The word Christian appears only three times in the New Testament.

We all may have heard various explanations of what the word Christian means. Clearly this term was first introduced when followers of Christ were no longer only Jewish, and the movement began to sweep out into the Gentile world.

The word disciple appears 261 times in the Bible.

It is used to designate those physically present with Jesus while He was on earth. “To be a disciple was to have been with Him, learning to be like him. That is the foundation of discipleship. To be with someone and learning to be like that person.”[1]

“For Jesus, to disciple someone was to teach that person how to live their life in the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God is God in action.

So to say ‘Seek first the Kingdom of God’ is to invite us to be caught up in the action of God and the kind of righteousness that comes with that… So the basic idea of being a disciple, in the New Testament, is being with Jesus, learning to be like Him.”

Of course after the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus, “with Him” takes a different form. But the meaning of disciple is still the same. A disciple is someone who is with Jesus and learning to be like Him. Disciple is a status. Spiritual transformation is a process toward becoming more like Jesus.

If a disciple of Jesus is defined as one who is “learning from Jesus how to lead my life as He would lead my life if He were I,” we must ask ourselves, “Is that me? Have I chosen that? And if I have chosen it, what am I doing to carry through with it?” And how am I inviting others along on that journey with me?

“Discipleship is not for the church; the church is for discipleship. And discipleship is for the world.” But we can’t do the things Jesus said without learning to act in God’s power – the Spirit is indispensable. “We have to stop trusting ourselves and what we manage and manipulate and learn to trust God.”

Trying to become more like Jesus will lead to failure and frustration if it is only a matter of our will or a decision we make. So, we must start by seeing salvation as more than a ticket to heaven. Salvation is rather an invitation to begin a life with Jesus and to keep growing in our love attachment with Him.

Dr Wilder, a Christian neurologist says, “If life with Jesus begins at salvation and thinking with another begins with attachment, then salvation must involve the creation of a new attachment with Jesus… In the brain, the basis for learning to be like someone is a loving attachment. Attachment leads to a mutual mind. Mutual mind creates an identity and character. Identity develops into a ‘people.’”

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9)

[1] Renovated: God, Dallas Willard, and the Church That Transforms, by Jim Wilder, Nav Press, 2020. This Touch-Point is based upon the ideas, insights, and concepts I have been reading in this book. Dr. Wilder is neurologist and theologian.

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 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!

Discover the power of home Bible studies in your journey of spiritual growth, & why its effective in discipling others.

In today’s fast-paced world, many people seek opportunities to connect with others and grow spiritually in an intimate, personalized setting. Home Bible studies provide a unique environment for fostering spiritual growth, discipleship, and community-building too.

They can ignite a passion and commitment to sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with others

We’ll explore how home Bible studies are an essential aspect of our spiritual journey. Dive into the world of home Bible studies and experience the transformation that comes from immersing yourself in God’s Word.

The essential aspects of home Bible studies include:

1. Foster Connection and Community. In smaller groups, participants can form deeper relationships, pursuing collective growth and offering mutual support

2. Encourage Spiritual Accountability. The close-knit nature of home Bible studies promotes mutual accountability and commitment to spiritual growth.

3. Engage in Authentic Conversations. They provide an environment where people can share their struggles, questions, and insights, facilitating sincere conversations.

4. Reach Diverse Demographics. Home Bible studies can engage varying age groups, cultural backgrounds, and life stages. They make the study of God’s Word accessible and appealing.

The following practical steps can help guide you through the process and ensure a successful, sustaining Bible study experience:

1. Pray and Seek God’s Guidance. Prayer is a foundational step in discerning God’s guidance and provision in starting a home Bible study.

2.Define Your Objective. Determine the purpose and goals of the Bible study. Decide whether you will focus on a particular book or theme, general spiritual growth, or tailored to a specific demographic.

3. Choose a Study Format: Select a format for the study, such as a topical, book-by-book, or chronological approach, and consider incorporating supplementary resources, such as Bible commentaries or study guides, to enrich the learning experience.

4. Identify a Suitable Location: Choose a comfortable, accessible location for hosting the Bible study, ensuring adequate seating, lighting, and an environment conducive to open discussion and fellowship.

5. Invite Participants: Extend personal invitations to potential participants, explaining the goals, format, and expectations of the home Bible study. Aim for a diverse group, balanced in size, to foster meaningful interactions.

6. Establish a Schedule: Create a consistent meeting schedule, balancing flexibility and commitment to ensure the group remains focused and engaged over time.

7. Facilitate Group Dynamics: Appoint a leader or facilitator to guide discussions, nurture group connections, and maintain an atmosphere of respect and openness within the Bible study.

Organizations like Global Disciples Canada can benefit from the empowering impacts of home Bible studies as they train leaders to engage with least-reached communities. By incorporating discipleship training within home-based study environments, leaders can develop the relational skills, biblical knowledge, and empathetic understanding necessary for effective ministry within diverse contexts. These groups can contribute to discipleship training by:

1. Modeling Relational Ministry: As home Bible studies prioritize relational connections, leaders can observe and learn how to carry these relational skills into their ministry engagements in least-reached communities.

2. Cultivating a Heart for Sharing the Gospel: As participants grow in their personal spiritual journeys, they are encouraged to share their faith and the principles learned within their home Bible study with others, fueling the multiplication of disciples.

