As the new year begins, what will you be praying for? In Matthew 6:9-13 Jesus provides us a pattern of prayer that we could all follow.

“This, then, is how you should pray:

“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
    on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
    as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
    but deliver us from the evil one.

As I pray, I begin by worshipping our Father God as Creator and Lord of the universe. Our all-powerful and all-knowing Father knows us completely yet still loves us. And welcomes each one as a son/daughter! I enjoy taking time to bask in that reality—in his perfect and unconditional love.

Then comes this line: Your kingdom come…  

Lord, may your kingdom come in my life, in my thoughts and in my attitudes—and my motivations. Father, I am so easily distracted and so quick to feel frustrated or impatient. Holy Spirit, I need you to help me keep my eyes on Jesus—to see the world as He does. I want to be more like you, Jesus! To love as you love, to be moved by your compassion, to serve as you served…

Lord, may your kingdom come in my relationship with my wife and our kids, and our grandchildren. I want to represent You to them, to have my words, my responses, my actions and interactions to be more like you—more like you in my character, in the tone of my voice, in how I spend my time…

And Lord, may your kingdom come in their lives! I long for each one—my son and our daughters, and their spouses, and all their children—to love you with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength! From generation to generation until you return, Jesus, may they be sold out and fully surrendered to you! I’m believing for that. I’m crying out for Your Glory…

And oh Lord, may your kingdom come in and through the ministry of Global Disciples. Father, thank you for every member of our team around the world. They each are amazing gifts to this ministry and in my life. You’ve put this team together in such a masterful way. You’ve brought just the right people at the right time, though not always as quickly as I had hoped. You have done us well Jesus, so well!

As I walk around my neighborhood, Lord, may your kingdom come here where you’ve planted us, where we live. I get so busy going here and there, that sometimes I feel like a real failure as a witness for you here, Jesus. I want everyone in this neighborhood to know you. Some do, but many don’t. Oh Holy Spirit, I need your strategies and your love for each one imparted in my heart. I want to be compelled by your love, not guilt driven—but convicted of the importance of my witness here.

I started with one phrase of a prayer burning on my heart, to see your kingdom come. There’s so much more I didn’t get to! I wonder if you didn’t expect that would happen, Jesus, when you gave us this sample prayer. Amen.

Where do you want to see God’s kingdom come in your life? In your family? Or in your community or church? In your business or labor or education? Or in your sphere of influence or the broader world? Then pray that, today and through the coming year.

And this year, as you pray “may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13). 

– Galen Burkholder, CEO/Founder of Global Disciples

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian missions organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

Praise and worship are two significant words found in the Bible.

They both refer to our expression of adoration for our God and Father, yet have significant differences.

Understanding these can give you a great opportunity to learn to connect with God, through His Jesus, in a new and exciting way.

In Christian circles, praise and worship typically refer to singing. While singing definitely plays a significant role in expressing praise and worship to God, the meanings are even deeper than merely singing.

Praise refers to lifting God up. It is the joyful recounting of what God has done for us. Praise and Thanksgiving go hand in hand as thank God and offer appreciation for who He is. Praise is the acknowledgment of all the wonderful, righteous deeds of God. He is worthy of praise (Psalm 18:3).

Praise can be presented as an uninhibited, overflowing, joyful, and even boisterous recounting of the goodness of God.

Praise the Lord!
Praise God in His sanctuary;
…in His mighty heavens.
….for His mighty acts;
Praise Him according to [the abundance of] His greatness.
Praise Him with trumpet sound;
…with harp and lyre.
Praise Him with tambourine and dancing;
….with stringed instruments and flute.
Praise Him with resounding cymbals;
….Him with loud cymbals.
Let everything that has breath and every breath of life praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!)
– Psalm 150:1-6

Is anyone among you suffering? He must pray. Is anyone joyful? He is to sing praises [to God].
– James 5:13

Bless and affectionately praise the Lord, O my soul,
And do not forget any of His benefits
– Psalm 103:2

Praise the Lord!
For it is good to sing praises to our [gracious and majestic] God;
Praise is becoming and appropriate.
– Psalm 147:1

O magnify the Lord with me,
And let us lift up His name together.
– Psalm 34:3

Worship refers to humbling ourselves to God and is costly. We are made to Worship and the question is not whether we are going to Worship or not but rather who are what are we going to worship? Worship is the act of losing yourself in the adoration and admiration of another. To truly worship we need to be in a place of complete submission to the will and word of the Lord. Worship carries a weight of reverence and awe and throughout scripture is often coupled with the act of bowing our heads and kneeling as a physical representation of surrender to who God is and submitting everything in our lives to His authority (Psalm 95:6).

Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness;
Tremble [in submissive wonder] before Him, all the earth.
– Psalm 96:9

Jesus replied to him, “It is written and forever remains written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and serve only Him.’”
– Luke 4:8

My [only] sacrifice [acceptable] to God is a broken spirit;
A broken and contrite heart [broken with sorrow for sin, thoroughly penitent], such, O God, You will not despise.
– Psalm 51:17

Ascribe to the Lord the glory and honor due His name;
Bring an offering [of thanksgiving], and come before Him;
Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness.
– 1 Chronicles 16:29

But a time is coming and is already here when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit [from the heart, the inner self] and in truth; for the Father seeks such people to be His worshipers. God is spirit [the Source of life, yet invisible to mankind], and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
– John 4:23-24

In daily church life, songs that are more upbeat are typically referred to as praise songs, while quieter, more reflective songs, have come to be called worship songs. This is likely because during faster, louder songs to the Lord, we dance, raise our hands and often look up (similar to how the ancient worshippers did – 2 Samuel 6:14-22).

By contrast, when the music is slower and quieter, we may tend to lower our eyes (even closing them), bow our heads, and kneel. It is rare for a worshipper to dance excitedly during a slower worship song.

