Unity in Christ: Discipleship and Global Transformation
Summary
Today, I shared from my heart about the vision and mission of Online Bible College, drawing from my own journey as a third-generation missionary and the lessons learned on the mission field. Growing up in places like Thailand and Myanmar, I witnessed firsthand the hunger for Jesus in remote communities, but also the challenges that arise when new believers lack a strong biblical foundation. Too often, faith becomes blended with local religions, not out of a lack of sincerity, but because discipleship and sound teaching are missing. This is why our calling is to make biblical training accessible to anyone, anywhere—removing barriers of cost, language, and geography—so that new believers can be discipled and equipped to become disciple-makers in their own communities.
Our college stands on four pillars: discipleship, innovation, mission, and unity. We use technology to reach the unreached, offer courses in local languages and even sign language, and provide in-person campuses where possible. The heart of our work is not just to teach theology, but to raise up leaders who multiply, who are rooted in Christ, and who can stand firm in their faith even in places of persecution. The stories I shared—from sign language cohorts in Sri Lanka and India, to hidden house churches in Muslim-majority countries, to vibrant communities in Kenya and Sydney—are all testimonies of what God is doing when His people are equipped and united.
But the core of today’s reflection was on unity, as Jesus prayed in John 17. In a world fractured by division, Jesus’ final prayer before the cross was for His followers to be one, just as He and the Father are one. This unity is not about uniformity, but about being united in the essentials, allowing diversity in non-essentials, and above all, showing agape love in everything. The glory that Moses longed to see is now given to us in Christ—we are being transformed from glory to glory, growing into His image. Our unity and transformation are not just for ourselves, but so that the world may believe. Even in the face of suffering and loss, as I saw in Myanmar, God’s love and unity among believers create a ripple effect that transforms entire regions and generations.
Key Takeaways
- True unity in Christ transcends cultural, linguistic, and denominational boundaries. Jesus prayed for a unity among His followers that mirrors the oneness He shares with the Father—a unity rooted in essentials, allowing for diversity in non-essentials, and always marked by agape love. This unity is not optional; it is the very means by which the world recognizes the reality of Jesus. [49:48]
- Discipleship is the foundation that sustains faith in every context. Without intentional teaching and spiritual formation, new believers are vulnerable to syncretism and confusion. Equipping local leaders to become disciple-makers ensures that faith is not just received, but deeply rooted and multiplied within communities. [35:16]
- The glory of God, once inaccessible and veiled, is now available to every believer through Christ. Moses longed to see God’s glory, but in Christ, we behold it with unveiled faces and are transformed by it. Our spiritual growth is a continual journey from glory to glory, as we become more like Jesus in character and purpose. [59:12]
- Suffering and persecution do not thwart God’s purposes; rather, they often become the soil in which faith and unity flourish most powerfully. The story of the soldiers in Myanmar, worshipping in the midst of hardship, and the subsequent growth of the church there, is a testament to how God brings resurrection out of loss and multiplies His kingdom through faithful, united believers. [01:04:50]
- Our calling is to remove barriers—whether of language, cost, or culture—so that every person has a seat at the table of God’s family. By leveraging innovation and embracing diversity, we participate in God’s mission to disciple all nations, trusting that as we unite in love and grow in Christ, the world will see and believe. [41:52]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Introduction and Family Background
[02:30] - Growing Up on the Mission Field
[04:10] - The Challenge of Discipleship in New Believers
[07:00] - Vision and Pillars of Online Bible College
[10:15] - Innovation and Technology in Missions
[13:20] - Removing Barriers: Language, Cost, and Access
[16:05] - Global Impact: Stories from Sri Lanka, India, and Kenya
[19:30] - The Power of Unity: John 17
[22:00] - Essentials, Diversity, and Agape Love
[25:10] - The Glory of God: From Moses to Christ
[29:00] - Growing from Glory to Glory
[32:00] - Suffering, Persecution, and the Ripple Effect
[36:00] - Transformation and Multiplication in Myanmar
[39:00] - Prayer for Unity and Growth
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: United for the Mission
---
### Bible Reading
- John 17:20-23
“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”
- Exodus 33:18-23
Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.” And the Lord said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence. ... But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.” ... “There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen.”
