Unity, Discipleship, and Revival in the Global Church
Summary
In today's gathering, we celebrated the unity and diversity of the global church, reflecting on the recent Luzon World Evangelization Movement Congress in South Korea. This event was a powerful reminder of the strength found in the global body of Christ, as believers from over 200 nations came together to worship, learn, and share their experiences. Despite feeling unworthy and overwhelmed, I was reminded of God's purpose for me and our ministry, supported by the prayers and encouragement of our church community.
The Congress highlighted the importance of collaboration among Christians worldwide, emphasizing that the lack of unity and partnership can hinder the spread of the gospel. We were challenged to embrace humility and friendship, learning from one another to advance God's work effectively. The shifting demographics of Christianity were also discussed, with a notable increase in believers in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, while numbers in North America and Europe decline. This shift calls for a paradigm change in how we approach missions, focusing on collaboration and discipleship.
A significant theme was the power of the unnamed, ordinary Christians who have historically spread the gospel through their fearless witness and willingness to cross cultural barriers. These believers, often uncelebrated, have been instrumental in the growth of the early church and continue to be vital today. We are reminded that persecution, rather than prosperity, has often been the catalyst for church growth, and that a compromised gospel poses a greater threat than external opposition.
The Congress also underscored the need for a renewed focus on discipleship within our churches, as many have lost sight of its importance. We must invest in mentoring and equipping believers across generations, ensuring that the next generation is prepared to carry out the Great Commission. Additionally, the importance of workplace ministries was highlighted, as most church members spend their time in secular environments where they can be powerful witnesses for Christ.
In closing, we are called to pray for revival, both in our personal lives and within our churches. This revival begins at home, in our marriages, and in our daily interactions. We must rise up, repent, and be ready to participate in what God is doing globally, trusting that He will use us, like the early disciples, to declare and display Christ fearlessly.
Key Takeaways:
1. Unity in Diversity: The Congress demonstrated the power of the global church coming together, emphasizing that collaboration and unity among Christians are essential for advancing the gospel. We must overcome ego and self-centeredness to work together effectively. [49:50]
2. The Role of the Unnamed: Ordinary, unnamed Christians have historically played a crucial role in spreading the gospel. Their fearless witness and willingness to cross cultural barriers are vital for church growth today. [01:08:50]
3. Persecution as a Catalyst: Persecution has often been a catalyst for church growth, while a compromised gospel poses a greater threat. We must remain steadfast in our faith, trusting that God uses challenges to strengthen His church. [01:07:12]
4. The Need for Discipleship: Many churches have lost sight of the importance of discipleship. We must refocus on mentoring and equipping believers across generations to ensure the next generation is prepared to carry out the Great Commission. [01:02:46]
5. Revival Begins at Home: Revival starts in our personal lives, marriages, and daily interactions. We are called to rise up, repent, and be ready to participate in what God is doing globally, trusting that He will use us to declare and display Christ fearlessly. [01:18:28]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[49:50] - Global Church Unity
[51:14] - Feeling Unworthy
[52:30] - Importance of Collaboration
[54:16] - Persecution and Growth
[55:20] - Korean Church History
[56:08] - Decline in Faith Formation
[57:23] - The Danger of Isolation
[58:43] - Shifting Christian Demographics
[59:59] - Paradigm Shift in Missions
[01:01:24] - Imbalance in Missionary Efforts
[01:02:46] - Decline in Discipleship
[01:04:01] - Call for Repentance
[01:04:55] - Power of the Unnamed
[01:07:12] - Persecution and the Gospel
[01:08:50] - Fearless Proclamation
[01:11:13] - Crossing Cultural Barriers
[01:15:10] - Collaboration and Discipleship
[01:16:01] - Workplace Ministries
[01:17:39] - Facing Opposition
[01:18:28] - Call to Revival
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 8:1-4 - This passage highlights the persecution of the early church and the scattering of believers, which led to the spread of the gospel.
2. Acts 11:19-21 - This passage describes how the scattered believers preached the gospel wherever they went, leading to the growth of the church.
3. Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission, emphasizing the call to make disciples of all nations.
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the significance of the Luzon World Evangelization Movement Congress, and how did it emphasize the unity and diversity of the global church? [49:50]
2. How did the Congress highlight the role of ordinary, unnamed Christians in the spread of the gospel? [01:08:50]
3. What were some of the challenges and opportunities discussed at the Congress regarding the shifting demographics of Christianity? [58:43]
4. How did the Congress address the importance of discipleship and the need for a renewed focus on mentoring and equipping believers? [01:02:46]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the persecution described in Acts 8:1-4 serve as a catalyst for the spread of the gospel, and what does this suggest about the role of adversity in church growth? [01:07:12]
2. In what ways does the story of the unnamed Christians in Acts 11:19-21 challenge the traditional view of church leadership and evangelism? [01:08:50]
3. How does the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 relate to the themes of collaboration and discipleship emphasized at the Congress? [01:02:46]
4. What lessons can be learned from the shifting demographics of Christianity, and how should this influence the church's approach to missions and evangelism? [58:43]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt unworthy or overwhelmed in your faith journey. How did you find encouragement and purpose, similar to the speaker's experience at the Congress? [51:14]
2. How can you actively participate in fostering unity and collaboration within your local church community, overcoming ego and self-centeredness? [57:23]
3. Identify an area in your life where you can be a fearless witness for Christ, even if it means crossing cultural or social barriers. What steps can you take to share the gospel in that context? [01:11:13]
4. Consider the role of discipleship in your personal faith journey. Who is someone you can mentor or be mentored by to grow in your faith? [01:16:01]
5. How can you integrate your faith into your workplace, becoming a powerful witness for Christ in a secular environment? What practical steps can you take to start a workplace ministry? [01:16:01]
6. Reflect on the idea that revival begins at home. What specific changes can you make in your personal life, marriage, or daily interactions to contribute to a spiritual revival? [01:18:28]
7. How can you support and pray for persecuted Christians around the world, recognizing their role in the global spread of the gospel? [01:08:08]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: Embracing Global Unity in Christ
The global church is a tapestry of diverse cultures and traditions, yet it is united by a common faith in Christ. The recent Luzon World Evangelization Movement Congress in South Korea exemplified this unity, as believers from over 200 nations gathered to worship and learn from one another. This event highlighted the importance of collaboration among Christians worldwide, emphasizing that unity is essential for advancing the gospel. By overcoming ego and self-centeredness, believers can work together effectively to fulfill God's mission. The Congress served as a powerful reminder that the strength of the global church lies in its ability to embrace both unity and diversity. [49:50]
Ephesians 4:3-6 (ESV): "Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."