It is true that these are not absolute rules. Many worshippers bow their heads, kneel, and deeply reflect on Christ during upbeat songs. Conversely, it is not unheard of for some worshippers to jump, dance, and shout during a slow worship song. Indeed, many worshippers will look up when the music is slow and reflective.

Surely the reason why these two terms are used in this way is that the typical way for believers to behave during faster songs is with an attitude of praise, while the slower melodies bring a sense of worship. Either way, the similarities between these two styles of connecting with God is far more significant than their differences.

Whether we are praising God in our music and lives, or worshipping Him, both praise and worship serves the purpose of drawing us into His presence, helping us to become aware that He is there and how much more significant He is than the problems we currently face in our lives.

Through lifting Him up and lowering ourselves, we are bringing every part of our lives, physical, mental, and emotional, under His authority as we declare with our voices and actions that He deserves all honor and praise as we pour our adoration onto Him.

While praise and worship are both done during singing to Jesus Christ, they should be done with everything we do in life. Far more than simply singing songs, we should make our every action an act of praise and/or worship to God Almighty.

The Bible tells us that the Lord inhabits the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3).

Our praise and worship involve us connecting with God.

While we can tend to go about our daily lives, either giving occasional thought to Him or, even worse, no thought to Him at all, living a life of praise and worship helps us to make Him a frequent part of our lives. We may not always succeed at doing this, but deliberately praising and worshipping Him as often as we think of it makes a significant impact on our mission to submit all that we have to Him.

Some simple tips can help us to bring praise and worship into our daily lives. Firstly, we can deliberately take on an attitude of thankfulness in situations that we encounter (Phillippians 4). Choosing to thank God for what we have and what we face leads automatically to praise.

Secondly, talking to Jesus like the real friend He is, not just with please and thank you, but talking to Him about our favourite food, our likes and dislikes, what we would like to do that day, and how exciting the soccer game was, reminds us that He is with us in everything we experience.

Finally, examining ourselves and what we do, asking the very important question, “Does this honor God?” builds a habit of praise and worship. Doing this, and making the necessary changes to make sure every part of our lives does honor him, helps convert our lives into acts of praise and worship.

When Christians talk about praise and worship, they typically mean the fast and slow songs during the church service. However, these songs and how they are sung are only an outward expression of the complete act of worship, which is done inside of us and how we live.

Praise and Worship is an attitude of the heart. It is possible to do all the religious outward motions yet miss the whole point of what praise and worship actual mean.

Giving complete control over to God is the goal, and honoring Him is the path to that goal.

Are you interested in a discipleship-focused, church-planting organization in Canada? Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near to reach least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet, Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time when many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

Evangelism should be the lifestyle of every disciple of Jesus.

In truth, compassion toward all human beings is part of our calling and enables us to see the lost through the eyes of Jesus to lead them to Him.

Evangelism is preaching the Gospel and taking care of new believers to lead them into maturity.

We can better understand Evangelism and Compassion and how it relates to the Church and our lives by exploring the following;

The Great Commission is recorded in Matthew 28:18–20, Mark 16:15, Luke 24:46-47, John 20:21, and Acts 1:8. Its great because of its size that covers the entire world; it is great because of the time period given to finish the work—until the end of this earth; it is great in its importance because one’s response to this command will determine that person’s destiny of hell or heaven. It is the most important and urgent message that every human being needs to hear.

Jesus Christ is the one who gives this commission. He introduces Himself as the one who holds the supreme authority. The supremacy of the Lord Jesus is mentioned in Matthew 20:18: “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on Earth.” It is the declaration of the greatest winner. We should be convinced of the power and authority of Our Lord Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:9-11). As His Church, we have received this power (Ephesians 1:18-21); we have to exercise this power and authority in fulfilling this mission (Acts 13:6-12). We travel, preach, teach, and fulfill all of the commands of Jesus with this authority. We are authorized to proclaim the Gospel of the Kingdom of God (Luke 8:1).

Why do we need this authority?  While fulfilling the Great Commission, we are entering Satan’s domain. He is the ruler of this world, the god of this age. The whole world lies in his grasp. We are attempting to snatch souls from him, and we have no power or authority to do so apart from Christ. Satan will not let them go without a fight which, in our own strength, we are utterly incapable of winning. We can’t compete in that arena with fleshly weapons.

The eleven disciples are the initial recipients of this commission. There cannot be the argument that they will be the only people. The work continues until the close of this age. Even after the eleven disciples died, the Gospel did not reach the end of the earth.

The work cannot be done through just eleven people. The book of Acts records that many people who were not the original eleven (like Paul, John Mark, Luke, and Silas) were also part of the work. They were commissioned by the Holy Spirit to do this work.

Today, this commission is handed over to us, but we often need to be assured that it is for us. We must remember that the anointing of the Holy Spirit is an appointment for this mission. We must call this Gospel our Gospel (2 Timothy 2:8). Sometimes it is dangerous to fulfill the commission without this personal conviction (Acts 19:13-16). As mentioned in Hebrews 13:8, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is still commissioning each of us to fulfill this task (1 Peter 2:9-10).

This commission is great in size and purpose. We are commissioned to preach to all the nations (the people groups of this earth). No one is to be left without hearing the Gospel. It also covers a time span to the end of this age. The second coming of Jesus is very much connected with the fulfillment of this task (Matthew 24:14).

The task includes preaching to the whole world. Everyone has to hear the Good News of the Lord Jesus and make a decision. We are commanded to baptize the believers in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. This includes teaching the new believers everything that Christ taught us. The goal is to make disciples of all nations. Each and every activity of disciples of Jesus should be a partial fulfillment of this command.

The incarnation of Jesus was to inaugurate His everlasting Kingdom that consists of all peoples who put their trust in Him. The ultimate God wants to see everyone from every nation, tribe, people, and tongue come to worship Him (Revelation 7:9-10). God does not want anyone to perish (2 Peter 3:9). Even those who do not accept this Gospel will one day declare Jesus as the Lord (Philippians 2:9-11).

