Apart from the headlines, I happened to read this today.

“The devil is called in Scripture the prince of this world, for he has great power in it because he governs many of its rules and principles. He is the father of all lies and deceptions, which he spreads to separate us from God and prevent our return to happiness. Now there are many things in the world that pass as great, honourable, and most desirable, but they are so far from being so that the true greatness and honour of our nature consists in not desiring them. To abound in wealth; have fine houses, good food, and rich clothes; have titles of dignity and power; command respect, honour, and admiration of others; overcome our enemies and subdue all who oppose us; these are the great, honourable, and desirable things to which the spirit of the world turns the eyes of all people.

Many Christians today are afraid of standing still and not engage in the pursuit of these things, lest the world and worldly Christians take him or her for a fool. The history of the gospel is chiefly the history of Christ’s conquest over the spirit of the world.”

This was written by William Law who lived 1686 – 1761.

His thoughts caused me to ask myself, “When I face Jesus Christ, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, will he say “Well done, good and faithful servant. You lived the life I wanted you to live.”” Or, will he say, “Who are you? I don’t you!”, because I was duped into following the spirit of the world?

Throughout our conversations I would reflect on the global strategy of TWR. Our work is about bringing the good news of the kingdom of God to women and children and young people around the world; even though they face terrible abuses such as brutality, war, starvation, slavery, forced prostitution, and often state sponsored abortion. Our work is to help them in these terrible circumstances. We also work among HIV/AIDS suffering communities.

During my discussions with Philip it brought home again that a common denominator is male behaviour; and, inadequate fathering over generations.

Philip asked me if I had ever had a conversation with my children about the failures of my fathering techniques and style. His question set me aback. It’s a challenge worth overcoming in order to strengthen the relationship between me and my daughter and son.

Our conversations became broader. What impact would beautiful fathering have on our prison populations? And, what impact would beautiful fathering have on families, both rich and poor? What impact would beautiful fathering have on the Church? Where could this start in the church?

And, “Where does the answer to beautiful fathering lie?”

I’ll give you a hint. If it’s about relationship, it won’t come through Church or State sponsored programs.

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?

Read more

People love stories, whether in movies, on television, or at the theatre. Everyone loves a story. Little children endlessly say, “Tell me a story.”

One finds the scriptures endlessly laced with stories. Embedded in them are profound theological truths and lessons and very often directly the evangelistic content of the gospel.

The story has appeal because it is like real life. Most people do not experience life as a set of ideas or abstractions, but live out the lives they have to, having experiences, and then thinking about them. Our listeners will identify with such stories and say, “Yes, that’s just like me.” Cliff’s story helped me!

Cliff helped me understand my deep relationship with Jesus. Being able to tell stories is important because our communication theories demand new ways of breaking through to the minds of young people who are over-stuffed and glutted with information.

People in our times have become accustomed through the media to a world of story rather than educational or moralistic teaching. Whether a soap opera is on video, television, film, movie, or radio drama, they all come to us through story and their messages are brought through story.

All this reminds us that we have to look at our communication methodologies to ensure that we are not dull, predictable, or plain irrelevant. Even more important, it calls upon us to be stoytellers so that the impact of the gospel will be experienced by those who don’t know Jesus.

Thanks to Leighton Ford…

Here’s M’s story in his own words:

I used to dislike Christians. However, after listening to the program and getting to know some Christians, a barrier has been lifted. Through reading these Christian books, I got to know more about Jesus Christ. Even though I am a monk, I face many struggles in my heart and I sometimes feel hopeless when negative situations come into my life. Also, I do not know where my soul will go when I am gone. Many times I find solutions to my problems by listening to your programs and reading your books.

I learned that we are beneficiaries of Jesus’ sinless life. I was so intrigued with the portion of scripture that said ‘because of what Christ did for us, we have been freed from trying to keep the law in order to earn favor with God by following His rules that we keep breaking no matter how hard we try.’ This teaching went against everything I had learned before about achieving merit on one’s own strength…I used to believe that the requirement of the law was to do good deeds. I cannot do this though, as anger and jealousy arise in my heart. After reading this, I keep thinking about what it taught me.”

TWR’s Cambodian staff believes that God is calling M, and they are praying that he will open his heart to accept Christ as his savior one day. Pray for the staff as they continue to keep in touch with M, and that God’s word will be a source of light for him.

Source: TWR E-Snapshots - October 08

She deeply loved her father and her family, particularly her father who encouraged her so much in her life. On the hand, she deeply loved her Indonesian sisters who were subjugated by the social and religious laws of the time. Two diametrically opposed duties by the same name… Love!

For Kartini, the suffering of Javanese women reached a pinnacle when the world was reduced to the walls of their houses; and they were prepared for a polygamous marriage.

Kartini expressed criticisms about religion. She questioned why religious teachings must be memorised and recited without an obligation to actually understand it.

Kartini became an inspiration to many through her letters. Although she died at the age of 25, she is a national heroine of Indonesia.

An excerpt of a letter written on September 4, 1901…

“There are hours when the tortured human heart, torn with doubt, cries,”My God, what is my duty?” – seeing two duties which directly oppose and antagonize each other. Yet how can two things that are diametrically opposed be called by the same name?

“Stay,” says a voice behind me, “Surrender your own wishes and longings to the will of him (her father) who is dear to you, and to whom you are dear; the struggle has been good, for it has served to strengthen and ennoble your own spirit. Stay!” And, then again, I hear another voice ever loud and clear which says: “Go, work for the realization of your ideals; work for the future; work for the good of thousands who are bent beneath the yoke of unjust laws, who have a false conception of good and evil. Go suffer and fight. Your work will be for all time!”

Which is the higher duty, the first or the last?

My heart almost broke once, when, as we stood opposed to each other, Father clasped me in his arms, and in a voice trembling with emotion said, “Must it be so, child? Is there no other way? Must it be?” And we stayed there, heart pressed to heart, looking into each other’s eyes. That was a heavy time, as heavy as a time can well be on this earth.”

Kartini must have been a beautiful person. Like so many Indonesians of today.

As the beleagured nation of Myanmar attempts recover from the mass devastation caused by tropical cyclone Nargis in May, TWR plans to produce special radio programs offering critically needed health and social care information, emotional support, and spiritual care for the hurting.

TWR’s annnouncement to begin airing these programs to Myanmar (previously Burma) is especially timely given news reports indicating that the death toll is estimated at 100,000, with another 1 million having been displaced from their homes.

TWR’s over-the-airwave assistance strategy involves offering a full-year of 30-minute broadcasts that will provide biblical counselling and care 5 days per week. The programming will be specifically designed to help restore the lives and spirits of Myanmar’s people.

“The people are desperate and broken-hearted and are going to need significant long-term help,” says TWR’s Andrew Sundar, ministry director for Southeast Asia. “My hope and prayer is that Trans World Radio can provide a voice of lasting hope and comfort in the days ahead.”

You can help support this special series of programs for the spiritually needy residents of Myanmar by clicking on the link below.

Support the project

‘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.