TWR Australia» Why’s the good news, the “good news”? http://www.twr.org.au Speaking Hope to the World Thu, 07 May 2009 06:19:35 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 en hourly 1 Making disciples everywhere http://www.twr.org.au/general/making-disciples-everywhere http://www.twr.org.au/general/making-disciples-everywhere#comments Thu, 23 Oct 2008 03:55:52 +0000 Garrison Pearse http://www.twr.org.au/?p=454 A key part of making disciples is initiating them into the community of God’s Kingdom. We initiate people by baptism, i.e. immersing them into God’s Kingdom – constantly showing them how to turn towards God in repentance, living life in the Spirit of God, and allowing God’s Spirit to pass on to others through them. We immerse them in God’s power of forgiveness and his gift of new life.

Jesus has a mission that all people, and all creation, will be brought back to a stunning relationship with God. That’s why God sent Jesus to earth. That’s why God sent the Holy Spirit. We are part of an awesome missional, outward-moving community.

When we make disciples, we initiate them. We spur them to become passionate about nations, and their neighbours, encountering God. Together, we go out and make more disciples. Until all people have had the opportunity to become disciples in the Kingdom of God.

Have you ever baptized someone into the Kingdom of God? Do you want to?

Who are you inspiring to be immersed into God’s Kingdom?

Are you taking people on Jesus’ mission?

]]> http://www.twr.org.au/general/making-disciples-everywhere/feed 0 Obeying Jesus’ commands http://www.twr.org.au/general/obeying-jesus-commands http://www.twr.org.au/general/obeying-jesus-commands#comments Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:55:05 +0000 Garrison Pearse http://www.twr.org.au/?p=414 This post comes by courtesy of a young pastor in Melbourne. True to the mission of TWR, I’m helping the church by spreading his thoughts through mass media.

‘Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you…’ (Matt 28.19-20)

Jesus gave his disciples instructions and commands. ‘Do this…’ ‘Don’t do that.’ Jesus’ commands are full of God’s grace, and they’re life-bringing, but only if we actually obey them.

A while back, I wrote down every one of Jesus’ direct commands, recorded in the Gospels, and then grouped similar commands together into a list. Here it is.

Love God!

Repent! Stop sinning! Deal decisively with sin!

Turn to God! Believe the Good News about God’s Kingdom!

Follow me! Give up your life for me!

Remain with me!

Have faith! Believe in me!

Listen to me!

Pray – persistently and faith-fully.

Seek God’s Kingdom and do his will!

Obey my teaching & commands!

Live in God’s peace!

Be pure in your heart! Moreso than in your actions.

Don’t fear!

Don’t worry!

Don’t set your heart on accumulating material wealth.

Don’t fear persecution!

Endure.

Constantly watch for my return!

Go & announce & demonstrate God’s Kingdom & power. Be witnesses about me!

Make disciples!

Love your neighbour (everyone)!

Love each other! Care for other Christians.

Welcome & care for vulnerable people.

Be a servant. (Especially Christian leaders.)

Be humble.

Love your enemies.

Forgive.

Don’t judge!

Don’t divorce!

Don’t get angry!

Be merciful!

As Jesus’ disciples, he wants us to obey him. As you look through this list, the Holy Spirit might be encouraging you, reminding you that you’re growing in obeying one of these commands. Perhaps there is something the Holy Spirit is prompting you to obey Jesus in.

As you obey Jesus’ command to make more disciples, make sure you teach them Jesus’ commands and show them how to live obediently.

]]> http://www.twr.org.au/general/obeying-jesus-commands/feed 1