Reflection: Consider a cultural or denominational difference you have encountered within the church. How can you actively seek to understand and appreciate this difference to foster unity in your community?
Day 2: The Unseen Heroes of Faith
Throughout history, ordinary, unnamed Christians have played a crucial role in spreading the gospel. Their fearless witness and willingness to cross cultural barriers have been instrumental in the growth of the early church and continue to be vital today. These believers, often uncelebrated, remind us that God uses the humble and the ordinary to accomplish extraordinary things. The Congress emphasized the power of these unnamed individuals, challenging us to recognize and honor their contributions to the faith. In a world that often celebrates the prominent, we are called to value the quiet, steadfast work of those who serve faithfully behind the scenes. [01:08:50]
1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (ESV): "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who serves faithfully without recognition. How can you encourage and support them in their ministry this week?
Day 3: Persecution as a Catalyst for Growth
Persecution has often been a catalyst for church growth, while a compromised gospel poses a greater threat than external opposition. The Congress highlighted the historical reality that challenges and persecution have strengthened the church, driving believers to rely more deeply on their faith. In contrast, when the gospel is diluted or compromised, the church's witness is weakened. This takeaway calls us to remain steadfast in our faith, trusting that God uses challenges to refine and strengthen His church. We are reminded that true growth often comes through adversity, not prosperity. [01:07:12]
2 Corinthians 4:8-10 (ESV): "We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent challenge or opposition you have faced. How can you see God's hand at work in this situation, using it to strengthen your faith?
Day 4: Revitalizing Discipleship in the Church
Many churches have lost sight of the importance of discipleship, focusing instead on programs and activities. The Congress underscored the need for a renewed focus on mentoring and equipping believers across generations. Discipleship is essential for preparing the next generation to carry out the Great Commission. By investing in intentional relationships and spiritual growth, churches can ensure that believers are equipped to live out their faith in every area of life. This call to refocus on discipleship challenges us to prioritize spiritual formation and growth within our communities. [01:02:46]
Colossians 1:28-29 (ESV): "Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me."
Reflection: Identify one person you can mentor or disciple in your church community. What steps can you take this week to begin building a meaningful relationship with them?
Day 5: Revival Begins at Home
Revival is not just a corporate event but begins in our personal lives, marriages, and daily interactions. The Congress called believers to rise up, repent, and be ready to participate in what God is doing globally. This revival starts at home, as we seek to live out our faith authentically in our closest relationships. By prioritizing prayer, repentance, and intentional living, we can be ready to declare and display Christ fearlessly. This call to revival challenges us to examine our hearts and lives, seeking God's transformation in every area. [01:18:28]
2 Chronicles 7:14 (ESV): "If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."
Reflection: Consider one area of your personal life or relationships that needs revival. How can you invite God to bring transformation and renewal in this area today?
Quotes
Advancing the kingdom of God. Because when you unite the brothers and sisters from around the world. For great cause of great commission. Something going to happen. Something going to rock the body of Christ worldwide. For the common goal for Jesus Christ. [00:52:37] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
He highlighted the lack of collaboration among Christians. Due to ego, self-centeredness and failure to work together. Hinders the gospel movement around the world. He urged us. To embrace humility. Partnership. And the spirit of friendship. Learning from each other. To advance God's work effectively. [00:57:23] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
The number of Christians. In America. In Europe. Are shrinking. The number of believers. In Africa. In Asia. In Latin America. Is increasing. The place. That North American. Westerners. Country used to send missionary. To go to mission field. What you see now is the mission field. Become mission force. [00:58:15] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
It is time for repentance. It is time to renew commitment. To revival in our churches. We must seek the Holy Spirit guidance. And be filled with passion. To carry out great commission. Where God lead us. [01:04:11] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
The strategy of God that God used throughout the church history for growth is not through prosperity. It's not through you find happy in your church. It's through suffering and persecutions. For persecutions never kills. The church, but a compromised gospel will. [01:07:12] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
The growth of the early church movement was not initiated by master plans. By charismatic. leaders or fantastic strategies, but by unnamed, committed, radical, fearless disciples of Jesus Christ. [01:09:36] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
The characteristic of the unnamed. Disciples, the first one. They were fearless in proclaiming the gospel. In Acts 11, 19, we read, the disciples spread the gospel wherever they went. They told, they gossiped, they talked the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ. [01:10:21] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
We must be prepared for opposition. Sometime violent oppositions. Yet we are assured that the gates of hell will not prevail against the church. For it is built upon the rock of Jesus Christ. Yes, God is sovereign. God often allows persecution for the church to grow. [01:17:16] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
May we, like the early disciples, declare and display Christ fearlessly. This is my closing. Pray for revival. Pray for revival, brothers and sisters. Repent. Wake up. Rise up. The Lord wants you to be part of what he is doing. Are you ready? Are you ready? [01:18:28] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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