BULLETIN ARTICLE – 13 August 2017
“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose.” Jim Elliot (1927-1956)
Are you a Christian or a Disciple of Jesus? This boldly addresses a question that has ultimate implications for every Christian, which God seems to be pushing into the center of today’s global “Christian” conversation. Being a Disciple of Jesus means nothing less than to be a wholehearted fully devoted follower of Jesus!
When China’s well-known pastor, Wang Ming-Dao, was finally released from prison, he stated, “In these past twenty over years, I have not had a copy of the Bible. Happily, between the ages of twenty-one to twenty-four, I spent my time at home doing the housework and studying the Scriptures. I memorized many passages. These passages in my heart came out one by one and strengthened me. Had it not been for those words of God, then not only I, but many others, would also have been defeated.” The best way the church can prepare for trials and persecution is by seriously studying and learning the Word of God. Christians need an overview of the whole Bible.
“There are over 6,000 unreached people groups. Someone brought you the gospel. To whom will you bring the gospel? (Ed Stetzer)” 2.3+ billion people identify themselves as “Christians,” and Jesus never used the word once. It is found only 3 times in the Bible and was not initiated by believers. But over 250 times believers are called “disciples” in the Bible.
Jesus made disciples a certain way. He told them to go into all the world and make disciples. If we do not know what He meant by the word “disciple,” how do we know we are making what He wants us to make? Revivals, renewals and reformations in World Christian History are usually fervently returning to New Testament Discipleship. Discipleship requires us to have an authentic love for the church, with a rigorous commitment to the true meaning of discipleship. We must learn to gradually replace the comfortable-living brand of Christianity that ignores how Jesus, taught his disciples to be and to make disciples. Sacrifice Is needed!
Targeted Global South missionaries sent over the next 15-20 years…
PRAY that BKC members will learn to be sacrificial disciples of the Lord.