“I will be with you . . . even to the end of this age.” Unlike any other human authorities, the unusual promise this Commissioner gave is that He will be with us. We go out with the presence, promise, and power of Jesus. “I will never leave you” is the promise of Jesus (2 Timothy 4:17; Mark 16:20).

Jesus, the Lord of the Harvest, stands with us to guide us, protect us, and strengthen us. He always wants us to be co-laborers with Him (1 Corinthians 3:9). The awareness of the presence of the Lord with us should help us to lead a personal life of integrity and holiness. Constant walking with the Lord Jesus will help us to grow into His likeness (Ephesians 4:15).

What would it cost us? The primary call of Jesus was to come and receive (Matthew 11:28-30). But those who decided to follow Him must make a serious decision (Matthew 16:24-25; Mark 8:34-36; Luke 14:26-27). When we decide to go into all the world, that will involve our whole lives (Luke 10:3).

Jesus is the best example of one who gave His own life for others, and the followers are expected to become martyrs if needed. The fulfillment of the Great Commission would cost everything that the saved ones possess on earth.

The history of the church is filled with stories of those who laid down their lives for the cause of fulfilling this commission. It is worth investing anything and everything that we have for the kingdom of God.  Jim Elliott said, “He is not a fool who gives up all that he cannot keep with him forever to gain something that he can keep with him forever.”

What is the reward? God accepts whatever we respectfully offer to Him. He does this to return it to us as a reward. He wants whatever we do in fulfilling this Great Commission to be rewarded. Jesus promised that even one glass of water given in His name would be recorded and rewarded (Matthew 10:42). The reward is in both this world and in the eternal life to come. Jesus reminds us of many eternal rewards we receive from Him (John 12:25-26; 2 Timothy 2:12). The Bible advises us to consider our great reward (Hebrews 11:26; Hebrews 10:35; Hebrews 12:16). 

Everyone who invests their time, energy, material blessings, influences, and God-given talents for any activity in the kingdom of God will be rewarded. It is not just a salary or a payment but a reward. Somebody once commented that those who fulfill this great commission receive a great (huge) commission!  Those who build God’s kingdom on earth will be part and parcel of this Kingdom. Jesus, the coming King and the Judge of the whole creation, is going to establish His everlasting kingdom. Those who invest in this generation will reign with Him forever. If we love Jesus, we will keep His commandments, especially the Great Commission. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 2:9, “No eyes have seen, nor ear heard nor mind can imagine what God has prepared for those who love him.” The final Day of Judgment will reveal our reward (1 Corinthians 3:10-15).

Even after 2000 years, the Great Commission given by Jesus our Lord is still incomplete. Let us commit our lives to see the fulfillment of the heart cry of Jesus accomplished. Think of Jesus blessing the five loaves of bread and two fish, and His feeding of the five thousand. He calls us and gives us the bread and the fish in our hands. What shall we do? We feed the people in the front rows. Everyone who sits in the front rows receives the food several times. Those who are sitting in the back rows are still waiting. Those who received the living bread, the Gospel, are receiving it again and again while the unreached remain unreached. What will be the feeling of Jesus who blessed and gave the bread to all who are seated?

We need to make disciples and finish the work in our generation.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

Evangelism should be the lifestyle of every disciple of Jesus.

Compassion toward all human beings is part of our calling and enables us to see the lost through the eyes of Jesus to lead them to Him.

Evangelism is preaching the Gospel and taking care of new believers to lead them into maturity.

We can better understand Evangelism and Compassion and how it relates to the Church and our lives by exploring the following;

The English word “evangelism” came from the Greek word “euaggelion,” and it means the announcement, proclamation, or preaching of the Gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).

The ultimate goal of evangelism is to make disciples who will go and make disciples.

The master has a special character, quality, or ability. The master also has a vision or a task that he wants to accomplish. The disciple becomes a student and a servant of the master so that his intimate relationship with the master will help him to receive the quality or the ability of the master. A disciple or student finds a master who will help him to fulfill the purpose of life.

The master allows a person to become his disciple so that he can impart his vision, mission, ability, and the purpose of his life on to someone else. As a result, after the death of the master, his disciple will continue the mission and fulfill the vision. It is the vision of a great master to recruit and train disciples so that his vision will continue and find fulfillment even after his death.

It is important that the ultimate vision of the master and the disciple are one and in full agreement with the other. Making disciples is a process; it happens as a result of intimate relationship with the master.

Jesus Christ our master came into this world to save all mankind from sin and eternal death (hell). He took the form of a human being with great purpose and mission. He knew very well that His mission needed to be continued after His death and resurrection. As a result, He selected 12 men and called them His disciples. The primary purpose was that they should be with Him. During this time of 3 ½ years, Jesus imparted His vision, mission, and the purpose of His life to His disciples. Finally, He gave them the commission to go and make disciples of all nations.

One of the most exciting times in a Christian’s life is when he/she knows for certain that the Holy Spirit has personally directed him/her to share Christ with others. The key to that kind of evangelism is availability—walking by the Spirit so He can use you at a moment’s notice. If you ever feel a lack of purpose or direction in life, try leading someone to Jesus Christ. You will become so swept away in the significance of the event, it will place everything else into proper focus. And consider this Scripture passage:

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons and daughters through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. (Ephesians 1:3-6)

There are several methods of evangelism such as personal evangelism, door-to-door outreach, open-air preaching, literature distribution, prayer walks, crusades and mass evangelism, and the use of information technologies such as the internet, computers, etc.

Personal evangelism still is one of the best methods.

Jesus used it while talking to the Samaritan woman, and Philip led the Ethiopian eunuch to Christ. Sometimes we find it difficult to personally witness to the people who are traveling with us or people with whom we have regular contact. GLN (Global Location Number) Singapore had adopted a method called S-A-L-T-I-N-G that could be very helpful for us as we learn how to evangelize.

