Discipleship or “Disciple”-ship

There is a growing confusion and discussion about this word. And I personally think the word is drastically being changed in its original meaning from the root word “disciple”, which is a learner or student. Though the current idea is not yet far from it, still the meaning from my observation is pointing towards a picture of a group of people secluding themselves to discuss and learn something centrally from a manual or book written by a man asserting that it is based from the Word of God, the Bible, with a simplified and easy to understand guide in understanding the Bible. Although this is just my personal view and of my personal observation, I’ve got a feeling there are those who would and would not agree with me and on my observations. Just like other Christian words, like the word “Christian”, “Praise and Worship”, etc. has somewhat changed its meanings, I fear this “Discipleship” could change too.

               Now, why I’m writing this is the above stated reasons and to also speak out further personal thoughts, observations and ideas. I am not against in this idea or concept of Discipleship though, but I feel their needs be a truth-checker or reminder or perhaps Jesus’ command to “Watch and Pray” (Matt. 26:41). And I would re-focus in the word “Watch”, which entails Christians to learn to stop, pause and see what is happening. And sometimes to understand what is happening, one must see the bigger picture, an overview, like an aerial view of an eagle. The “Watch” word though doesn’t mean we just simply watch and do nothing. I believe Jesus wants to have the knowledge and understanding of what is really happening, to see what the enemy is doing and to see what God is doing. After which, the “Pray” is essential, because it seeks to have God’s favor, enablement and authority through Jesus Christ, to do what God desires the Christian to do.

      Therefore, I wish to share things I’ve watched and praying that whatever the case, Christians will fulfill God’s Will and obey His commands for the Glory of God alone.

        Recently someone showed me this post or article in lieu of the person’s concern over someone who may be into it.

I don’t know where it came from nor bothered google-ing it in the net. But I read it and it gave me goose bumps. Why? Because someone (the founder of the so called “G12 movement”) was spoken to, by God through a vision (*Brrrrrr….*). Well? I know I’m quite biased here due to my religious and cultural belief. But, let me explain further from where I’m coming from. As a Bible-believing Christian, we believe that the final authority of Christian faith and practice (since Jesus is not here on earth but in heaven) IS the Word of God, the Bible -- the Scriptures (based in II Tim. 3:16-17). Not man, nor woman, nor other visions or dreams or other people claiming to be the Son of God. Though we believe that God can speak through visions and dreams as written in the Word of God, still the FINAL AUTHORITY when conflicts arise will be the Bible. Why so? Because we believe the Bible is God’s complete revelation of His will and plan, which Christians ought to obey. That is why on the matter of this so called D12 or E12 or G12 or discipleship, I believe we are not fully against it, because the idea of teaching others with the gospel of Christ and God’s Word is still enclosed to it. But, just as the author of the post said, the teachings being taught are what are to be careful of.

In addition, to say that “this method or tool is what God wants His church to be modeled to” is a dangerous idea. First reason why I said this is that such a commandment or teaching was not “literally” taught by Jesus Himself, evidenced by the apostles themselves. In fact, what Jesus taught His disciples mainly and such is the work or reason of the existence of His church (esp. the early Christian Church in Jerusalem) is to obey Jesus’ Great Commission – The preaching of the gospel of Christ and teaching Jesus’ teachings (Matt. 28:18-20). This is Christ Jesus’ crystal clear instruction to His church. No visions, no dreams. Point-blank – Evangelism and Discipleship.

Third reason? (second reason was the evidence of the apostle’s obedience) …. Is that for almost two thousand years, such an idea never came up and it was just recent that this popped up! Meaning, if what the founder of the D12 movement said was true, that this was God’s will for the church, then for so many years the disciples and the Christians after them, disobeyed God’s will or command. BUT, thank God that is not true! When the Holy Spirit came down at the day of Pentecost (50 days after Christ resurrection and 10 days after His ascension), the disciples and believers of the Lord Jesus Christ didn’t run and look for 12 unbelieving people to convert. In actuality, they spoke different languages and dialects of other places or regions that were there for trading and commerce. And, concluded with Peter preaching Jesus Christ for the day and approximately three thousand individuals believed in Christ Jesus as their Lord and Master and Savior. As the Bible said, Three thousand people were added to the church or converted in the Christian Faith. Such an amazing awe-striking dumbfounding event!  

