DT READING-V: KINGDOMS IN CONFLICT: REDEMPTION & REIGNING WITH GOD

“Repent, for the Kingdom of God has come near you”_ Jesus Christ

Dear brothers and sisters,

I am glad to learn together with you again. I hope you have read and thought through the readings we had in the last two months. May the Lord continue to encourage you even as you labor to learn and grow in the knowledge of God! Today we will look at a crucial theme, which is “the kingdom.” I believe as you read contemplatively you will be guided, encouraged, and helped in the Lord.

 READING V: LEARNING OBJECTIVES

-        What is a kingdom?

-        The many kingdoms

-        Kingdoms in conflict

-        With whom are you reigning?

-        Disciples reigns with God

WHAT IS A KINGDOM?

A kingdom refers to a country, state, or territory ruled by a king or queen, as in the Kingdom of Thailand.  In a kingdom such as Thailand, it is the king who rules the nation. His choice, his will, and his decision fundamentally determine what happens in his Nation.

A kingdom however also refers to a domain in which something is dominant; it refers to a realm that is uniquely our own, where our choice determines what happens.

We all have our own kingdom, in other words, we all rule, we govern, or are in charge of at least our own lives. When you come across a boy, who shout and scream at other boys not to come near him, or not to touch his toys, he is basically saying “I am in charge of these toys,” “I rule over them,” and you boys (have no right or) should not touch my toys. Well, that’s a kingdom thing. A boy is reigning and he rules over his toys.

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your Kingdom come, Your Will be done” (Matthew 6:9). The key to understanding a kingdom is “Will.” In His likeness, God has created us as free will creatures, we are made to exercise our Will, to rule, to govern, and that is what makes a human being unique. We are given a “Free Will,” power and ability to choose and reject, to build and destroy, to rule and govern, etc. that is what it means_  “to be human.” Dallas Willard poignantly wrote, “In creating human beings God made them to rule, to reign, to have dominion in a limited space. Only so can they be persons.” (Divine Conspiracy, 29)

THE MANY KINGDOMS

Not only do people have their own kingdoms, we learned from the Bible that even Satan has his kingdom. In Matthew 4, we learned how Satan tempted Jesus after 40 days and nights of fasting. Satan pointed Jesus to the kingdoms of this world and said he will give it (assuming his power over and reign over the kingdoms of this world) if Jesus would bow down and worship him. In Mark, we read an account where the teachers of the law accused Jesus saying that he is possessed by the prince of demons, and Jesus replied, “How can Satan drive out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.” (Mark 3:20-24). So apart from kingdoms we all rule and govern, there are the kingdoms of the worlds, and there is a kingdom of Satan. Each one governs their own kingdoms.

When Jesus came to the world, he came to announce the Kingdom of God, “Repent, for the Kingdom of God has come near you” (Matthew 4:7). Jesus announced the Good News that His coming to the world has now made it possible for all of us to be in God’s Kingdom here on earth, to rule and reign with God.

 

KINGDOMS IN CONFLICT

The nation of Israel after the reign of King Solomon was divided into the Northern and the Southern Kingdom. They fought with each other, they fought against enemies, and they even fought with among themselves, in their own kingdom. As Jesus truly stated, “If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand,” so it was with the Nation of Israel. Both the kingdoms were totally destroyed by their enemies!

Do we also not see the countless divisions and conflicts in our society and the world today? It’s a kingdom conflict.

When Jesus came and announced the Good News of the Kingdom of God, the teachers of the law, the Pharisees, and many other people opposed Jesus. There were countless conflicts, kingdoms in conflict. The teachers of laws and Pharisees wanted to rule and reign even in the streets and the Synagogues. They strongly opposed Jesus and eventually with the help of the Roman government they crucified Him.

There was a group of people who opposed the truth of God’s grace and bewitched the believers in Galatia. Their beliefs and practices were in conflict with the Gospel of Grace and the teachings of the Apostles. In such context, Paul rebuked believers wrote, “You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you (to bewitch a person, frequently by use of evil eye and with evil intent) before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified” (Galatians 3:1). Apostle Peter wrote to believers to be alert and of sober mind, because their enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8).

The last book of the Bible, the book of Revelation ends with a great conflict between the kingdom of Satan and the Kingdom of Jesus, a mighty war between the kings of this world led by Satan and the King Jesus Christ along with his followers. Of course, the victory was easily won by King Jesus because He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords (Revelation 19).

The kingdoms in conflict are real. History is loud and clear about the conflicts. The present-day is not without exception. There are conflicts and wars (physical and spiritual) happening somewhere even as I write, and there are conflicts and wars happening within each one of us, in the spiritual realm, every day, and every hour.  Indeed we must heed the words of Apostle Peter, to be sober mind because our enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8).

WITH WHOM ARE YOU REIGNING?

