The Great Commission Begins at the Altar

Main Scripture:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…”— Matthew 28:19 (ESV)

Date: 3rd July 2025

Sermon Message

The Great Commission is not a call to activity — it’s a call to carry God’s presence to the nations. And that begins at the altar. Before Jesus ever sent His disciples into the world, He called them to Himself (Mark 3:14). Intimacy preceded assignment. Worship precedes warfare. The altar is where God fills, sends, and empowers His vessels.

Many are passionate about missions but lack the fire of the secret place. Without the altar, we run on zeal instead of power, ambition instead of anointing. The true fulfillment of the Great Commission will not come from church programs alone — it will come from a people who burn daily before the Lord, carrying His burden, hearing His strategy, and moving with His Spirit.

We go to the nations because we have first stood in the presence of the King. The altar fuels the mission.

Golden Nugget

You cannot carry God to the nations if you haven’t first met Him at the altar.

Further Study

• Mark 3:13-15 – He appointed them to be with Him, then to send them

• Acts 1:8 – You shall receive power… and be My witnesses

• Isaiah 6:1-8 – Encounter at the altar before the commission

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I thank You for the Great Commission. But before I go, I want to know You. Let the fire of Your presence purify and prepare me. Birth in me a burden for the lost that comes from Your heart. Teach me to wait at the altar until I am full of Your Word, Your Spirit, and Your mission. Send me only when I have first been with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Activation Challenge

Spend time praying for one nation or one unreached people group today. Ask the Lord for a burden, a strategy, and a word. Write it down. Begin praying for them regularly at your altar. Missions is not just for evangelists — it’s the call of every altar-builder.