3. Providing a Safe Space for Practicing Discipleship Skills: Home Bible studies can serve as a safe training ground for leaders to practice teaching, mentoring, and disciplining new believers, which can be later applied in their work with least-reached communities.

4. Encouraging Prayer for Least-Reached Communities: As groups come together in prayer, they can intercede for least-reached communities and develop a burden for reaching these populations with the love and message of Jesus Christ.

Home Bible studies provide unparalleled opportunities for personal spiritual growth, discipleship, and transformative impact within both local and global contexts. By fostering deeper connections and engaging in authentic conversations about faith and life, they can significantly empower individuals to share the Good News with least-reached communities across the globe. Organizations like Global Disciples Canada leverage the power of relational ministry to effectively train and equip leaders who will go forth to multiply disciples and impact lives for eternity.

If you yearn to be part of this life-changing work and explore how you can partner with Global Disciples Canada to grow as a disciple and contribute to expanding God’s kingdom, connect with Global Disciples Canada today. Your involvement can make an eternal difference by helping others discover the hope, love, and transformation found in Jesus Christ.

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 where 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 want a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, join our discipleship program in Canada today.

Sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ is crucial to our faith as Christians.

The Good News can help others find salvation and eternal life.

While some may hesitate to share their faith, it is essential for many reasons. This article will explore ten crucial reasons to share that part of God’s Word.

One of the primary reasons to share the Gospel is to fulfill Jesus’ Great Commission. In Matthew 28:19–20, Jesus commanded His disciples to “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” As believers, we are called to follow this commandment and share the message of salvation with others.

Sharing the Gospel is also a way to show love to our neighbors.

As His followers, we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves, and there is no greater act of love than to share the good news of Jesus Christ with them.

By sharing the Gospel, we are helping others find hope, peace, and purpose in their lives.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the truth, and it is essential to spread it to those who may not know it.

In John 14:6, Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

By sharing the Gospel, we are helping others find the truth that can free them.

As believers, we are called to follow Christ’s example, and He spent much of His time sharing the Gospel with others.

In Luke 19:10, Jesus said, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

By sharing the Gospel, we follow in Jesus’ footsteps and do what He did during His time on earth.

Sharing the Gospel is also a way to bring glory to God. When we share the good news of Jesus Chhers, we proclaim His greatness and show others what He has done for us.

In Psalm 96:3, the psalmist says, “Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.”

By sharing the Gospel, we are declaring God’s glory to others.

Many people are searching for Peace in their lives. By sharing the Gospel from God’s Word, we are helping others find the Peace that only comes through a relationship with Jesus Christ.

In John 14:27, Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my Peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid.”

By sharing the Gospel, we are helping others find the Peace that surpasses all understanding.

Sharing the Gospel can also help others find purpose in their lives. Many people search for meaning and direction; the Gospel can provide both.

In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

By sharing the Gospel, we are helping others find a new purpose and direction in their lives.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is a message of hope. By sharing the Gospel, we are helping others find hope in a hopeless world.

In Romans 15:13, Paul says, “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.”

By sharing the Gospel, we are helping others find the hope that can only come from a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Sharing the Gospel is a way to obey God’s Word.

In Romans 10:14-15, Paul says, “How can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one whom they have not heard?…how can they hear without someone preaching to them?.. As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'”

By sharing the Gospel, we obey God’s Word and do what He has commanded us to do.

The most important reason to share the Gospel is to help save souls.

In Mark 16:15, Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”

Sharing the Gospel allows others to receive salvation and eternal life.

There are many important reasons to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. From fulfilling the Great Commission to helping others find hope, Peace, and purpose in their lives, sharing the Gospel is essential to our faith. We must follow Jesus’ example and share the good news with others.

By doing so, we are helping to save souls and bring glory to God. So let us go forth and share the Gospel with all we encounter, knowing that we are doing God’s work and fulfilling His purpose for our lives.

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 where 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 nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” we’re committed to doing just that. If you want a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today! 

The prophet Isaiah had a vision of worship in heaven. In Isaiah 6 we read:

“Th seraphim called to one another, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” Isaiah was convicted of his sin. “Woe to me!…For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.” A seraph touched his lips with a coal, cleansing his sin and guilt. 

Then Isaiah overhears a conversation in the heavenlies—the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” Isaiah replied, “Here am I! Send me!” 

When we come to the Lord in fervent worship and seeking prayer, we draw close to His heart, just like Isaiah did.

We experience healing and transformation. God will give us His burden for the lost and His commissioning and empowerment to go. 

Three years ago, we at Global Disciples felt the Lord leading us to initiate a fresh emphasis on worship.

Many newly-planted churches wanted to understand how to worship. So, we created regional training days where carefully selected worship leaders gather with our regional staff. Our goal was to multiply a movement of trained worship leaders who are sound in character and, anointed by the Holy Spirit. We wanted to give them skills to lead and equip others in fervent, anointed worship. 

Over four days, we explored what it means to worship the Father in spirit and in truth (John 4:23)

We minister within the local cultural context and language. We teach worship leaders to write songs based on scripture. And we teach them and to train others too .  