 “For none of us lives to himself alone, and none of us dies to himself alone. If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living,” writes Apostle Paul (Romans 14:7-9).

We all have our own kingdom, we live, we rule, and we reign, but by our will, our kingdoms are either given, and so controlled by the kingdom of Satan, or submit, and so received into the kingdom of God. Satan dominates and controls people to do his will- which are evil, destructive, and bad. God liberates and frees people to do His will- which is good, pleasing, and perfect.

If someone’s lives, deeds, and beliefs are opposite to how Christ lived and taught, he or she is living in his own kingdom and is reigning with Satan. “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and other rulers of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient” (Ephesians 2:1-2).

Those who have surrendered their “will,” and said to God and themselves, I am no longer the one and only in charge of my own life, I am no longer the one and only ruler of my own desire, and have I submitted my life under the Lordship of Christ.  Such people will begin to reign their lives with God

Jesus reigned with God when He came on the earth for the redemption mission that is why He said, “My Father if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not my will, but as your will” (Matthew 26:36-42); “For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken” (John 12:49).

DISCIPLES REIGN WITH GOD

At the gate of the temple called Beautiful, a lame beggar begged Peter and John for money, but they don’t have it with them. Peter then looked straight at the beggar, said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk! Then taking him by the right hand, Peter helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk” (Acts 3:1-8). Again on another occasion the Apostles were persecuted and commanded not to share the Good News of the Kingdom of God, but in such a thorny situation Peter and the other Apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than human beings!” (Acts 5:29).

Without God’s power, Peter could never have performed the sign and wonder. The miracle event at the gate of the Temple was a manifestation of Peter reigning with God. Also in the midst of the life-threatening situation, the Apostles could courageously stand on their ground, to do the will of God which was to keep preaching the Good News. God was with them, they were reigning with God.     

What about us as disciples of Jesus? Do we see God’s working through our lives? We are very limited in our ability and power to bring about changes and good things; we have lots of limitations as humans. I would like to quote Willard once again, he said, “Now, what we can do by our unassisted strength is very small. What we can do acting with mechanical, electrical, or atomic power is much greater…. What we can do with these means (mechanical, electrical or atomic power) is still very small comparing to what we could do acting in union with God Himself, who created and ultimately controls all other forces.” (Divine Conspiracy, 30)

Wow! As disciples of Jesus, if we reign with God there is much we can all do… Do you believe that?

As we continue to seek, to learn, and to obey as disciples of Jesus, may the Holy Spirit teach us to know more about the Good News of the Kingdom of God!

 “When we submit what and where we are to God, our rule or dominion then increase”_ Dallas Willard

 PRAYER POINTS:

1.      Pray that you submit yourself to God, and then resist the devil (James 4:7)

2.      Pray for God’s Kingdom to come and for His Will to be done in your life, in our society, in our political realm (Matthew 6:9-14)

3.      Pray that God will continue to give you wisdom and knowledge to live as a faithful disciple of Jesus (James 1:5)

4.      Pray for RCFD Discipleship-II members.

DT READING IV: THE DISCIPLES’ ROAD

 “…broad is the road that leads to destruction…and narrow in the road that leads to life.” (Matthew 7:13, 14)

Dear brothers and sisters,

God delivered the Israelites in the hands of Egyptians and on their journey to the Promised Land, through His servant Moses God said:

“This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life or death, blessings, and a curse. Now choose life, so that your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him. For the Lord is your life...” (Deuteronomy 30:19-20).  

When God gave His laws to the Israelites He gave them a choice either to follow or to reject His words. It is also learned that the Greek, Roman, and Jewish writers often spoke of two ways; which is a choice between life and death.

Speaking to crowds, Jesus said, “Enter through the narrow gate, for wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction… and narrow in the road that leads to life” (Matthew 7:13-14). Here again, Jesus explicitly stated that there are only two roads: one that leads to destruction and another to eternal life, and a choice was given for all of us to make!

READING-IV: learning objectives

-        Less fun, less fulfilled life, really?
-        The Alternative
-       We all follow something and someone
-        The Disciples’ Road
-        Cut your hand and pluck your eye

Less fun and less fulfilled life, REAlly?

If someone asks you, is Jesus worth Following? My guess is you will answer, YES! it sure is worth following Jesus.

Through Jesus, we have forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with God, deliverance from evil, victory over sins, eternal life, peace, etc. We have countless reasons as to why it is worth following Jesus. It sure is worth following Him. And yet, one may wonder why many people reject or don’t seem to desire these precious gifts and blessings that come from following Jesus. And why do people opt for worldly things and sinful ways of life, such as corruption, sexual immorality, lies, greed, falsehood, alcohols, injustice, and the like that lead to destruction?

According to the Scripture, at the root of all problems in human life is sin. And Alas! Sin can be pleasurable, sin can be attractive, sin can momentarily meet the need of human corrupted appetites, sin can be fun, and sin can be addictive, and so on. We know how powerful and addictive sin can be, as such multitudes of people find it difficult to give up sinning and choose to go by the wide gate and the broad road.