S—Say something. (Use general greetings about climate or a recent incident that people are talking about. Do not forget to smile and make a friendly atmosphere.)

A—Ask a question. (Make it a general and simple question so that the next person will open their mouth and answer you—then the conversation can begin.)

L—Listen carefully. (Sometimes their answer can lead you to further conversation.)

T—Turn the conversation to something deeper. (As you keep talking, prayerfully listen to the open doors to turn the conversation from a ‘Hi’ and ‘Bye’ to something more intimate. Let the person know that you are sincerely interested in his/her wellbeing.)

I—Introduce Jesus. (At an appropriate time, share your testimony of walking with Jesus and what Jesus has done for you. Take time to present the Gospel very clearly.)

N—Note the response. (There usually are at least 5 possible responses: 1. Hostile (upset and angry to hear about Jesus); 2. Neutral (there are many good religious and political leaders and Jesus is just one good person among them); 3. Detached interest (they show interest in Jesus and the Church when they are in need of prayer and deliverance, but when their needs are met, they leave until they are in need again); 4. Genuine interest (they have heard the Gospel very clearly and show a genuine interest in Him with a desire to follow Him); 5. Decision (they have probably heard the Gospel several times and made up their mind to follow Jesus).

G—Go for landing. (Get ready to finish your conversation, take and give the contact details if needed for follow-up, then lead the person to Jesus by helping him/her to pray the sinner’s prayer etc.) 

Jesus Christ wants evangelism—reaching people with the end-goal of making them disciples so that they also can reach and disciple others until everyone gets an opportunity to choose and follow Jesus Christ. Jesus does not approve of anyone who evangelizes without first becoming a devoted disciple. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus talked about those who preach the Gospel, heal the sick, and perform miracles without having a personal relationship with Jesus (Matthew 7:21-23). Jesus plainly tells them, “I do not know you,” or “I did not approve of you,” or “you have never been an intimate disciple of mine.”

Evangelism is reaching people with the Gospel and making them disciples of Jesus. As Jesus commanded us, making disciples is a process (Matthew 28:18-20). The chart below on the comparative study of the five stages of natural parenting and spiritual parenting is a very helpful comparison that lets us see how our ministry of evangelism and making disciples works.

The ultimate goal of a parent is to see their child become a parent. A disciple-maker should have a goal to help new believers become disciples who make other disciples. 

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

Evangelism should be the lifestyle of every disciple of Jesus.

Compassion toward all human beings is part of our calling and enables us to see the lost through the eyes of Jesus to lead them to Him.

Evangelism is preaching the Gospel and taking care of new believers to lead them into maturity.

We can better understand Evangelism and Compassion and how it relates to the Church and our lives by exploring the following;

The word “compassion” means to have sympathy, concern, empathy, kindness, or mercy. It is a deep awareness of the suffering of someone coupled with the wish to relieve it; it is sorrow or pity for the need of another person with a desire to help.

This emotional feeling comes to us when we see actions or hear news or understand truth.

We will have compassion when we understand the desperate need of a person or a community along with their helplessness to find a solution.

Compassion comes to us as we learn that people are under the control of someone or something that is keeping them from being free. 

We live in a world of revenge, anger, and hatred. The existence of this world depends on the group of people who has the habit of showing compassion. Anybody can get into trouble unexpectedly. If timely help does not reach a helpless and needy person, it can result in worse situations. People who have shown compassion to others also need help and compassion when they themselves get into helpless situations.

The heart of the Bible’s message is God’s compassion for all human beings. When sin entered the world through Adam and Eve’s disobedience, everyone became a slave to the devil. The wages of sin are death. The whole of humanity had lost its relationship with God, resulting in eternal death for all mankind. Satan ruled over all human beings as a taskmaster. But God saw the helplessness of man and had compassion for him. He loved man and planned a way of salvation for all of humanity.

God sent His only son Jesus to show His compassion to the lost world; Jesus was the embodiment of God’s compassion for His people. The declaration of Jesus in Luke 4:18-19, which some people call the “Nazareth Manifesto,” reveals that He saw the desperate need of those people whom He wanted to serve and save. They were poor, brokenhearted, captive, blind, and crushed.

It is also good to remember that Satan wanted to show Jesus a different world. It was a glorious and glittering world. The healthy, wealthy, and powerful people lived there. They were self-sufficient (Matthew 4:8). It is up to us to decide what we want to look at; we need to choose to see the world through the eyes of Jesus. Then we will have compassionate hearts just like Christ (Mark 6:34)

Jesus’ example challenges us to forsake our own desires and to act compassionately towards others, particularly those in need or distress. Jesus moved with compassion towards those in need (Matthew 9:36; Matthew 14:14; Matthew 15:32; Matthew 20:34; Mark 6:34; Mark 8:2; Luke 15:20). Those who walk with the Lord should have compassion on those who are in physical, spiritual, and emotional need (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:12-13; Philippians 2:1-2; 1 Peter 3:8).

In our compassion, we fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2). Matthew 14:14 says, “When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.” He sees sick people and has compassion. Again, in Matthew 15:32, “Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, ‘I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.’” God’s compassion should motivate and shape our response to the world around us.

The compassionate heart of Jesus led Him to do what He did; the miracles of Jesus came out of His compassion. Compassion is not just a feeling—it requires action. Compassion, will lead us to actions that will bring relief, healing, strength, and deliverance to those who are in need. Real compassion is not a theory, kept in mind or written on papers. We see and feel the practical side of it in the marketplace, on the roadside, or whenever anyone is in need. If compassion does not move us to action, it is not complete (Mark 1:41; Matthew 20:34; Matthew 14:14; Mark 8:2; Luke 7:13).

When was the last time I truly grieved over a lost soul? Am I moved by compassion to the point of sacrificial involvement in bringing others to Christ?