We look at what the Bible says about praise and worship. Then we seek the Holy Spirit’s anointing to lead others into God’s presence. Isn’t that what we all long for? To be in His presence, to enter into the Holy of Holies, to find grace, forgiveness, healing, and life.  

In many regions, worship leaders immediately go and train other worship leaders. In December in the Democratic Republic of Congo, we held a powerful worship leader training event.

This group has hosted six self funded worship leader trainings since then! 

Volunteer-led Worship Leader Trainings also took place in Brazil, Zambia, Malawi, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Chad, Central African Republic, Kenya, Zambia, Rwanda, India, and Nepal.  

People have been healed filled with the Holy Spirit at these training days, with people committing their lives to Jesus too.

A woman walking by a church in Kenya heard the worship, came inside, and immediately surrendered her life to Jesus because she encountered God’s presence.  

At Global Disciples, we want to go deeper in fervent worship, to better know our incredible God whose great love propels us into His mission for the lost. 

–Tim Bentch, Global Disciples Worship Leader  

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 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!

We may have dreams of doing great things for the Lord, but it is important to remember that our most significant contribution to the Kingdom of God may not be something we do but someone we raise.

Even if we have grand visions of sharing the Gospel with the world, it is essential to start with those closest to us. Certainly, our initial ministry field is our own family, leading our children to faith in Christ.

For those parents wondering how you can lead your children to Christ. Here are a few things you must know:

Children are often willing to accept the Gospel message with eagerness and joy. They have an openness to the Lord that many adults can miss (Luke 18:17). God desires to have a special relationship with these young ones, and as a parent, it is our job to encourage that connection. We need to be open to the Holy Spirit’s influence in our words and actions so that our children will be able to receive God’s grace and love.

Remember, Jesus tells us that children are very important to God and that we should not stop them from coming to Him (Matthew 19:14). We should be living our faith out loud and being an example for our children. We should be praying for guidance to be able to teach our children about the truths and values of God.

There are a couple of things you must consider when bringing your child to Jesus:

He deeply wants all people to come to repentance so that they can have everlasting joy and peace.

These terms can be confusing and unclear for young minds and may not accurately portray the message you wish to convey. Speak plainly, as the Bible does, meeting them where they are at in their own language development. Remember, God also met you on your level!

Have a conversation with them, and ensure that the message is clear. Don’t rush things. The quality time you give them will help them understand how special they are to God.

1. Since the beginning of humanity, God has given us choice (Genesis 2:15-17) He wanted children to be given a chance to choose for themselves. In other words, don’t force your children. Let them choose.

2. Without the Holy Spirit’s involvement, there will be no real spiritual transformation of the heart. Even the most amazing parents cannot know for sure what direction their children will choose. Even if we fill their surroundings with biblical teachings, which greatly increases the chances they will follow Christ, at the end of the day it is the Holy Spirit who does the work in their hearts (1 Corinthians 3:6-7)

Remember, God is loving and kind, filled with mercy and compassion. He is not holding your child’s fate over their head like a guillotine. Trust that things will work out in God’s timing, and don’t rush Him. Pray with confidence, trusting in God’s plan. Be concerned, but don’t force your child to make a decision.

Here are a few tips to help you begin bringing your child closer to God:

Make sure to show your children that living a life in faith with Jesus is not something that is only done on Sundays. Model to them the importance of honoring Christ every single day and make it a part of your family life. Talk openly with your children about God, and show them how to talk to God through prayer. Doing this will help them understand that following Jesus is a daily lifestyle (Deuteronomy 11:18-21).

Encourage your children to build a strong connection with God by talking to them about your own relationship with Him. Share stories from your life that demonstrate how God has provided for you and been there for you. Explain the importance of prayer and how it helps you to stay connected with God. Remind them that they can always turn to God when they need help and that they should trust in Him to always be there for them.

Help your children explore and discover their own connection with the Lord. Make sure they have many chances to build an intimate relationship with Him, not just learn about Him in a classroom setting. Create an atmosphere of worship and spiritual growth in your home, incorporating activities like journaling and art to open up their hearts to the presence of God. This will enable them to directly experience His power and guidance in their lives.

It is important to teach your children about the Bible and the Gospel. Explain to them the basics of sin and repentance in a way that is easy for them to understand. Encourage them to read and learn from the Bible so that they can develop a deep love for God’s Word.

Encourage your family to incorporate prayer into their daily routine. Help them understand that seeking out God’s guidance is an important part of life and that it’s something to be pursued often.

Entreat the Lord to provide wisdom and direction for discovering places of worship and fellowship for your little one. Take the lead in modeling a life of faith, and let them observe your example. When they come into contact with other young people who are devoted to the Lord, they have an opportunity to enjoy fellowshipping with others who are on their peer level.

As children develop, they are rapidly learning and engaging with the environment around them. Their parents are typically the focal point of their lives, and other family and friends are other areas of importance. What they observe and experience with their five senses captures their interest. Help your child see Jesus and implement Him as part of their life. Start now, and start while they’re young.

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!

“Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit (Eph 5:18-20NLT).  ” Ephesians 5:18-20

One of the best parts of my job is welcoming students from out of the country into school in Canada. 

Moving into a different place, learning a different language, and navigating a new culture is a massive challenge. Sometimes there are so many changes that students become stressed and homesick. 