It is sin that also distorts the sight of people to not see the glory of freedom from sin. And Satan who is the “father of all lies” (John 8:44) deceives and lies to people that the alternative to sin isn’t fun, isn’t real, and isn’t pleasant.

Let us be on our guard my brothers and sisters. Allow no one to deceive us into believing and thinking that following Jesus is less fun and less fulfilling.

The alternative: A Fullness of life

We now shall ask ourselves: Is the alternative to sin really fun and fulfilling? The answer is YES, absolutely! The alternative to sinning, which is following Jesus is not only fun and fulfilling but joy, peace, freedom from sin, contentment, meaningfulness, love, harmony, etc. There is the fullness of life in following Christ.

To experience the fullness of life we must come out of sin, we must put off our filthy clothes_ the sinful practices of any form and shape and color. Don’t look at others’ big sins and compare yours as smaller than someone else. The standard is not to compare with others. Christ is the standard and that is why the Scripture says, “for all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Measure up yourself with Christ. But the good news is that there is a solution to sins. The solution is a genuine confession, renouncing of sinful practices, and repentance (Change of mind- wrong and wicked thinking to good and right thinking, and turning to God).

Christ died for all human beings on earth, for the remission of all sin. As a result, there is freedom from sin, and in that freedom, there is fullness of life. God truly loves us.

We all follow something and someone

Whether we know it or not, the fact is that we all (every human) follow something and someone in our life and with our life. All humans are followers: some follow Jesus Christ; some follow Buddha; some follow Mohammad; some follow celebrities; some follow deceiving spirits; some follow life gurus or certain thinkers, etc. The fact that someone talks about his or her beliefs, dresses or lives in certain ways, or even thinks a certain way is a manifestation of whom he/she follows.

(Unfortunately) many diehard young people today, for example, dress like K-pop or rock stars and even trim and dye their hairs like them; this is the (outward) manifestation of what is stored in their mind and in their subconscious, as they follow K-pop stars or some rock stars (listen, admire, talk, watch, study, and learn about them, etc.). On the other hand, (fortunately) there are also young people who live a godly life, do good works, assist helpless people, work faithfully, are dedicated in their given job, dress modestly, do mission works, etc. This too is the (outward) manifestation of what is stored in their mind, subconscious, and in their spirits as they follow Jesus Christ (listen, read, study, admire, obey, and share the things of God and Christ). Their minds are renewed (see Romans 12:1-2), meaning, what they think (their minds) are not their own, but what Christ thinks (Christ’s mind). That is why Apostle Paul said, “… we have the mind of Christ” (1 Cor. 2:16), in other words, we think the way Christ thinks.

Let me repeat this again, everyone follows something and someone in their life and with their life. And what and who we follow will manifest in who we become, what we do, and why we do. It is extremely essential therefore to ask and examine ourselves what and who we follow.

Following Jesus is entering through the narrow gate; following Jesus is walking on the narrow road that leads to life. And following others, Buddha, Celebrities, or any life guru, etc. is entering through the wide gate, the broad road that leads to destruction. When Jesus declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me,” (John 14:6) Jesus is explicitly saying, there is only ONE WAY that leads to life and He is the WAY.

The disciples’ road

We all are travelers in this world as poets write, or as the Psalmist would say, “I am a stranger in on the earth” (Psalm 119:19).

Travelers travel different roads that lead us to various destinations. “All roads lead to Rome” is an idiom people use to convey a message that all paths or activities lead to the center of things, or that there are many different routes to the same goal. Likewise, (sadly) multitudes of people also believe there are many roads that will lead them to God (religious pluralists).

However, according to the Scripture, there are only two roads in life’s journey: A narrow road that leads to life, and a broad road that leads to destruction (Matthew 7:13-14). Following Jesus, as I mentioned earlier is entering the narrow gate and taking the narrow road.

The disciples’ road is the narrow road. It is a road that leads to life. It is a road of loving God with all our heart, with all our mind, with all our soul, and with our strength. It is a road of undivided loyalty to Christ alone. Remember, disciples owe no devotion to any other gods. And yes it is a road of loving our neighbors as we love ourselves (Mathew 22:37-39; Mark 12:30, 31).

Also, the road of disciples is exclusive and is found in Jesus alone. Let me restate this, Jesus said, “I am the way the truth and the life. NO one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Similarly, the Apostles tell us, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved,” and “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth” (Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:10). The disciples’ road is the road of faithfulness, love, devotion, obedience, holiness, and justice, etc. and the disciples’ road leads to life, eternal.