               If I may share my insight in relation to the current trends in Christianity, this discipleship method or tool is not evil in itself. But to fixate our eyes on this idea only because of actual numbers of members produced or enjoined with this movement is surely a trap of our enemy. Why would I say this? Because I believe God was never interested in numbers but at the heart of every individual, whether their heart truly Christ reigns or not. Numbers of members or being part of the so called “discipleship” is not a guarantee that such is a child of God. Remember Matthew 7:20-23? Or 7:13-14? And the phrase “few there be that find it.” God actually already knew few will find the way back to Him from the billions of earth’s population.  

               Furthermore, churches that are entirely into such a trend tend to forget other people needing to know the gospel of Christ. Honestly I do not know entirely how things work in the so called movement, but initial observation tells me, especially for those who requires that they acquire a manual or a book (other than the Bible), gives a glimpse that this is not for those who cannot afford or do little income for themselves. Second, the discipleship sometimes require them to go to places and usually on accessible places, giving me also a glimpse that this is not for the in-accessible, those who live in the remote areas. In the long run, these churches may find themselves not into church planting or preaching the gospel of Christ in far areas, remote areas where the gospel of Christ has never been preached.

               I’m a missionary kid, and I must say being into missions is never a comfortable one. In fact, it is a place of discomfort, sorrow, pain and even tears. Such as what apostle Paul himself experienced. And I can’t imagine how my father got through and going through such a life. I perhaps can just put to mind Christ’s promise “…and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.”

               Last thing I wish to express and perhaps to remind (for the churches) is that “Discipleship” or the Great Commission is actually God’s work. And, we Christians are His mere fellow laborers. He is the Master of the harvest field and we are simply doing what the Master asked us to do (Matt. 20:1-16). To better put, let me quote Apostle Paul from 1 Corinthians 3:6-8 saying “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.” Still it is fully God’s work especially on the matters of changing the heart. Therefore, conversion of a person and discipling them to be Christ-like is never based or dependent on another person, a man or woman, or a method or tool or program. It is wholly and fully dependent on God through the working of the Holy Spirit. We, Christians, are simply God’s instruments. So go ahead, do discipleship, do D12 or E12, or do missions, preach the gospel of Christ! But NEVER FORGET to always pray and seek for the working and LEADING of the Holy Spirit and to hope for another “great mighty rushing wind!”   

My thoughts and writing almost the End of 2019 (my last was January 2018)

“Do this, knowing that this is a critical time. It is already the hour for you to awaken from your sleep [of spiritual complacency]; for our salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed [in Christ]. The night [this present evil age] is almost gone and the day [of Christ’s return] is almost here. So let us fling away the works of darkness and put on the [full] armor of light.” 

(Romans 13:11-12, Amplified Bible)

In a shorter saying of this verse is, “The second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ is nearer than yesterday.” The verse shared was part of what we heard from our speaker last Benguet Fellowship of Fundamental Baptist Churches on Nov. 1, 2019. Sharing some reasons why believers of the Lord Jesus Christ or the members of the body of Christ should take part in sharing the gospel (good news) of the Lord Jesus Christ. This was just one reason which in more simplified phrase, “The Lord is coming and fast approaching!”