A few years ago, I met a new student from Columbia who had just entered Canada.  Right from the beginning, I noticed something different about her that I could not put my finger on.  As she entered classes and began the new chapter in Canada.  I noticed that there was such a consistent joy in her life that she shared with everyone she met.  Later that year, she confirmed my suspicion that she was a follower of Jesus.  The joy, that was so obvious in her life, came from the Spirit of God living inside her.

In his letter to the Ephesians, the apostle Paul tells them to “be filled” with the Holy Spirit. 

When people are discouraged, depressed or just having a bad day when they seek filling from different sources.

Drinking alcohol can make us feel carefree and lead to a great night of singing at the pub. In reality, it really doesn’t give lasting satisfaction. Others may attempt to use sex, food, shopping, fame, fitness, or fashion to numb the pain and difficulty of life. 

The apostle commands followers of Jesus to be filled with the Spirit of God. He want us to that deep, long-lasting satisfaction in Him. The logical question then is, “How can we be filled by God’s Spirit?”

The answer that scripture gives us is incredibly simple and difficult–a deep reliance on the Spirit’s power.  

One alternative to a deep reliance on the Spirit’s power is a deep reliance on self.

There is a popular myth in our culture that, believing in yourself is all you need to navigate lifes difficulties. This can easily slip into the matrix of our beliefs causing us to malfunction concerning God’s purpose for our lives. We can miss out on the true source of joy and power.

Samson’s life, described in Judges, illustrates the need for a deep reliance on the Spirit of God. 

The period of the Judges is one of the lowest points in Israel’s history.  Everyone was living in a way that seemed right to them (Judges 17:6) but very few of them were following God’s path. 

By the time we pick up Samson’s story in chapter 16, God has allowed the Philistines to conquer God’s people in hope that they will again follow Him…but they don’t.  God, in His mercy and patience, supplies judges (who were like warlords) that beat back their enemies for a time but they soon return to their old way of doing things.  Samson is one of the judges raised up by God to give relief to His people.  

Unlike some of the other judges, he is not a conventional military leader.  In fact, he does not lead an army at all. He is not even a team player. His life consists of several solo battles revolving around personal conflicts that have resulted from broken relationships with Philistine women. 

Samson’s dysfunctional relationships with Philistine women go badly in different ways but in each case, the end result is similar–violent, hand-to-hand combat with city guards and sometimes entire armies.   

Although Samson constantly disobeys his parents and lives by his own moral code, God graciously uses him for the good of His people. God’s gifting to Samson is super-human strength in battle. 

At one point, the Holy Spirit comes upon him and he kills 1000 soldiers with the jawbone of a donkey.  After this particular battle, Samson is so exhausted that he is near death.  He cries out to God for water and God miraculously provides him with water from a rock.  In this scene of the story, Samson is found relying on God as his provider but he soon grows proud, and that reliance changes into arrogance. 

Fast forwarding the story closer to the end (Judges 16:4), Samson falls in love with yet another Philistine woman named Delilah.  Seeking an opportunity to gain an advantage over Samson, the city leaders offer Delilah a huge sum of money to learn the secret of Samson’s strength.  Delilah uses her beauty and seductive powers to draw the secret out of Samson. 

After lying to her several times, Samson finally tells her the truth.  

 So he [Samson] told her everything. “No razor has ever been used on my head,” he said, “because I have been a Nazirite dedicated to God from my mother’s womb. If my head were shaved, my strength would leave me, and I would become as weak as any other man.” When Delilah saw that he had told her everything, she sent word to the rulers of the Philistines, “Come back once more; he has told me everything.” So the rulers of the Philistines returned with the silver in their hands. After putting him to sleep on her lap, she called for someone to shave off the seven braids of his hair, and so began to subdue him. And his strength left him (Judges 16:17-19).

What’s interesting at this point in this story is that, even though Samson says that his strength is connected to his Nazarite vow, his response shows that he doesn’t believe this.

“Then she called, ‘Samson, the Philistines are upon you!’ He awoke from his sleep and thought, ‘I’ll go out as before and shake myself free’” (Judges 16:20).

Samson’s thoughts at this moment show us an attitude that grieves the heart and Spirit of God. Samson has become so self-reliant that he begins to take credit for God’s gifting and power in his life. The results are immediate and devastating.    

Samson’s super-human powers were tied to God’s purpose and plan for Samson but when he became overconfident in his own abilities, God withdraws.

The retreat of the Spirit leads to Samson’s defeat and humiliation.

“Then the Philistines seized him, gouged out his eyes, and took him down to Gaza. Binding him with bronze shackles, they set him to grinding grain in the prison” (Judges 16:21). 

This low point of Samson’s life illustrates a massive roadblock to being filled by God’s spirit, and self-reliance. Self-reliance is an attitude that says, “I can be who God has called me to be and do what God has purposed me to do without the help and power of the Holy Spirit”  If we are honest with ourselves, I think all of us can identify with this mindset, we have all bought into the lie of self-sufficiency to one degree or another.    

Notice that God makes a temporary departure in Samson’s life here and this is a serious consequence of taking credit for God’s work in our lives.

God sometimes presses the pause button on His work in our lives at times to draw us back to Himself. It is not that God gives up on us or stops pursuing us. However, His loving discipline is sometimes required to bring us back to a life of faith and dependence on the Spirit. 