Keep this in mind: There are only two roads; one will take us to God, the other to a place of damnation.

cut your hands and Pluck your eye

Before we conclude our reading-IV, I think it is also good to look at the lethal alternative to following the disciples’ road, the broad road that leads to destruction, hell. Jesus knew what and how dreadful hell is, as such He told his follower, ‘if their hands and legs will cause them to sin and lead them to eternal hellfire, or if their eye causes them to sin, pluck it and throw for it is better to go heaven without eye or hand than to be in eternal fire’ (Matthew 5:30). I mention this to remind us how dreadful it is that the broad road will lead people into.

The Scripture is plain and simple with regards to this message. The Scripture tells us that those who believe and follow Christ enter through the narrow gate and walk the narrow road that leads to eternal life, and those that choose the broad road will be condemned to eternal fire.

With that, I will leave with you these questions as we make continue to ponder and choose the disciples’ road.

1.      Have I made my life journey’ decision?
2.      What are some of the areas in my life (things of the broad road) that I need to come out of?
3.      Shall I commit/recommit my life to faithfully follow Jesus and take the narrow road?

 

Prayer points:

1.      Prayer to follow the disciples’ road
2.      Pray that God will give you a discerning spirit to walk His ways
3.      Pray for the strength to walk the narrow road with faithfulness

 

DT READING-III: CALLED AND CHOSEN

“Many are called, but few are chosen” (Matthew 22:14)

Dear friends,

In our DT reading-II, we learned that God’s call is based on His Grace, His Sovereignty, and His Foreknowledge. We also learn that God calls us all at a certain point in life and in various ways and situations. And so it is not uncommon to hear people sharing their testimonies declare, ‘God called me through sickness or during such and such tragic incident.’ We also hear testimonies like_ ‘God called me through my friends, or from a Youth Bible Camp,’ etc. Apostle Peter and his brother Andrew were called when they were fishing (Mathew 4:18-20). Recently, I heard a testimony of one of our own members (a former Muslim) who shared with us that 23 years ago he lived in the dark and indulged in all kinds of sinful practices. But God in His mercy called him through a Russian evangelist, who invited him to a church. Then gradually he responded to the call of God and surrendered his life to Christ. I believe by God’s grace today that brother is on fire for the Lord. He keeps sharing the Good News of Jesus to people everywhere, on the streets, and in the marketplaces. 

Reading-III: Learning objectives

-        The parable of the wedding feast
-        A few chosen
-        Disciples are chosen
-        The wedding garment
-        Many are called, but few are chosen

 

The parable of the wedding feast (Matthew 22:1-14)

The parable of the wedding feast is a teaching of Jesus on “the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus spoke this parable to the religious leaders (Pharisees) who were always trying to find his mistake and to accuse him. (A “parable” is a story from everyday life used to illustrate a moral or religious truth. It is the primary method Jesus used to teach about the Kingdom of God).

In the parable, Jesus compared (invitation to) the Kingdom of heaven as a king who gave a wedding feast for his son, sent out his servants to call/invite/summon those who were invited/called. But those who were called, none of them paid attention to the call by the king’s servants. They were busy with their jobs and earthly concerns, some of them even went to the extent of threatening and killing the king’s servants. The king was furious with those invited, sent his troops and destroyed those murderers (invited people who turns out to be unworthy), and sent out his servants to go out in the street and invite as many as they can (both good and bad people). So the wedding hall was filled with the guests/people on the street.

The king came in to look at the guests and found a man who had no wedding garment. The king then ordered his attendants to bind the hand and foot of the man with no wedding garment and throw him into the outer darkness. In that place, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Hell).

Jesus concludes the parable by saying, “Many are called, but few are chosen.”

 A few chosen

 In our DT reading-II, we have learned that regardless of who and what people have done in the past or are doing at present, God in His Grace and Sovereignty calls/invites people to Himself, (to be citizens) into His Kingdom at a certain point in life. God calls people by sending his servants (e.g. teachers, pastors, evangelists, or even your friends,  etc.) like a king sent servants who went out into the roads and gathered all whom they found, both good and bad for his son’s wedding feast (Mathew 22:10). This truth was repeated by Apostle Paul, “How then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? (Romans 10:14) also, see Matthew 24:14_ everyone will get a chance to (a call) to hear the good news of the Kingdom of God..

However, not everyone who is called is chosen, nor everyone on the street that God’s servants invite/call is chosen as we learned in the parable. Not all the Jews (Israelites) whom God called are chosen, nor all the Gentiles whom God calls are chosen. Do you also remember that God delivered the Israelites in the hands of Egyptians but later destroyed many of them (all who were 20 years old or above), and only two men, Joshua and Caleb reached the Promise Land?  (See Number 32:10-13)

Who are the few chosen? And why did God choose them? A few chosen are those who humble themselves and respond to the calls of God (through/in various occasions and from the proclamation/preaching of the Gospel of the Kingdom by the servants of God). A few chosen are those who heed the calls from the king’s servants and they went (took action/by faith responded to the call) to the wedding feast. A few chosen are those who wear wedding garments (We will later discuss what is wedding garments refer to). People are not chosen on the basis of their ethnicity or race (Jews or Gentiles), but because of God's Grace and Sovereignty- He chose those that humble themselves, accept and acknowledge His calls.