Jesus not only ministered to the needs of people as He was moved with compassion. He also taught His followers to practice it. What is the implication of the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37)? We are asked to “go and do” like this Samaritan.

The story of the prodigal son in Luke 15 reveals the compassionate heart of the father. When we see the desperate need of those who run from God, our actions should reveal the father’s heart of God to those who are around us.

Jesus also taught that there is a reward for those who show compassion to the needy. Let us take time to read Matthew 25:31-45. This chapter is one of the strongest teachings of Jesus. A careful study of these verses will always motivate us to be people of compassion. Moreover, it will open our eyes, and we will receive a higher revelation of Jesus walking around us as a needy person.  

Do we see any pictures of Jesus as a hungry, thirsty, naked, sick, captive person today? Where will we see Him like this? We need to look at the newspapers, watch the television, and see with our own eyes out there in the villages and cities; as a result of wars, famine, terrorism, earthquakes, and other natural disasters, the numbers of the suffering people are increasing daily—we should show the same love and care for these suffering people as if they were Christ.

Mother Teresa was a famous Catholic missionary from Yugoslavia. She was moved with compassion as she saw the numerous orphans and disabled children in the street of Calcutta, India. As she read Matthew 25, she saw Jesus in these children. From that moment, her entire life was dedicated to serving these thousands of people. She said that Matthew 25 had changed her whole life. No wonder the world honored her by awarding her the Nobel Peace Prize.

Jesus also gave a strong warning to those who do not show compassion.

He taught that there is a severe punishment for those who do not show compassion to those who are in need (Matthew 25:31-46). This portion of the Bible tells us that helping the needy is not an option or a choice—it is a command. The offenders will be punished with everlasting punishment. Listen to the argument of the people who God condemns: “We have not seen you as hungry, thirsty, stranger, naked, and sick or in prison” (Matthew 25:44). It seems they had an ‘eye’ problem. They were blind; they did not see the needy Jesus. Or perhaps their eyes were fixed on the glorious splendor of this world. If Satan tried to show it to Jesus and tried to persuade Him to possess it, would he not persuade us to fix our eyes on the wealth and riches of this world?

Henry Martin, a committed missionary, was once preaching among beggars. During his message, he said “Jesus loves you.” Those listening to him were touched by these words, and many beggars received his message with tears of joy because they could finally hear that there was somebody who loved them, took care of them, and had compassion for them. They grew up in a situation of hatred and abuse, without love or care. But when they heard these words “God loves you,” tears rolled down their cheeks. We possess a message of comfort and compassion for this hurting world. While it is important to minister to the physical or societal needs of people, it is critical to show compassion for those under the yoke of Satan who are spiritually dead.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

Every wondered why Jesus talks so much about need for preaching the Gospel and making disciples? Read on to find out why!

Evangelism is preaching the Gospel and taking care of new believers to lead them into maturity.

We can better understand Evangelism and Compassion and how it relates our lives by exploring the following;

God created every human being for a close relationship with Him (John 3:16). But human beings disobeyed God by violating His commandments and deciding to turn away from Him (Romans 3:23). The punishment for this disobedience and sin is death and hell (Romans 6:23). However, God, in His mercy, wanted to save the whole world. God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten son—Jesus Christ—from heaven to earth. Jesus lived a sinless life and pleased the Father God through His life.

Finally, He died on the cross, taking the wages of sin for the whole world. Jesus loved us to the extent of giving His own life for us. On the third day, God raised Jesus from the dead, and Jesus ascended into heaven. Jesus will come back again to take everyone who believes in Him back to heaven where they will be with Him forever. Jesus Christ is the Gospel (2 Timothy 2:8) and there is no salvation without Him (Acts 4:12).

As sinners, when we come to Jesus Christ and ask Him for the forgiveness of our sins, He forgives us and cleanses us from all of our sins with His precious blood. He fills us with His Spirit, His love, and His compassion so that we will reflect Him in our daily lives. We become the children of God because we are called out of the darkness of sin and Satan into His marvelous light in Jesus Christ. As people who experience the love and compassion of God, we become the agents of transformation to the rest of the world

If we do not preach the Gospel, people will die in their sins without hearing the Good News of Jesus. There is no other way of salvation except through Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12). The Gospel is the power of God to transform lives (Romans 1:16). We also know that the time is short which creates an urgency to preach the Gospel. Jesus commanded us to go and preach the Good News (Mark 16:15).

The Gospel is the Good News of salvation for the whole of humanity. We must use all of the methods and media at our disposal to spread that message. God does not want anyone to perish but wants all to repent of their sins and receive the free gift of salvation.

Preaching reminds us not only of the preacher’s passion, conviction, vigor, and enthusiasm for what he is preaching but also of the urgency of communicating that message.

When we preach the Gospel, we must expect results—transformation and repentance (Acts 2:37-38; Acts 18:8); miracles and wonders (Mark 16:15-18); persecution and imprisonment (Acts 16:20-24); even death (Acts 7:54-60). Regardless of the results, the Lord Jesus is always with the preacher (Acts 18:9-10; 2 Timothy 4:16-17). All of us who have experienced the power of the Gospel are called to preach it.

A famous bishop in South India asked every believer after baptism to place the Bible and a hand on their head and repeat 1 Corinthians 9:16 three times. This practice eventually produced thousands of powerful preachers from that region, and churches multiplied. In 1 Corinthians 9:16-17, Paul said, “If I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel. For if I do this voluntarily, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have a stewardship entrusted to me” (emphasis added). 

Sin has alienated people from God, and they must be reconciled to Him. Reconciliation means “the bringing together of two parties that are in dispute; particularly, Christ’s bringing God and man together, the result of which is salvation.”

However, reconciliation comes through Christ alone who came to take our sin upon Himself and grant us His righteousness. We are ambassadors of that message. An ambassador is a special representative from one government appointed to represent its government’s interests to another. To represent Christ is a high honor and a significant investment of our lives. 