Another verse was shared to further emphasize the reason is given below:

(Matthew 24:3-14) As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, WHEN WILL THESE THINGS BE, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the End Of The Age?” And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. For MANY WILL COME IN MY NAME, SAYING, ‘I AM THE CHRIST,’ (does this sound VERY FAMILIAR, especially in the Davao?) and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of WARS AND RUMORS OF WARS (this too is not new e.g. China Sea, middle east, etc...). See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, BUT THE END IS NOT YET. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be FAMINES (this rarely happens in the Philippines but if our foods are all risky like that of the ASF, fish kills, bird flu... then we might soon experience this..)  and EARTHQUAKES (just recent, and it never ends) in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains. “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake. And then MANY WILL FALL AWAY (Spiritually speaking, there are those who’ve gone a different path, different doctrine / teaching… amongst others, discouraged workers, turning back on the call to proclaim the gospel….) and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because LAWLESSNESS WILL BE INCREASED, the LOVE OF MANY WILL GROW COLD (personally speaking, I feel I am affected by this…. Lacking of heart to care for others. Why? maybe because sometimes we feel our work is in vain, we see no fruit in our labor or effort, we soon see ourselves useless and of no value. Some other reasons maybe our experiences of betrayals, rejections, and being forsaken by others which often leads to question “why continue?”. If I personally observe and experience such, won’t it be true also to others who also labor in the most farthest places from civilization?) But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

With these verses and some personal observations, such is the situation of THE time. And truly it calls for the church to WAKE UP, for the finish line is near. Just like a runner or an athlete is trained to do, upon seeing the finish line, one must give all his/her strength since the finish line is near and the first one to finish wins the race.

And what is this thing God has called us (Christians) to do? That is written in Matthew 28:18-20. The Great Commission! To preach the Gospel of Christ!!! The speaker emphasizes, The Gospel of Christ is about WHO CHRIST IS and WHAT HE HAS DONE! Nothing more! Nothing less! And that I agree with the speaker. What do we mean? Meaning, our preaching / teaching especially for those who needs to hear it should ONLY be the birth, the life, the death, the burial, the resurrection, the ascension and the promise of the return of Christ! Christ should be the focus and the center, not other matters. Other doctrines or teaching like prophecies, the doctrine of election and the likes is not part of the gospel of Christ. Though these teachings are also important, these things are irrelevant to a lost soul. Furthermore, the gospel of Christ is the only thing Christ mainly commanded to be preached first. The other teachings would come after they came to the saving knowledge of Christ – After they have trusted, believed, placed their faith in the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

So what is the Gospel of Christ? It is the good news that Jesus, the One and True Living God who created the heavens and the earth, seeing man cannot save himself from the punishment of sin, which is the eternal separation from God – man condemned to be cast in the lake of fire while God reigning from eternity to eternity in heaven, became a righteous / sinless man, through virgin conception and birth (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23). Lived all His life righteously and obeyed all God’s commandments or the will of the Father (John 4:34, 5:30, 6:38, 8:26, 10:18, 12:49-50, 14:30-31, and 15:10). He never sinned (Luke 23:41, 23:47, John 19:4, 1 Peter 2:22, 1 John 3:5). He was the spotless Lamb of Heaven. But was condemned by men as a sinner and therefore received the punishment of suffering, even the pain and shame of the cross that led unto death (2 Corinthians 5:21). As a matter of fact, it was the Father Himself pouring His wrath against sin to His Son, Jesus Christ (Isaiah 53:4-12)! WHY??? For the sake of giving the lost (man) a way to be redeemed back to the Father. It is God’s way of transacting or buying back His creation from the market of sin by paying it with the blood of His Son Jesus Christ. Why did it have to be Jesus Christ? Because HE IS THE ONLY WAY! Because He, the RIGHTEOUS ONE, is the ONLY SUFFICIENT, WORTHY, SATISFIABLE, ENOUGH to PAY the penalty of sin -- man’s sin. NO MAN can pay for himself. NO MAN’s WORK is sufficient to buy himself out of the market of sin. NO MAN’s PRAYER is powerful enough to take himself out of Satan’s hands. John 14:6 says “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. NO ONE comes to the Father except through me.’” If there is another way, then we are making Jesus or God a liar which is not so.

But the gospel of Christ didn’t end in His death, because after three days, He rose again from the grave! And after 40 days teaching His disciples His commandments and His words, He ascended up to heaven seated in the right hand of God -- declaring that someday, He will return for His own but will bring vengeance to them that DO NOT believe in Him or reject Him (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, 2 Thessalonians 1:5-8).