 Disciples are chosen

As we have learned in our DT reading-I, disciple simply means student, follower, or apprentice. We all know that during His earthly ministry Christ chose only twelve people to be His disciples. And of course, in a generic sense, everyone who followed Jesus during His earthly ministry was His disciples or his followers, but Jesus chose only 12 people, to train them so that they could go and make more disciples. The 12 disciples became Apostles (messengers, delegate, or sent one) and went to fulfill the great commission of Jesus, to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:16-20; the book of Acts).  

What we are today, becoming disciples and making disciples of Jesus is a continuing work of our Lord Jesus Christ and the Apostles. Yet, what is extremely important for us to realize is that not everyone who is called is chosen. And if someone is not chosen he or she cannot be a true disciple of Jesus. You might be attending churches or doing churches activities but if you are not chosen, you cannot be a disciple. Disciples are chosen.

Do you think that out of 43 souls/members that are doing RCFD discipleship-II are all true disciples of Jesus? Or chosen? Only God knows! But I also believe we are all called by God, or rather God is calling all of us, and so we all can become true disciples. We become disciples by humbling ourselves and responding to His call; we become disciples by faith and respond to God’s call (God use his servants to call/invite us into His Kingdom) and submit ourselves to Him; we become disciples by putting off our old clothes/filthy clothes (sins, sinful deeds, wickedness, corrupt ways, etc.) and put on a new clothe (a wedding garment). As such, God in His grace and sovereignty may choose us to become His own disciples, His students. 

I also hope some of you remember the Bible passage I shared in our DT WhatsApp group a few weeks ago. The passage is Psalm 25:9, “He (God) guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His ways.” Humility is the prerequisite in responding to the call of God.

Indeed God guides the humble and teaches them His ways.   

 The wedding garment

In the Bible garment/clothing is used both in literal/general and symbolic ways. Also, various types and colors signify different meanings, and certain types of people wore special clothing (e.g. priest clothing/garment, see Exodus 28). We also learn that clothing is used in symbolic ways for spiritual realities (see Revelation 3:17, 18; Revelation 16: 15; Revelation 19:7-8; Matthew 22:11-12). 

In the parable, a wedding garment is referring to the righteousness (innocence/justification) that is given to people (clothe people) because of the deeds of Jesus Christ on the Cross (cf. Romans 1:16, 17_ the righteousness of God). 

The man who did not wear a wedding garment (but wore his own garment) at the wedding feast was not chosen though he was also called/invited/summoned. His hand and foot were binds and he was thrown into the outer darkness. Why? Because he did not come by faith when he was called by the king’s servants; he did not put off his old filthy clothe which is his sins, wicked deeds, and corrupted life of the street. He was not wearing a wedding garment (Christ’s righteousness) that Jesus offers freely to everyone who comes to Him. He came with his own self-righteousness and hence he was not justified.

As sinners, no one is able to clothe themselves to stand clean in God’s presence as Joshua the high priest discovered, “Now Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes as he stood before the angel. The angel said to those who were standing before him, “Take off your filthy clothes.” Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put fine garments on you.” (Zechariah 3:3).

 Many are called, but few are chosen

My brothers and sisters, I hope and pray this message is clear to you now. Yes, God has called every one of us (calling everyone), but are we all chosen?

We are all called/ invited into the Kingdom of God and so we need to humble ourselves and respond by faith. We need to put off our flighty clothe/garment, which is our sins, our wicked deeds, and corrupt ways, and we need to put on a wedding garment that God so freely gives to everyone who comes to Him. The wedding garment is the righteousness (justification/ innocence (declared as not guilty) given to us through the works of Jesus on the Cross. God chooses people who humble themselves and by faith accept/receive/believe in Jesus, His words, and His works, and they are given His righteousness (we are justified, we are counted righteous, innocent, not guilty), only then we can take part in the feast of a royal wedding; only then we can enter the kingdom of God and be the citizens.

But sadly as Jesus concludes the parable, “Many are called but few are chosen”. Have we humbly responded to God’s call yet? Have we by faith accepted the Good News of the kingdom of God? And do you also remember the narrow and wide gates? The Bible tells us that many enter through the wide gate that leads to destruction, but few go through the narrow gate that leads to life (Matthew 7:13-14). Let us enter the narrow gate that leads to life.

May God help us all to understand this message and may we all heed the call of God today.

“Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the Churches” (Revelation 2:29; 3:6, 13, 22)

 Prayer points:

1.     Pray that God may open your mind to know and understand the scripture (Matthew

2.     Pray for the forgiveness of sins (confess/repent/change of mind). By faith in Jesus' name put off/renounce your old flighty clothes_ sins, wicked deeds, corrupt ways, etc.