Are you feeling distant from God because you once orbited your life around God but now find yourself adrift?  

Thankfully Samson’s story doesn’t leave us there, it also gives us hope for renewed fullness of the Spirit.

Blinded and weak, Samson waited in his prison cell.  As he waits, a new humility and reliance on God emerge.  In the last chapter of his life, we find Samson making a desperate plea to God to renew his power one last time. This prayer signals a re-acknowledgment of the true source of power in His life.  God is merciful to Samson and gives him one last victory over the Philistines. 

In this last chapter, Samson gives us a glimpse of Jesus, who relied perfectly on the Father and fulfilled God’s purpose for his life. Jesus perfectly kept in step with the Spirit of God throughout his life.  His life was full of the Spirit’s joy and power.  Knowing that God would require a sacrifice for our sins, Jesus sacrificed himself on the cross. He took the punishment for our sins upon himself so that we could enjoy–new life, everlasting life, and the fullness of God’s spirit.   

God desires that you and I be filled with His Spirit, but in order to receive this filling, we must see Him as the only One who can generate true joy and power in our lives. Walk in step with God’s Spirit today so that you can fulfill His purpose for your life. 

Ask God to take your emptiness and replace it with his fullness.

Ask Him to fill you with His Spirit so that you experience His joy and power like never before.

Jordan Mayer – Global Disciples Canada Advocate & Prayer Supporter

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 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!

God is a missionary God who created human beings in His image and for a relationship with Him.

Scripture explains how humanity chose to rebel against God. And He has been pursuing the restoration of His relationship with us. God has chosen a people to join with Him in seeking restoration of relationship with all of humanity. 

Consequently, Jesus Christ came as the Word of God in human form to model God’s heart for humanity. Through His death and resurrection, He paid the debt for our sins. In fact, He makes it possible for all who will believe to be transformed into ambassadors of God. In turn, they become a part of initiating reconciliation with peoples of every tribe, nation, and language.

So, we can better understand World Mission and how it relates to the Church and our lives by exploring the following;

In reality, we live in a postmodern world that believes there is no absolute truth and that truth is relative. So, how in this postmodern pluralistic culture, can we present the uniqueness of Jesus Christ?

For us, as disciples of Jesus Christ, the Word of God is our guide in our journey and ministry.

In fact, in the Word of God, the uniqueness of Jesus Christ is evident.

The God of the Bible is the only God who manifested Himself through His own son, Jesus Christ (John 3:16).

He is different from all false gods (Jeremiah 10:6; Deuteronomy 6:4; 1 Corinthians 8:4-6). 

 Jesus is not one of the many ways to God—He is the only way.

No one can come to God except through Jesus Christ (John 14:6; Acts 4:12).

He is the only One who has been conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38).

Jesus is the only One who is eternal (Colossians 1:17; John 1:1-3; John 8:57).

He is the only One who is God incarnate, God in human flesh (John 1:1-18; Hebrews 1:1-3; Hebrews 2:14-18; Philippians 2:5-11; 1 Timothy 2:5-6).

Jesus is the only One who is the visible image of the invisible God, who is fully God and fully man (Colossians 1:15-20; Colossians 2:9).

He is the only One who lived a sinless life that qualified Him to become the Savior (2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15; Hebrews 7:23-28).

Jesus is the only One who forgives sin—something that God alone can do (Mark 2:5-7).

He is the only One who has conquered death (1 Corinthians 15:3-8).

Jesus is the only One who will come back to judge the world (2 Timothy 4:1; Revelation 19:11).

“The Lausanne Movement” describes the uniqueness of Jesus Christ in this way: “We affirm that there is only one Savior and only one gospel . . . Jesus Christ, being Himself the only God-man, who gave Himself as the only ransom for sinners, is the only mediator between God and people.”

“We are called to proclaim Christ in an increasingly pluralistic world . . . In the first century too there were ‘many gods and many lords.’ Yet the apostles boldly affirmed the uniqueness, indispensability and centrality of Christ. We must do the same.”

“The Lausanne Movement is determined to bear a positive and uncompromising witness to the uniqueness of our Lord, in His life, death, and resurrection, in all aspects of our evangelistic work including inter-faith dialogue.”

In fact, the only true God is our living, triune God. He has revealed Himself in the Bible to all of humanity.

The Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments tell us clearly that God is eternally one and, as the living and sovereign One, He differs fundamentally from all false gods (Deuteronomy 6:4; Psalm 115:3-7; Isaiah 44:6; Jeremiah 10:6; 1 Corinthians 8:4-6).

In His tri-personal nature as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, God is one perfect and complete community of love in Himself who has fulfilled His redemptive plan in the person of His only begotten Son, Jesus (Genesis 1:1; John 1:1; John 15:26; I John 4:9; 2 Corinthians 13:13).

God created humankind in His own image (Genesis 1:27).

He is the Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer, and Renewer, the origin and ultimate purpose and goal of every human being. For this reason, God calls all humanity to acknowledge Him and believe in Him, to worship, and to share His life (Ecclesiastes 11:9; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Psalm 46:11).

