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There is something natural, spiritual, and powerful happening in our church community. Have you noticed it? Do you feel it too?
Last weekend, our church officers spent extra time together. We met in the Youth Room after the fellowship lunch, and then again the next day at the Paradise Valley Spanish SDA Church. These times felt refreshing, as we rediscovered Jesus’ command in the Great Commission, found in the four Gospels: Matthew 28:18–20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46–49/Acts 1:8; and John 20:21–23. In these passages, Jesus shares His desire: to “make disciples of all nations,” by going, baptizing, and teaching.
For many, this was a new experience, maybe the first in years of following the Lord, where the Great Commission became clear again. It felt like seeing it through a magnifying glass—simple, direct, and meaningful. After this, Jesus’ call in John 15 to abide in Him, love one another, and bear fruit made more sense. These truths fit together and reminded us that being with Jesus comes before doing things for Him.
This is our call to discipleship. It is a journey we must take together as a church family, and we need to make it a priority in our church plans. It is normal to see this as a big task—a tall order, even a Mount Everest-sized challenge, as Pastor Rhidge and I often say. We do not have all the answers yet, and maybe we do not need them. The Bible shows us that obedience often comes before understanding. When Peter asked Jesus if he could walk on water, Jesus simply said, “Come.” It did not have to make sense. Peter stepped out in faith, and the Lord supported him.
From the start, at Creation, God set up a covenant of relationships: between Adam and Eve as husband and wife, between people and their Creator, and between people and the rest of creation as caretakers. This design was kept alive by making it a priority to seek God, to know Him, draw near to Him, and live in His presence (Psalm 27:8; Jeremiah 29:13; James 4:8).
Each of us will feel a personal call to join this journey of discipleship. Be ready. Prepare your heart. Step into this journey with others as we move together toward God’s kingdom.
-Pastor Lim