3.     Prayer of commitment and response to God’s calling. Put on a wedding garment_ the righteousness that comes through Christ. By faith accept/receive Christ, His words, His works on the Cross.  

4.     Prayer of thanksgiving to God for choosing you as His disciple by His grace and sovereignty.

5.     Pray that you will humble yourselves and continue to learn God’s Word, His Ways, and follow His Will. 

DT Reading (II) YOU ARE CALLED

  “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you to fish for people.” (Matthew 4:19)

Dear friends,

Welcome back to our DT. I understand that reading might not be the most exciting thing for some of us, moreover, all of us are engaged in various works and daily routines as such our DT reading will be simple and minimal. Even so, I would sincerely urge you all to have a personal reflection on the themes we are covering in our DT reading.

Reading-II: Learning Objectives:

-          God’s Sovereignty
-          You are called
-          Choice to make
-          God will mold you

GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY

Before we look at God's call, I think it is extremely important for us to understand the Sovereignty of God. And since failing to understand and acknowledging God’s Sovereignty we may not be able to understand His calling.  

God is eternal, God is perfect, God is all-knowing, God is all-benevolent, God is all-powerful, etc. these are the attributes of God. And if these attributes of God are true, it is logical that God knows everything about us before we come into existence. Yes, we existed in the mind of God prior to our existence. We learned this truth in the Bible, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations” (Jeremiah 1:5). God foreknew everything about us, our past, present, and future. The knowledge of God is beyond our comprehension and no human can understand the fullness of His wisdom and plans. He is the Almighty God, perfect in all His ways and doing.

A faithful servant of God by the name Derek defined God's Sovereignty as, “God does what He wants, when He wants, how He wants, and He takes no one’s permission and nothing outside of Him can overrule His doing." This is a grand definition of who God is and His sovereignty. And since God is all perfect, all-knowing, and all-loving whatever He does is good. Everything He does is perfect and we can trust all His doing. 

It was in His sovereignty, God called out Abraham from the land of idolaters and made a convent and promised to bless him and make him into a great nation. In His great wisdom, God did what He want, how He want, when He want, and He took no one’s permission. “The LORD had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people, and your father’s household to the land I will show you. “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing… and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you.” (Genesis 12:1-3). This promise of God was later fulfilled as we read and learn in the history of Isreal. 

God is calling you!

YOU ARE CALLED

God made us and loves us. He is gracious and He calls everyone like He called Abraham. God called Moses when he was in the wilderness tending sheep. God called Peter when he was fishing. God called Paul when he was riding a horse on his way to Damascus. God calls people in various ways and times. He has called you!

The word CALL is used in the Bible when God calls people to Himself. Yet God never forces anyone to His Kingdom nor does He drags or lures people to Himself. He calls! Two alternative words that express the same meaning are INVITATION and SUMMON.

The Bible tells us that we are all made in the image of God, we are His creation, and we are made for His glory. As such regardless of what we did in the past, the kind of person we are at present, in His sovereignty God still calls us to Himself.

A faithful Bible teacher once said, "The point at which God confronts us with His call is the most significant moment in our life. Our whole destiny for time and eternity will be determined by the way you and I respond to His call." God called me in the year 2005 when I was attending a Youth Bible Camp and from that point on there was no turning back. Of course, after I responded to God and gave my life to Him, I have sinned and disobeyed Him countless times and I have repented countless times too. When I examine my own life, time and again the words of Prophet Jonah ring in my mind, “I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity” (Jonah 4:2). Indeed we are created and called by Grace for Grace.

Do you know that you are called too? Not because of who you are but because of who God is and in His Sovereignty and Grace. Have you sincerely responded to God’s calling? I hope and pray you have done so.

I think it is also extremely important for us to remember the words of our Lord Jesus at this point: “Many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:14). “Our whole destiny for time and eternity will be determined by the way you and I respond to His call."

God has called you!

QUALIFIED AND DISQUALIFIED: A DIFFERENT STORY

Suppose you apply for a teaching job in a school or university, and if the head of the school calls you or invites you to be a teacher, he calls you probably because you are qualified, trained, or experienced. The story is different when it comes to God’s calling or invitation. We are called to become God’s own, God’s children, God’s servant, etc., but none of us are qualified for His invitation. We are all disqualified people in the sight of God. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). And God calls no one on the basis of their family, race, skin color, job, qualification, etc. That is why His call is a call of Grace. God calls us all because He loves us and He is gracious. And in His sovereignty, God calls us to Himself. 

Abraham was never qualified for God’s calling on the basis of his own goodness. It was God’s Sovereignty and Grace. He was called to be blessed. Abraham trusted God, he left his country, his people, his father’s household, to the land unknown to him. Abraham responded well.

God has called you!