God the Father has spoken to us through Jesus Christ the Son as His special revelation of salvation (Hebrews 1:2). By the initiation of the Father (John 1:1-2; John 3:16), through His incarnation by the Holy Spirit, and by His atoning death, Christ reconciled the humanity to God and redeemed us from the destructive powers of sin, death, and the Devil (2 Corinthians 5:19; Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 2:14).

The uniqueness of Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, demands a response.

In reality, the necessity of personal belief, is at the heart of the Christian Gospel. So, Christ fulfills and completes all the aspirations of humanity. He comes as the Second Adam to restore sinful humanity and a broken world. When people come to know Christ, they discover meaning and purpose, and their full identity is regained. While a decision to accept the free offer of salvation is crucial to evangelism, it must also affirm that this unique Savior offers not merely salvation as a work, but He also offers Himself in a transformational way. In fact, the whole purpose of the Christian life is to become like Jesus.

By Christ’s bodily resurrection and ascension to heaven, God the Father has confirmed Him as the only Mediator between Himself and humanity, and He has appointed Him the universal Lord over all powers and authorities as well as Judge of the world (Matthew 28:18; Acts 10:36-42; I Timothy 2:5). Therefore, eternal salvation or eternal damnation is determined by either turning to Him in faith or by rejecting Him (John 3:16; Mark 16:16).

In reality, Jesus is the only answer to our sinful human condition. Since the Fall in Genesis 3, humanity has been sentenced to eternal death, life without God (Luke 19:10, Ephesians 2:12). But Jesus has died for us to reconcile us to God (2 Corinthians 5:19, Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 2:14).

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!

In this blog we’ll learn to understand the world religions of Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism. Understand the beliefs, practices, and teachings of each religion and popular cults too.

Jesus Christ came as the Word of God in human form to model God’s heart and His way of living. Through His death and resurrection, He paid the debt for our sins. He makes it possible for all who will believe to be transformed into ambassadors of God. We can be part in reconciling God with peoples of every tribe, nation, and language.

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

Religion is an institution or a set of beliefs constituted by human beings in order to approach a god or gods. It is an organized set of beliefs, ceremonies, and rules in which one believes and which one follows devotedly. There are many different religions in the world.

Below we briefly address three of the world’s religions—Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism.

Islam means submission to the will of God. The founder of Islam, Mohammed, was born in 570.

According to his revelation, there are six doctrines of the faith that Muslims hold to:   

There are five pillars in the Islamic religion. These obligations that every Muslim must keep are as follows:

Hinduism is tremendously diverse. It encompasses those who believe in one reality, Brahman (the ultimate reality underlying every phenomenon), as well as those who believe in many gods, up to 330 million. It is common in one house for the husband to worship one god, the wife another god, and the children others. Regardless of the diversity within Hinduism, there are some core beliefs.

Buddhism does not believe in a personal God. It does not have worship, prayer, or praise of divine beings. It offers no redemption, no forgiveness, no hope of heaven, and no final judgment. In Buddhism, there are “The Four Noble Truths”:

The Eightfold path is:

The Eightfold Path is a set of steps that describes not only a good life but one which will move the follower toward Nirvana—extinction wherein lies one’s essence. The individual doesn’t actually exist in Buddhism; you can turn off existence like a candle flame marking the end of desire and the end of suffering. 

How do you feel when you hear the belief of these religions compared to what we as Christians believe?

As messengers of the Gospel of Jesus, we need to pray and find ways to engage the Gospel in the context of other religious beliefs.  

Cults are religious groups that claim to be in harmony with Christianity but deny foundational Christian teachings such as the Trinity or the unique deity of Jesus Christ.

The word “cult” is generally used to denote a group or organization which deviates from Christian teaching. 

In Matthew 7:15-17, Jesus gives us warning about the coming of cults, and much of the New Testament is written to correct their distractive influence (2 Corinthians 11:1-11; Galatians 1:8-9). 

Jesus stated, “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.” What Jesus was warning us of was that followers of cults will look and act like Christians. However, that is only in external appearance. They might argue as true believers for the time, but eventually, their words, actions, and especially their fruits will reveal their true identity.

The failure of the Church in making disciples contributed a lot to the emersion of many cultic movements. The increase of cults is also a fulfillment of the warning given by Jesus and the apostles (Matthew 24:23-26; 2 Peter 2:1-3). As the day of the return of our Lord is approaching, there will be an increase in false prophets and teachings.

All cults have a distorted view of the triune God; they promote false teaching based on the nature of God.

But the Bible teaches us there is one God who has revealed Himself in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:16-17; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14).  

Cults also teach a false view of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 11:4). For example, Christian Science teaches that Jesus Christ is a historical figure but not the God-man, and Jehovah’s Witnesses also teach that Jesus is not God. But the Bible tells us that Jesus is fully God and fully human (John 17:3; 1 Timothy 2:5; Philippians 2:6-7).

Cultic understanding of salvation is also distorted. Most cults have a works-oriented Gospel by undermining the finished work on the cross (Ephesians 2:8-9). 

In the early Church, there were a number of schisms and heretical movements such as Arianism. These heresies were essentially doctrinal ones. As the church councils met in response to them, the creeds of the Church formed, and the canon of the New Testament was finally agreed upon.