- 2 Corinthians 3:18
And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
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### Observation Questions
1. In John 17, what does Jesus specifically pray for regarding those who will believe in Him through the disciples’ message?
[[49:48]]
2. According to the sermon, what are the four pillars that Online Bible College is built on?
[[41:52]]
3. What was Moses’ request to God in Exodus 33, and how did God respond?
[[56:07]]
4. What visible change happened to Moses after he encountered God’s glory, and how did the people react?
[[57:17]]
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus connect the unity of His followers to the world believing that He was sent by the Father? What does this suggest about the importance of unity in the church?
[[49:48]]
2. The sermon mentions that unity is not about uniformity, but about being united in essentials and allowing diversity in non-essentials. What might be some examples of “essentials” and “non-essentials” in the Christian faith?
[[51:30]]
3. How does the transformation “from glory to glory” described in 2 Corinthians 3:18 relate to the process of discipleship and spiritual growth?
[[59:12]]
4. The story of the soldiers in Myanmar highlights worship and unity in the midst of suffering. What does this teach about the relationship between hardship, faith, and the growth of the church?
[[46:59]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon described how new believers in remote areas sometimes blend their faith with local religions due to a lack of discipleship. Have you ever seen or experienced confusion about faith because of missing teaching or support? What could you do to help someone build a stronger foundation?
[[35:16]]
2. Jesus prayed for unity among His followers. Are there any divisions or barriers (cultural, language, denominational, or personal) that you see in your own church or Christian community? What is one step you could take to build unity this month?
[[49:48]]
3. The speaker shared about removing barriers of cost, language, and geography so everyone can be discipled. Are there “invisible barriers” in your life or church that might keep people from growing in faith? How could you help remove one of these barriers?
[[41:52]]
4. The sermon emphasized that unity is marked by agape love. Think of a recent situation where you disagreed with another Christian. How could you have responded with more agape love? What would that look like next time?
[[52:24]]
5. The story from Myanmar showed that suffering and persecution can actually strengthen faith and unity. When have you seen hardship bring people together in faith? How can you support someone going through a difficult time right now?
[[46:59]]
6. The speaker talked about being transformed “from glory to glory” and growing to be more like Jesus. What is one area of your life where you want to see growth this year? What practical step can you take to pursue that growth?
[[59:12]]
7. The vision of Online Bible College is to equip disciple-makers who multiply. Who is one person you could intentionally invest in or encourage in their faith journey this week?
[[35:16]]
---
Close in prayer, asking God to help your group grow in unity, love, and a passion for making disciples—right where you are and to the ends of the earth.
Devotional
Day 1: Unity Rooted in Christ’s Essential Oneness
True unity in Christ goes beyond cultural, linguistic, and denominational differences. Jesus prayed for His followers to be united in the same way He is united with the Father—a unity grounded in the core truths of the faith. This unity does not demand uniformity in every detail but embraces diversity in non-essential matters, always marked by selfless, agape love. When believers embody this kind of unity, the world is able to recognize the reality of Jesus through their witness. It is not optional but essential for the church’s mission and testimony.
As you consider your relationships within the body of Christ, remember that unity is a powerful testimony to the world and a reflection of the divine relationship within the Trinity. Strive to hold fast to the essentials of the faith while showing grace and love in areas of difference. [49:48]
“Now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one.” — John 17:11 (ESV)
Reflection: Who in your faith community do you find it hardest to extend grace and love toward? What is one practical step you can take today to pursue unity with them in the essentials of Christ?