CHOICE TO MAKE

We have learned what the Sovereignty of God is; that God takes no one’s permission; that nothing outside of God can overrule His doing. What God opens no one will shut, and what God shuts, no one can open (cf. Rev. 3:7). And yet God never forces or drags anyone to Himself and to His kingdom. That is why C.S Lewis said, “There are only two kinds of people in the end: Those who say to God, “Thy will be done,” and those to whom God says, in the end, “Thy will be done.” God calls, God invites, and we are to make a choice.

God calls us first and we have to respond. The choice is either to accept or to reject His Call, His Will, His Way, and His Word. "If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved" (Romans 10:9); “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you to fish for people.” (Matthew 4:19). And this choice will make all the difference in this life and the life to come. Are we serious about His calling and our decision?

God has called you!

HE WILL MOLD US

To the believers in Philippi, Apostle Paul writes, “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns” Philippians 1:6 (NLT). God calls us, and if you and I respond and make a choice to follow Him, He will do His work in molding and shaping us to the likeness of His Son Jesus, for His glory and good plans (cf. Jeremiah 29:11).

In our previous reading (1), I mentioned about growing in our relationship with Christ (growing in the likeness of Christ/becoming mature in our Christian faith and walk) requires obedience to His Word. Responding to God’s call and making a choice to follow Christ is the first step of obedience. As we learn God’s Word and put it into practice (In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome (1 John 5:3), God will mold and shape us, our inner spirits into the likeness of Christ.

You are called!

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.” Romans 8:28-30

ASK & REFLECT:

-        Reflect on the Sovereignty of God 
-        When did God call me? Did I respond to God’s calling as I should? 
-        Why did God call me?
-        Am I following Jesus, His Ways, His Words, and His Will?
-        Am I a serious disciple of Jesus?

LEt’s pray these prayers

-     Prayer of commitment/ recommitment to God
-        Prayer of thanksgiving for God’s Sovereignty and Grace
-        Prayer to take discipleship seriously  
-        Pray for all the 43 souls who are doing DT-II

DT Reading (I): DISCIPLE & DISCIPLESHIP

Dear brothers and sisters, 

It gives me great joy to do RCFD discipleship training with our family again. Some weeks ago one of my good friends told me to look at people and church congregation as souls and not just members. I think that was a helpful insight. His words reminded me of Mark 8:36-37, where Jesus said ‘a single soul is more precious than the whole World.’  And if a soul is more precious than the whole world as Jesus said, can someone comprehend the cost of 43 souls?

Each one of us is precious in the sight of God, and this truth was also reminded by C.S Lewis who said, “When Christ died, he died for you individually just as much as if you had been the only person in the world.”  

As we begin our DT today, it is our sincere prayer for everyone to be encouraged and blessed. Let us grow together in our knowledge of God and in His Word; let us learn from one another as disciples of Jesus, and let us become true disciples of Jesus and make others become His disciples. 

“Be One. Make one”.

You are precious!

Now, having said that, the good news is we are not doing this training all by ourselves. We have three teachers who are knowledgeable and experienced and they are willing to teach us in the next 6 months of learning. Also, this time 4 of us who did DT-I have joined as coordinators to help assist DT-II group. I believe this is God’s will for all of us.

We are doing this together as a group of 43, but the approach of this training will be exceptionally personal type, similar to one on one training/learning. Our weekly reading materials will be the basics of discipleship, video listening related to discipleship will update once a month, and we will have a self-assessment and online class once in two months. (Coordinators will also phone-visit you occasionally and hear from you regarding our DT). As we learn from one another, if you have any doubts, confusion, or even personal issues, please freely discuss or let us know if we can assist you in any way. 

READING (1): LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

# What is discipleship?
# Who is a disciple?
# Can a person disciple himself/herself?
# Why is discipleship necessary?

WHAT IS DISCIPLESHIP?

Discipleship is an integral part of the growth of our daily walk with Christ. The day we hear the Gospel, repent of our sins, accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, believing in Him and declaring His Lordship over our lives, then in the words of Apostle Paul, “God has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the Kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” (Ephesians 1:13-14). Then as we become God’s own children, we begin living our lives in His Kingdom here on earth. To live in His Kingdom here on earth means we live our lives under His Lordship, His Will, His Words, and His Ways.

So, it is in the context of the Kingdom of God, or we living in His kingdom here on earth, discipleship takes place.  Discipleship starts when the triune God (The Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit), or when God begins his Work in our lives. When God made us His children, or when we become God’s children, God begins to teach us His Ways that we may follow Him and grow into the likeness of His Son Jesus_ that is discipleship. From His children now we are becoming His students. Discipleship is also a process of leading others to become disciples of Jesus through exemplary life, teaching, learning, and obeying the Word of God. And most importantly discipleship is only accomplished by the help and the power of the Holy Spirit.

WHO IS A DISCIPLE?

