At Liberty Live Church, our mission has never changed: we exist to change lives, communities, and the world for Jesus Christ. That last part is essential. We don’t just exist to gather crowds or build buildings, we exist to make disciples. Nineteen years ago, I preached this message for the first time, and it is as timely today as it was then. Based on Deuteronomy 31:12, the charge is simple yet powerful: “Gather the people.”
“Gather the people together, men, women, children, and the stranger within your gates, that they may hear and learn to fear the Lord your God and carefully observe all the words of this law.”
— Deuteronomy 31:12
1. It Starts with a Command
This call to gather is not a suggestion; it is a command. From the Old Testament to the New, the heart of God has always been to reach people. Jesus came to seek and save the lost, and the church is called to continue that mission. At Liberty, we preach the Word of God, Old and New Testament, because it takes the whole Bible to make a whole Christian.
We don’t gather out of routine, but out of obedience. Church isn’t about a ritual or a bulletin. It’s about expecting God to move in power. Liberty isn’t in love with a system; we’re in love with the Savior.
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.”
— 1 Corinthians 4:20
That’s why we plant campuses, launch online services, host small groups, and open our doors wide, so more people can meet Jesus.
2. It Stretches into a Crowd
The call to gather isn’t just for a select few. It includes men, women, children, and even the stranger within your gates. God’s heart is for everyone, and that includes the unlikely, the overlooked, and the outsider.
Growth is not optional. In the book of Acts, the church multiplied. Why? Because every number represents a name, and every name matters to God.
If you know someone—coworker, neighbor, or friend—who doesn’t know Jesus, invite them. Fifteen percent of people will come to church if invited. But if you offer to grab a meal or coffee after, that jumps to eighty percent.
“He who wins souls is wise.”
— Proverbs 11:30
We don’t gather to build crowds. We gather to see lives changed. Churches that don’t count people often don’t reach people. There’s an entire book in the Bible called Numbers. The Bible says Jesus fed the 5,000, because someone counted.
3. It Seeks a Conversion
The reason we gather is clear: “That they may hear and learn to fear the Lord your God.” We don’t do this for tradition. We do it so people will meet Jesus. That’s the mission. We gather the people so they will hear, learn, and obey.
There is no one beyond God’s reach. Woody was a man who had been in prison nine times, struggled with addiction, and had been married nine times. Yet Woody met Jesus at a Bible study in a gas station, and his life was completely transformed. He brought countless people to church, and even in his death, his testimony led others to salvation.
“What Jesus did for Woody, He can do for you.”
No matter your past, God wants to rewrite your story. That’s why we keep inviting, keep praying, keep going. Because someone like Woody is waiting for someone like you to care enough to invite them.
Final Challenge
Who are you praying for? Who are you inviting to Christmas Eve services? Who’s your “Woody”?
We don’t gather for tradition. We gather for transformation. Let’s dream big, pray boldly, serve joyfully, and go after the lost together.
Don’t let your scars define you. Let Jesus’ scars define you. He died for you. Let’s keep gathering the people for Jesus Christ.
If you’re ready to take your next step, fill out a Connection Card or visit one of our campus locations. We would love to pray with you, baptize you, or help you get connected.