We preach the Gospel with a desire to see the salvation of the people (Acts 4:12; Matthew 24:14; 1 Peter 4:6). Those who believe will be saved and those who do not will be condemned (Mark 16:15-16). Those who are saved through the repentance and confession of their sins come together in local fellowships to worship God. One of the goals of preaching the Gospel is to establish new churches or strengthen already existing churches by adding more disciples into them. The formation of a worshipping community among unreached people should be our goal.

The love of Christ is what motivates us to preach the Gospel (2 Corinthians 5:14). He died for us while we were yet sinners—His love compels us. Jesus purchased us by His precious blood, and we belong to His family. We see the world through the compassionate heart and eyes of Jesus. If we love Him, we will keep His commandments—and one of His commandments is to preach the Gospel.

Therefore, the heart of a preacher is very important. We understand the two kingdoms that are at work on the face of the earth. Satan has blinded the eyes of the unbelievers and they are being led to hell. Hell is the place of eternal torment prepared for Satan and those who follow him (Mark 9:47-49). On the other hand, the loving heavenly Father wants all mankind to live with Him forever in heaven. We are the people who stand between heaven and hell to proclaim ‘come and be saved.’ It has to be done with urgency, love, compassion, and prayer.

How we present the Gospel is very important. Boldness is one of the most important aspects in preaching the Gospel. In the Book of Acts 4:13, we read, “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.” The boldness to preach the Gospel comes from the deep conviction that the Lord Jesus is the only way of salvation (Acts 4:12). The conviction of a person who has received the forgiveness of sins in Jesus will help him/her to be effective in communicating the Gospel.

We need to memorize verses from the Bible which can be used in communicating the Gospel.  For example, Romans 3:23 tells us that all have sinned. Romans 6:23 says that the wages of sin is death. John 3:16 says that God so loved the world and sent His son for us. Romans 10:9-10 tells us that we can be saved by faith. Romans 8:1 says that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ. John 1:12 says if we believe and accept God’s free gift of salvation, we become His children. There are many more verses that can be used to lead someone to the Lord depending on the background and knowledge of that person (1 Peter 3:15).

The word witnessing is used mostly in the courts to tell others about what one has seen, heard, or experienced. No one can truly witness without hearing, seeing, or experiencing (1 John 1:1-2). As we become the children of God, we share the joy of being in the family of God. We are the people chosen to witness the love of God to all who have never heard of it. We are to bear witness through our words and deeds. Others have to see and hear about the love of God in and through us. As witnesses of Jesus, we need to maintain a close walk and fellowship with Jesus on a daily basis. One of the characteristics of first-century Christians was that “they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13). In other words, if we are disconnected from Jesus, we do not have a message to tell.

In preaching, we proclaim or communicate the Good News of Jesus, but in witnessing, we tell what we have experienced as disciples of Jesus. Our personal life, therefore, is very important. Every disciple is called to declare the goodness of the one who called us out from darkness into light. We need to reflect the character of the Lord Jesus through our life. As disciples, we are the living epistles, the Gospel in human form to affect the world. We preach with our actions and reactions. Someone correctly said once, “Preach the gospel through all means . . . use the words if needed.” A witness of the Gospel should have the boldness to say like Apostle Paul, “imitate [follow] me as I imitate Christ”(I Corinthians 11:1).

As witnesses, His disciples are to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world (Matthew 5:13-16). We need to reflect the life of Christ (I Peter 2:21; Colossians 3:12; Philippians 2:5-11).  In 2 Kings 4:9, we read the testimony of the Shunammite woman about Elisha, the prophet of the Lord.  She says, “I know this man who often comes this way is a holy man of God.”

Another example is that of the well-known preacher Sadhu Sunder Singh from Punjab, India. He used to walk to Tibet many times in only his bare feet and preach the Gospel. When he reached the countryside, the children used to run to their mothers to tell them that Jesus had come to their village. Once, while visiting a rich man’s house, the servant of that house came to the door and asked him to stay there while he called his master. The servant’s message to his master about this man was, “A person, who looks like Jesus is waiting at the door.” Hearing this message, the master ordered to let him be greeted with honor, and he hurried to receive him. This example tells us that witnessing has to be done through our lives. We need to live exemplary lives. Our lives should not contradict what we speak.

The power of the Holy Spirit is another important prerequisite to witness for Jesus as He told His disciples to stay in Jerusalem until they were filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8). The first-century Christians waited until they had received the Holy Spirit as Jesus promised. The anointing of the Holy Spirit was an appointing to preach the Gospel and to be witnesses for Jesus.

We should allow the Holy Spirit to work within us. He comes into us and convicts us about our sins, our need for righteousness, and the reality of judgment (John 16:5-11). We experience His work within us as He leads us into all truth to produce the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). This helps us to live Spirit-filled, crucified lives. He also empowers, guides, and directs us to become the witnesses of The Lord.

The Holy Spirit comes upon us or baptizes us to make us powerful tools for His ministry. He demonstrates His different gifts through us for the common good and deliverance of the people to whom we witness (1 Corinthians 12:7-11). The Spirit gives the needed gifts and boldness to us to exercise these gifts. He performs these miracles and wonders in order to establish the word of God and bring glory to God. Satan always brings fear and doubt whenever we step ahead to preach the Gospel. The only way to have victory over such fears is to be filled/empowered by the Holy Spirit and to walk by faith.

The word ‘witness’ also has a root meaning of becoming a ‘martyr,’ willing to die for the message we preach. Becoming a witness of the Lord Jesus is a bold step and, most of the time, a very expensive one. Knowing this, Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to be with us forever. Starting with Stephen in the Book of Acts, Christian history is full of people who have died for the message they preached.