Throughout history, there have been heretical teachings of many kinds, but in recent years, there has been an explosion in the number of these groups. In the end, most cults fail, but they still can cause enormous personal damage and create confusion amongst Christians and non-Christians alike. The good thing is that, as the cults continue to increase, we know that the day of the Lord is near.

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 want a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

Our God is a missionary God who created human beings in His image and for a relationship with Him.

God has chosen a people to join with Him in seeking restoration of relationship with all of humanity. 

Jesus Christ came as the Word of God in human form to model God’s heart and His way of living. Through His death and resurrection, He paid the debt for our sins. God invites us to into His work of reconciliation with peoples of every tribe, nation, and language.

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

The vision of our missionary God is to enfold people of every nation, tribe, and language into His Kingdom.

God has chosen to work through a particular people of His calling. That is, the nation of Israel in the Old Testament and the Church in the New Testament. This calling was always with the intent that His people would become agents of His mission to all peoples.

Many Old Testament passages point to the day when God will gather peoples from all nations. They will be included in His purposes and become agents of His Kingdom. Some verses that explain this journey can be found here(Isaiah 56:3, Isaiah 56:6-8; Isaiah 66:18-21; Zechariah 8:20-23).

Jesus said that the Gospel of the Kingdom would be preached among all peoples (Matthew 24:14; Mark 13:10).

After His resurrection, he commissioned His disciples to go and preach the Gospel. And by the power of the Spirit, to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46-47).

They were sent on a mission into the world as Jesus Himself was sent by the Father (John 20:21).

After Jesus ascended into heaven and after the Holy Spirit was sent at Pentecost, Jesus mission transferred the Church.

In Acts 1:8, Jesus indicates that the Spirit will empower His people to become His witnesses. The spread of the disciples’ witness involved moving outward from Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria, Antioch, and every remote region.

In fact, this mission required crossing ethnic and religious barriers. The Gospel moved from the people of Israel to the Samaritans who had a form of Old Testament faith. The message then moved onto the Gentiles. They consisted of diverse ethnic groups and were followers of a variety of religious beliefs.

How can we reach the entire world by crossing different cultural and religious backgrounds?

Reaching the least reached is not an easy task for the church.

We need creative methods and entry points. God has empowered the Church to be HIs witness in the world.

Key areas of innovation include the following:

Ralph Winter, in his essay “Cross-Cultural Evangelism: The Task of Highest Priority,” highlights the need for awareness of the “cultural distance” between the messenger and the recipient.

The nearer the messenger is in cultural adaptation to the recipient culture, the more effective is the sharing of the Gospel. This “nearness” may be due to one’s culture of origin or even the result of careful adaptation to the recipient culture.

The messenger must work hard to understand the other culture by learning the language, traditions, historical problems, religious allegiance, and patterns of behavior.

At Global Disciples, we believe and encourage indigenous clusters of churches to train and send their own workers.

These are people who know the culture well in order to reap the plentiful harvest. 

In Global Disciples, we believe that churches in close proximity to the least-reached areas are instrumental. If these clusters of churches are willing to identify and train church planters to cross to the next village/town, we will provide a Small Business Development (SBD) training tool for them.

This will allow them to train their church planters. Then they can develop their own legitimate businesses to give them the resources to access least-reached people and to sustain their families and ministries.

How did Paul present the Gospel to the people of Athens (Acts 17:16-34)?

We must begin on common ground by understanding the culture of the people we are trying to reach. Without understanding the culture, we can’t begin on common ground in order to engage the Gospel in this people’s context.

Understanding another culture is not as easy as we think. Everything that a culture is and will ever be is driven by its worldview. This is the deepest part of the culture.

Understanding the culture of our audience allows us to properly present the Gospel message in their context. The Apostle Paul was an expert at understanding cultures.  

He was provoked by all of the idols that he saw in the city of Athens (Acts 17:16). But He began his talk by observing that they were very religious in all respects. Then he mentioned that he found an altar that was dedicated, “To an unknown God.”  He used this “unknown God” to tell them about the true God who created heaven and earth. He showed them the supremacy of God by saying,

“The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands, nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things” (Acts 17:24-25).

Paul even used their writing, “‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’” He used their poet’s sayings to support his argument that all human beings came from one man and that we are all children of God. Finally, he called them to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 17:30-31). “In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.  For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead” (emphasis added).

Here, Paul made it clear there is no salvation without repentance and submission to the saving power of the One who defeated death. Contextualization means beginning with some common ground and presenting the saving Gospel in that context. 

Every ethnic group has its own culture and some kind of religious background. Therefore, for the Gospel to be understood and received by any people group, it has to be communicated in the context of that culture to make it meaningful. But most of the time, we do not go with a “pure” or naked Gospel to adapt it into the new culture. In taking the Gospel across cultures, one of the mistakes we often make is that of going with a Gospel wrapped in our own cultural context. So we need to be careful to distinguish between the two—culture and Gospel.

The Gospel message we received originally came in the historical context of the Hebrew and Greek cultures. But these practices had to cross many different cultures as the Church expanded. For example, in the early Church, the Hebrew practices of circumcision and dietary laws were set aside in the Gentiles’ culture (Acts 15:1-35; Romans 14). The churches did not always agree as to how to relate to surrounding cultures which resulted in controversies and division.