And the reason why Jesus’ birth, life, death, resurrection and ascension a good news? Consider these verses:

Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

Acts 16:30-31 "Then he brought them out and said, 'Sirs, what must I do to be saved?' And they said, 'Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.'”

Romans 10:9-10 "because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved."

Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the FREE GIFT of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Jesus Christ is still CALLING out, seeking out for those who do not know HIM that they might believe and receive Jesus Christ as their LORD and SAVIOR. God continues to offer a FREE GIFT through Jesus Christ, would you receive His Gift? If Yes, then go to God in prayer. Admit that we are indeed sinners and that we cannot save ourselves. But because Christ has offered Himself as an offering for sin, believe that Jesus’ sacrifice is enough to forgive us of our sins. And then entrust your life in the palm of His hand, making Him Lord and Master of your life.

   

WHERE WERE THE THOUSANDS OF FOLLOWERS?

"In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (the company of persons was in all about 120)..." (Acts 1:15, ESV)

When Jesus walked and roamed the earth living His 33 and a half years or even taking His three years of ministry, it is recorded in the Bible that THOUSANDS followed Him... like when Jesus fed the 5000 or 4000 which was two different events recorded in the Bible... Wherever He went, THOUSANDS FOLLOWED... But the question was "WHERE WERE THEY, after His death, resurrection on the Third day, giving His last instructions and commands for forty days after His resurrection and after His ascension?" Perhaps the good question to ask is, "Were these THOUSANDS truly following after Jesus Christ or was it something else?" If you would think it honestly and carefully the answer, your answer should be the same as what Jesus Himself also declared before these thousands, and yet most of them still NEVER understood...

"Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For ON HIM God the Father has set his seal.” (John 6:26-27, ESV)

What a pity people are, seeking only those that are temporary and not that which is eternal. People easily are caught up with miracles and wonders. And yet from these THOUSANDS that saw Jesus do marvelous things, "How many were faithful to truly follow Jesus Christ whom God the Father has set His seal?" Acts 1:15 says only a HUNDRED TWENTY (120) were left faithful even after seeing their Master crucified and died. 

(2 Kings 18:1-4) "In the third year of Hoshea son of Elah, king of Israel, Hezekiah the son of Ahaz, king of Judah, began to reign. He was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Abi the daughter of Zechariah. And he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, according to all that David his father had done. HE REMOVED THE HIGH PLACES AND BROKE THE PILLARS AND CUT DOWN THE ASHERAH. AND HE BROKE IN PIECES THE BRONZE SERPENT THAT MOSES HAD MADE, FOR UNTIL THOSE DAYS THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL HAD MADE OFFERINGS TO IT (IT WAS CALLED NEHUSHTAN).

Do "CHRISTIANS" truly understand what Hoshea had done? And yet until now, professing Christians still does the error of Israel and continue to build what God has always so angry and go against and a reason why Hoshea was declared to be "he did what was RIGHT in the eyes of the Lord." 

God has always been so clear from the beginning and yet people are stiff-necked to think that "Hey, it's our belief and faith on God, NO ONE has the right to choose what is right for us!" or "This is what we believe which is right, therefore, don't judge or tell us to be wrong!".. This what we call today as "Post Modern Thinking".. The thinking that this is the modern era now and those old things are not right anymore. A reason to think that the Bible is outdated and has no life or power or authority at all. The thing is, the Bible stands on Its own and can defend itself as it has always declared to be God's instruction for "Doctrine" = God's Teaching / Principles, for "Reproof" = say what is wrong, for "Correction" = say what is the right ", and for "Instruction for righteousness" = to continue to instruct what is right in order for not to fall to sin in the future. (II Timothy 3:16-17)

While these people hardly listen, still Jesus calls for repentance (turn back against sin and follow after Christ) and remission of sins goes on with a hope that many would truly repent. For there WILL be a time when He shall judge all men. And the most pitiful people to experience is what Jesus said in Matthew 7:21-23:

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."

