach them everything I've said. What did he say? Teach them to obey. Teach them to observe. Teach them to obey. Obedience is the primary goal of discipleship. The Christian life isn't just about gathering facts, it's about submitting to the Lordship of Christ in our lives. Doctrine only truly matters if it shapes devotion. You hear what I said? Doctrine only truly matters if it shapes devotion. Because biblical knowledge that doesn't lead to godly obedience misses DeMark. Fundamental transformation happens when we understand what Jesus said, live it out in faith, and surrender to him, yield to him.

SPEAKER_01: 28:56

You've been listening to Foundations of Truth, the Bible teaching ministry of Pastor Timothy Mann at Providence Church, Orman Beach, Florida. Providence is located at 1151 West Coast of Florida. Ormond Beach, Florida. 5654. Providence Church.