Our Gospel is the universal message of salvation for all people irrespective of race, language, culture, or circumstances. It does not presuppose the superiority of any culture to another but evaluates all cultures according to its own criteria of truth and righteousness based on the Word of God. To communicate the Gospel effectively, we have to separate it from our culture and present it in terms of the culture of the people we are reaching. It is good to remember that Jesus Christ is the captive of no culture and is the master of all cultures. The central task of our mission is to present the message in the context of our audience so that they can respond positively (1 Timothy 2:5-6). 

We have the authority to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all people within their context. Just as Jesus Christ became flesh and dwelt among people, we, the messengers of the Gospel, must have a cultural incarnation in order to be meaningful (John 1:14-18). We cannot communicate the Gospel withot concerning ourselves with culture because our Gospel is super-cultural in its origin, truth, and application.  

Did you know that sharing the Gospel effectively requires thoughtful, biblical contextualization? This means the removal of non-scriptural cultural elements from the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Contextualization requires choosing appropriate words, analogies, worship styles, etc. In the early Church, the decision about the necessity of circumcision was a critical issue requiring contextualization. Some saw it as a prerequisite to becoming a follower of Christ. The Jerusalem council realized that the deeper intent of the Old Testament passages was that circumcision (the form) was only a sign of actual spiritual submission to God (the meaning [Romans 2:25-29]).

Paul contextualized the Gospel message in the context of his audiences (1 Corinthians 9:19-22). He chose to live like the people he was reaching. The Gospel message must be contextualized in the language and custom of the local people as God speaks to them in their real situations as Paul did. Even if we believe in contextualization, we do not compromise on salvation that is only through Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord (Acts 4:12; John 14:6).  It is through Jesus Christ that God is reconciling the lost and dying world. Anyone who does not accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior is eternally lost. 

We are on a mission of reaching and discipling the entire world with our Commissioner, Jesus. He invites us to participate in the greatest, most diverse, and most significant historical gathering of the harvest in the last days. This mission, which He has entrusted into our hands, needs to go to the ends of the earth by crossing cultures as it is prophesized in Isaiah 49:6: “I will make you a light to the Gentiles, and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth” (NLT). These words anticipate not only the work of Christ (Luke 2:32) but also the future witness of His disciples, including us (Acts 13:47).

One day, God’s mission to include people from every nation, tribe, and language in His kingdom will be fulfilled (Revelation 5:9-10; Revelation 7:9). The Church today, as God’s missionary people, can confidently bear witness to Christ to advance His kingdom, near and far, crossing every cultural barrier. We will not rest until the Gospel has reached every people, has been shared in every locality, and until churches have been planted at every corner among the least-reached peoples around the world.

We will look forward to the day when this global mission is accomplished, when great multitudes from every race, tribe, nation, people, and language will stand before the throne of our true God and sing the song, “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb” (Revelation 7:9). Getting involved now will allow us to experience in advance a little of what heaven will be like.

Are we willing to cross-cultural and religious barriers so that we will fulfill the mission Jesus has given us?

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!

In this blog, we’ll help you discover more about spiritual gifts, how to identify your personal gifts and how you can use them to serve God with an eternal impact!

Did you know that spiritual gifts are given to every Christian when they receive the gift of salvation. God The Holy Spirit gives us these gifts freely when we put our faith in Him.

In fact, each of us has our own spiritual gifts. Read on to discover what they could be and what they might mean for you.

The gift of “tongues” was more than just a language unknown to anyone else. Tongues was intended to be a sign to the church that a particular believer was ministering in a foreign tongue.

In reality, the spiritual gifts given for ministry are God’s way of using what believers do to meet the needs of others and serve them. The act of giving such gifts is called administration. To administer is to apply and bring into use.

The 5-Fold Ministry Gifts include the following:

The manifestations of the Holy Spirit are the ways that God uses to bring the truth of salvation to light. Consequently, they are actions that were performed by the early church and demonstrate the plan of salvation.

The gifts given by the manifestation of the Holy Spirit are the abilities that enable believers to confirm and strengthen other believers in the faith. They are the gifts that help to build up the body of Christ, the Church. The act of giving such gifts is called serving. The Greek word means to enter into spiritual service.

In fact, there are nine Manifestations of the Holy Spirit and they are:

Motivation is the spiritual gift of prayer that helps encourage others to do things that are God’s will, and to do them in a way that pleases God.

The gifts given by the motivation are spiritual gifts that help believers do what God wants them to do. They are the tools that help people to strengthen and encourage one another.

God The Holy Spirit gives us these gifts freely. Each believer has a different set of gifts. These gifts are given for the purpose of serving God and others.

Some churches provide tests to determine spiritual gifts. In this case, your pastor can administer the test for you and input the results for you. Why not take this test online?

Ask someone who knows you well. People who know you or who have worked with you in the church can usually tell you what you enjoy doing and what you do best.

Have you ever wondered which is the greatest spiritual gift? They say that love is the best gift. It means that love matters most. Gifts are great, but it’s more important to know how to love. God has given us His love as a gift. We love because He loved us first. Without love, all the actions supposed to be gifts are empty.

Spiritual gifts are given to every Christian when they receive the gift of salvation. As a reminder that salvation is a gift of grace, they are given freely by God when we place our faith in Him. He is constantly giving things to us.

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!