"I NEVER KNEW YOU! DEPART FROM ME, YE THAT WORK INIQUITY."

When the time comes to face Jesus Christ, the Lord, Master, and the Judge... will He truly welcome us or will say, this dreadful words? Remember, yes! God is Love... BUT He also is Justice! as He is The Righteous Judge.  

December 17, 2017 Sunday Events in Video Compilation

Here are compilations of videos I've taken from the Sunday, December 17, 2017 Loakan Baptist Church's 61st Anniversary.. Most of it are song numbers given by the LBC Choir, a trio and Christians Committed to Christ (C3) ensemble.. feel free to view and enjoy and be blessed by the songs.... =)

Have you ever heard or read the Gospel of Christ like this?

It makes me wonder has people really heard the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ clearly and have they truly understood it?

After this post, I've included some videos of three different people I do believe has a clear understanding of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and from which they desire so earnestly to share it to others. But I must say, as the third person shared, the gospel of Jesus Christ has been overly exposed BUT with much great effort by the opposing force to twist and destroy it. An evidence of this is Jesus Christ warning His disciples about false teachers and preachers.

But what is the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ? And have I or you truly understood what is it all about? or what's the real bottom line of it?

To me, I could only think of the gospel of Jesus Christ as being simple and yet complicated. It is so simple to the one who truly accepts, believe and truly put their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, the center of the gospel or good news. And yet, it becomes complicated to those who lack or has no faith in it but uses mind, logic and "human" reasoning trying to understand it.

But let me make a simple example or reference from the Bible of how I perceive it as simple. In the book of Acts chapter 16 verse 31, it says, "And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." Simple verse or what the disciples told the prison keeper when he asked, "What shall I do to be saved?"... What makes it complicated is when people do not understand the phrase "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.." Most people, would not settle in that phrase and therefore would seek out other matters like adding to do things so as to be saved, or in other words to earn Salvation. Here is what separates the true and genuine gospel of Jesus Christ from the twisted and false gospel. Doing something to earn Salvation is not really a gospel or a good news at all and it destroys God's offer of FREE salvation or FREE Gift!! If I may ask you, how would you feel when you give someone a gift, and yet the one who will receive it says, "Wait! Let me do something first for you before I receive your gift!".. Wouldn't that be an insult to you who is sincerely giving a GIFT!? It's really illogical, nevertheless, most people believe and follow this kind of thinking or perception of the gospel of Christ.

Nonetheless, let me share Bible verses (not my words but God's) which I believe is important in understanding the gospel or good news of Jesus Christ:

First things first! Before the need for Good News, there has to be a bad news! And what's the bad news?

Here is the BAD NEWS:

Romans 3:23
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;"

Romans 3:10-11
"As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God."
WHY AND HOW IS IT THAT ALL HAVE SINNED?

Romans 5:12
"Wherefore, as by one man[Adam] sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:"
WHAT THEN if all have sinned?
Romans 6:23a
"For the wages of sin is death;.."

Revelation 21:8
"But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."
BUT THERE IS A GOOD NEWS

John 10:10
"The thief[Satan] cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."
Romans 6:23b
"BUT the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Romans 10:9-10
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."
NO AMOUNT OF GOOD WORKS OR EFFORTS CAN SAVE US... 
it is only BY FAITH (Believe and Trust) IN JESUS CHRIST 
(Who He says as He is, Lord, Savior, Master, King)

Ephesians 2:8-9
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."
Titus 3:5
"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;"
If you have not believed or put your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and for what He has done for you, I pray that you do NOW!

2 Corinthians 6:2
(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
Romans 10:9-10
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."

And if you have placed or entrusted your life to Jesus Christ, then it's time you start growing by reading His Word, the Bible. You may read other books, but the Bible, God's Word? It is the VERY MUCH CLOSEST to HIS VERY WORDS.. so treasure it and grow from it.