Prayer: Lord, I know that you have commissioned me as your witness to the places I go. Fill me with the power of the Holy Spirit so that I will be bold in sharing my testimony of walking with you to the people around me. Fill me with the Spirit of boldness. Help me to lead many from hell to heaven.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

Operating a small business as a church planter has economic advantages but also gives the church planter credibility within a community.

We do it all the time. We meet someone new and within a short time, we ask, “What do you do?”

Some of us enjoy using that question to launch a conversation about what we value most. But eventually, we get around to our job. Whether we like it or not, we tend to link our vocation and our identity.

This tendency presents a problem for disciple-makers and church planters who go into villages, towns, or neighborhoods that are least-reached and may be quite resistant to the Gospel.

How do they explain what they do to their new neighbors and the people they meet and interact with?

They need an identity that makes sense to those who do not yet know Jesus. A small business can provide that, and Global Disciples provides training to churches to equip their near-culture workers to start a small business.

The economic advantage of a small business is obvious for a church planter. They can generate some income, especially when their sending cluster of churches is poor. But a vocational identity that’s understood by the community—a tailor, a shopkeeper, a farmer—is significant in building trusting relationships.

A Guiding Principle of Global Disciples states: “We value the Apostle Paul’s approach to mission as fitting for our time.” Paul made tents as he traveled to preach and plant churches.

As churches in slower economies around the world send out more and more near-culture workers, this principle frees them from the restraint of finances, so they can reach least-reached people.

Interestingly, these ‘co-vocational’ church planters tend to do better at multiplying new fellowships of believers because it’s easier to connect with people, and the model doesn’t demand as much financially as planting a church with a full-time church planter.

Like so many things revealed in Scripture, it’s hard to improve on what the Apostle Paul modeled. He was planting dynamic new expressions of the Body of Christ in places where people had not yet heard the Good News of Jesus. And so are we—as partners with you and with many churches near those who are least-reached.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

Christian evangelism should be the lifestyle of every disciple of Jesus. Compassion toward all human beings is part of our calling.

It enables us to see the lost through the eyes of Jesus to lead them to Him.

Evangelism is preaching the Gospel and taking care of new believers to lead them into maturity.

We can better understand Evangelism and Compassion and how it relates to the Church and our lives by exploring the following;

Imagine you are very busy selling cold drinks on the beach where several thousands of tourists are enjoying their vacation. You just heard through the radio that there is going to be a tsunami in the area in one hour’s time. The government is asking the people on the beach to hurry to the nearby mountain. You know in a few minutes’ time the waves of the sea will rise up high and wash away everyone and destroy everything.

What will you do and how will you communicate the message to the people on the beach?

Preaching the Gospel is one of the most joyful privileges—to communicate the urgent news that there is a way for humanity’s salvation from eternal destruction is a huge calling.

It is also a very important responsibility because, if we do not communicate this news on time, it will lead those who have not heard to eternal death.

The Gospel is the Good News of the Lord Jesus Christ.

This news is for everyone irrespective of race, caste, sex, creed, nationality, or color. It is through sharing the Good News with someone who has never heard it that that person can receive the love of God.

Someone correctly said once that evangelism is like one beggar telling the other where he found bread.

Some years ago, evangelist Paul Rader persistently was urging a banker in New York to receive Christ, but the man never responded. One day, Rader sensed that God wanted him to go immediately and speak to this man again.

Obediently, he took a train and went with all speed to the town where the man lived. He hurried to the bank and found his friend standing in the doorway. “Rader,” the friend said, “I’m glad to see you! I wrote a letter begging you to come but later changed my mind and didn’t send it.” “That’s all right,” said the evangelist, “your message came through by way of heaven.”

Under deep conviction of sin, the banker was impressed by Rader’s earnestness and his special effort to reach him with the Gospel; that same hour, he received Christ. Suddenly, the banker gave a strange gasp and fell into the evangelist’s arms—DEAD! He had been saved on the very brink of eternity.

Seeing as God sees and responding as Jesus would requires growth in our spiritual journey.

We can do nothing apart from Jesus Christ. He promised to be with us when we go out to preach the Gospel and make disciples. He also promised to send us the Holy Spirit to empower us to make us effective witnesses for Him.

What is your experience of preaching the Gospel and making disciples?Does something need to change?

What are some of your strengths for which to thank God and which to use in serving others?

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

What do we mean by the Kingdom of God, and how does it relate to the Church?

What is our identity, our place, and our part in the Church?

We can understand what the Kingdom of God is and how it relates to the Church by exploring the following;

There are various functions/ministries within the Church just as the parts of the body have different functions. All of these parts are necessary to fulfill the three-fold ministry of the Church.

We worship the Lord by offering our bodies as living, holy, and acceptable sacrifices to God. We worship the Lord in the beauty of his holiness. And we worship him in truth and spirit.

The Church is called to have close fellowship with each other—loving each other with a sincere heart and taking care of each other’s needs. Love is the main factor that binds the whole body together.

Jesus sent His disciples to go out and preach the Gospel of the Kingdom of God to each and every person on the face of the earth. He empowered them through His Word, Holy Spirit, and His ever-abiding promise. Each member of the Church is a witness to God’s redeeming power in his or her life. Our testimonies can impact lost souls and bring them to accept the Kingdom of God.

A healthy church is one in which every member is functioning properly. Only a body where each part fulfills its function will stand healthy and strong. If every member functions properly, then the local church will have inspiring worship, loving relationships, and servant hearts for the world.

As Paul says in Ephesians 4:16, there are three functions each member of the Church has to accomplish. “From Him, the whole body joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work” (Ephesians 4:16).

Firstly, each member must grow. Each one of us is personally and directly connected to the Head, Jesus (John 15:4-6). We must grow in spiritual maturity in order to bear fruit. God has called each one of us to grow and not to remain spiritual babies (Hebrews 5:11-14).