In the New Testament, the word for disciple is “Mathetes” (Greek) which in general means a “learner, student, or disciple.” But in the NT, this term became almost a technical term for the 12 followers of Jesus, though this term was also used for the followers of John the Baptist, and even of the followers of Pharisees. Mathetes also refers not only to the 12 followers or disciples of Jesus, but to a wider circle of adherents to Jesus’ message (people (early Christians) who followed the teachings of Jesus were also called disciples). 

The lives of disciples are characterized by their renunciation of worldly things; humility; servants of the Lord in serving people; readiness to suffer for the Gospel; and most importantly their faith in Jesus Christ. (MCED)

In the Bible, Mathetes is translated as- disciple, follower, pupil, and student.

Do you know?

1.       The word “Disciple” (Mathetes) is used 261 times in the New Testament, but the word “Christian” (Christianos) is used only 3 times in the New Testament.
2.       The disciples were called Christians (first in the Antioch) (Acts 11:26).

(In early Church period) The word “Christian” seems to be a title used for a political nickname (like Pompeiians- members of Pompey’s party and other titles of political parties). Those who believed that Christ was king could therefore be accused of treason, and the title “Christian” became a legal charge (1 Peter 4:16), though it was soon embraced by Jesus’ followers as a welcome title. However, it was probably used merely to ridicule the disciples of Jesus. Antiochans (people from Antioch) developed a reputation for mocking people. (Craig Keener)

It is very unfortunate today that many churches have almost separated the words “Christian and disciple” as two different things or entities. It seems like a person can be a Christian his or her whole life but never a disciple of Jesus, and this is a huge mistake and a disaster I would say. The word disciple means student or follower, and the disciples were called Christians (Acts 11:26). In order words, a disciple is a Christian and a Christian is a disciple. We hear sermons and talks on the cost of a disciple of Jesus as hugely challenging and unique (Luke 14:26-27), so is the cost of a Christian. I mean it’s the same thing.

I have mentioned earlier that when God made us His children, He begins to teach us His Ways that we may follow Him and grow into the likeness of His Son Jesus. And from being His children, we are now becoming or have become His students, His disciples. Disciple means student, follower, or apprentice. We are disciples of Jesus!

CAN A PERSON DISCIPLE HIMSELF/HERSELF?

As an illustration, let’s suppose Mr. John tells us that his son Philip, who is 4 years now, can educate himself and get through kindergarten to university even without going to a school and having no teacher, how would we respond? I think we might say, that’s crazy and not possible. The same is true in discipleship. It is not possible to become walk alone in our journey of faith and become mature spiritually without Godly teachers and leaders and disciple-makers. In other words, a person cannot disciple himself or herself, that is why Christ gave the Church his servants_ the apostles, the prophets, the evangelist, the pastors, and teachers, to equip Christians/disciples, to build them up, until they reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining the whole measure of the fullness of Christ (See Ephesians 4:11-13).  

Once we were all dead in our sins but by God’s Grace we were made alive and we were born again into His Kingdom (John 3:1-8). Grace is God acting in our life to accomplish what we cannot accomplish on our own. It is unmerited favor from God toward us. When a baby is born, there are processes of growth: an infant, then early and middle childhood, adolescence, early and middle adult, and old age. Likewise, we grow spiritually in the Lord after we are born again (Ephesians 4:13; Hebrews 5:11-14). And as disciples, we grow by learning and obeying God’s Word.

WHY IS DISCIPLESHIP NECESSARY

Without discipleship, there is no spiritual growth. Like infants grow when nurtured, we grow in Christ when we are nurtured by God’s Word and we put God’s Word into practice. For physical and mental growth, we need food, communication, and movements, etc. Similarly, for our spiritual growth, we need God’s word, communion with God and His people, and obeying His Word.   

Discipleship is indispensable. And to those who are serious about discipleship, in the process, the wholeness of their being will be nurtured; they will understand God in action, what He is doing and what His Will for them. In discipleship, we learn and we obey and we practice what we learn.

The words of Dallas Willard very well capture the necessity of discipleship: “Discipleship is the very heart of the Gospel.” And that “The really good news for humanity is that Jesus is now taking students in the master class of life. The eternal life that begins with confidence in Jesus is a life in his present kingdom, now on earth and available to all.”

ASK AND REFLECT 

1. Am I a true disciple of Jesus, and how can I become one?
2. Will I follow Jesus even to the point of giving up everything I have?
3. Am I a person God will choose and teach? (See Psalm 25:9)
4. Note down/and meditate on this topic: “I am a disciple of Jesus”

PRAYER

For the sake of your goodness and mercy help me Lord to learn more about you and help me to grow as I put into practice what I’ve learned from you. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen!

 

 

Nov. 2020 DT Class: The Cost of Discipleship

DT Class (Online)
Date: 29/Nov/2020. 3:00-5:00 PM (IST) 
Teacher: Rev. Sonny 
(Director Ethnos Aisa)