Secondly, each member must build others. This has been one of the missing elements in many churches. We do not take deliberate, personal responsibility for building others up. Usually, we delegate that responsibility to some professionals called “full-time ministers.” But biblically, we all have the responsibility to build others up through encouragement and support. Parents are responsible for building their children (Ephesians 6:4; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Deuteronomy 11:18-21); existing disciples are responsible for building the new disciples (Matthew 28:19-20); the older women/men are responsible for building the younger ones (Titus 2:3-5; 2 Timothy 2:2).

Thirdly, each member must serve. Every member of the Church is a minister. We all have a calling from God along with the corresponding, necessary gifting as we continue to disciple in the way of Jesus and help each member to understand their gifting, the body functions in a healthy way to fulfill the mission of the Lord.

The word of God says “to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12-13).

There are many members in the body of Christ, and all of these members form one body. God has made each member differently with a different gift that functions appropriately to allow each to fulfill whatever task God has given him/her. As we have many members in our physical body and none of the members have the same function, so we, the community of disciples, are one body in Christ with different gifts for ministry (Romans 12:4-5).

The Body of Christ, the Church, is one unified whole made up of different parts (1 Corinthians 12:12-28). Each member is vital for the Body’s growth and maturity. As many members in the Body of Christ, we each need to function for the growth, building up, and maturity of the Body of Christ. I am a single member; hence I am not the whole, not even the half, but only a small part of Christ’s Body. We must realize the relationship which exists between each member when we exercise our gifts. A member cannot be a substitute for the entire Body, yet it can affect the whole Body (1 Corinthians 12:12-31).

In the human body for example, the eyes can see, the ears can hear, and the nose can smell. They all have their own functions, and each has its own portion. The same is true with the members of the Body of Christ. Not every member can see or hear or smell; but each member has its own specific function. To serve the Body of Christ means to supply the Body with the life which a member receives from the Head. When the eyes of a seeing member sees, the entire body is able to see; that member of the Body of Christ who has insight into spiritual things becomes the eyes of the body.

In the physical realm, when my hand works, it is not my hand but my body which works; when my feet walk, it is not my feet but my body which walks. A physical member never does anything merely for its own benefit—whatever it does is for the sake of the body. The same is true in the spiritual Body.

Life needs a channel in which to flow. God is seeking for people in whom He can deposit an abundant portion of the life of Christ so that they may supply it to others (John 10:10). He wants us to be that channel of life, and He has given us our portion of talent, our specific channel, on which to focus our energies; some of these include administration, servant-heart, giving, hospitality, encouragement, music. Whatever the channel, God wants all of the parts of the Body to complement each other as they each carry out the duties to which they are assigned.

A healthy church is one in which every member grows, serves, and builds others. All of these qualities must come from the indwelling life of Christ in each believer (John 15:4-5). This is a profound paradigm shift from a program mentality to a people mentality. However, if we can create a church culture in which every believer takes responsibility to grow, serve, and build, the Church will easily transform the community in which we live.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

Many people find the idea of talking with strangers scary. We don’t know how they’re going to respond, or whether or not they will like us starting a conversation with them.

Sharing your faith can be even more scary, even if the people we are sharing with are close friends.

Faith is such a personal part of us that many people may feel that we are judging them the moment we start talking about God. But remember that God has given each of us the grace to be able to witness to others. Whether you’re sharing with your friend or a stranger, try to remember not to be intimidated by the person you’re talking to.

Below are some ideas on how to share your faith in Jesus with those who don’t yet know him.

Whether you’re talking with a friend or a stranger, it can be difficult to bring up the topic of religion or Christianity.

It’s important to remember that God has given us the courage and the opportunity to share the gospel with others.

Discussing your faith can be scary, but doing so is also very rewarding.

Make sure you’re not alone when you approach them. You can always gather a group of friends to accompany you or go with you to a church group or ministry event. It’s also important to be wise when approaching a person. Jesus tells us to be as innocent as doves, but as crafty as snakes (Matthew 10:16). This means there is nothing wrong with using tact in how you present the gospel, as well as protect yourself when speaking with a stranger.

Our lives are often the best example for someone who is being presented with the Gospel.

Many people are more interested in what the gospel has done for you personally than the technicalities around the Gospel. Using your life as an example of how powerful the gospel is to bring us joy and peace can give others a personal reference and starting point (2 Corinthians 1:4). Hopefully, speaking about yourself can lead them to ask questions of themselves.

When you first share the Gospel with someone, it’s essential to listen to how they respond. The Bible says, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them to do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12).

When first presented with the Gospel, our personal hurts, doubts, and frustrations can block our willingness to accept the Good news. If your friend objects, it could be that hurt or doubt that is fueling their objection. Listen respectfully. Once you’ve listened to their concerns, calmly and kindly explain why you believe what you believe and how it makes sense to you. If you’re unable to answer their questions, pray and ask God to help you understand what you can say in response.

When you’re witnessing to a friend, you need to make sure you’re answering their questions and concerns well.

Again, talking about God in your own life is a great way to answer their questions. Just saying that God loves you or that Jesus died for our sins may not make sense to them. You need to be able to relate with them and show them how they can have a personal relationship with God. Your personal testimony can be that connection for them. As one preacher said, “You cannot argue with a testimony, because it belongs to the person telling it, not you.” The hope is that your listener will see their own need for Christ reflected in your life.

You can’t share the gospel if you don’t know what it says. The best way to know what it says is by reading it every day. Don’t just read the parts that are fun or that make you feel good. Read the entire Bible. You’ll learn important historical facts, moral guidelines and everything else that God wants you to know. Armed with more knowledge, you’ll be more effective when sharing your faith (2 Timothy 3:17)

In the end, sharing your faith is all about being sensitive to the other person you’re speaking with. God reflected in your personal story, linked with biblical insights, can powerfully stir up the heart of another person. It’s important to remember that the gospel is the power of God and can change anyone.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near to reach least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time when many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective training and coaching strategy, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!