Day 2: Discipleship as the Bedrock of Faith
Faith that is not intentionally nurtured and taught is vulnerable to confusion and syncretism, especially in new believers. Without a strong biblical foundation, faith can easily blend with local beliefs or cultural practices, diluting the gospel’s power. Discipleship is the intentional process of spiritual formation that roots believers deeply in Christ and equips them to become disciple-makers themselves. This multiplication of faith through local leaders ensures that the gospel takes firm root and grows within communities, sustaining the church for generations.
You are called to be both a learner and a disciple-maker, investing in your own spiritual growth and in the growth of others. This foundation protects faith from drifting and empowers believers to stand firm in their convictions. [35:16]
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” — Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV)
Reflection: Identify one person in your life who needs intentional discipleship. What is one way you can begin to invest in their spiritual growth this week?
Day 3: Beholding and Becoming the Glory of God
The glory of God, once veiled and inaccessible, is now revealed to every believer through Christ. Moses longed to see God’s glory but only glimpsed it partially and with veiled faces. In Christ, believers behold God’s glory with unveiled faces and are progressively transformed into His image. This transformation is a continual journey “from glory to glory,” shaping character and purpose to reflect Jesus more fully. Spiritual growth is not static but a dynamic process of becoming more like Christ in every aspect of life.
As you reflect on your spiritual journey, consider how God’s glory is shaping you daily. This transformation is not just for your benefit but for the world to see and believe in the power of Christ. [59:12]
“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.” — 2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your character or faith do you sense God inviting you to deeper transformation? What practical step can you take today to cooperate with His work in you?
Day 4: Faith Flourishing Through Suffering and Persecution
Suffering and persecution do not stop God’s purposes; rather, they often become fertile ground for faith and unity to grow most powerfully. The story of believers worshipping amid hardship in Myanmar shows how God brings resurrection out of loss. In the midst of trials, the church can experience a deepening of love, unity, and witness that ripples out to transform entire regions and generations. Faith that endures suffering is a powerful testimony to the world of God’s sustaining grace and kingdom power.
When facing difficulties, remember that God is at work even in the darkest moments, using your faithfulness to multiply His kingdom. Your perseverance can inspire and strengthen others around you. [01:04:50]
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” — James 1:2-3 (ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a current or past hardship. How can you intentionally invite God to use that experience to deepen your faith and witness to others?
Day 5: Removing Barriers to God’s Family Through Innovation and Love
The calling to disciple all nations requires removing barriers of language, cost, and culture so that everyone has access to God’s family. Innovation in technology and a heart for diversity enable the gospel to reach the unreached and equip believers in every context. By embracing these tools and approaches, the church participates in God’s mission more fully, trusting that as believers unite in love and grow in Christ, the world will see and believe. This inclusive vision reflects the heart of God who desires all people to have a seat at His table.
Consider how you can support or engage in efforts that break down barriers in your community or beyond. Your participation in this mission is vital to the expansion of God’s kingdom. [41:52]
“And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place.” — Acts 17:26 (ESV)
Reflection: What is one barrier—whether cultural, social, or personal—that you can help remove to make God’s love and truth more accessible to someone today?
Quotes
I didn't understand the language. But boy, I understood the tune. It was Amazing Grace. So, I looked around and in that moment, there was such a sense of unity. These soldiers, I don't know what they've experienced in their lives. Many of them would have been brought into the military at the age of a child. They would have seen horrific things. We're from totally different backgrounds. They were boys. I was a girl. They were Burmese. I was Chinese. Or I am Chinese. But in that moment, there was something more deeper and more profound that brought us together. And that is the blood of Jesus Christ. [00:46:59] (62 seconds)
I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message. Friends, do you understand? Two thousand years ago, right before Jesus was going to be murdered on the cross, Jesus prays for all those who would believe in him through his message. In other words, when he prayed this prayer, he prayed for you and I. So, us, through the generations, from the disciples, through the generations of faith, here we are, all those who have believed in me through their message. [00:49:06] (60 seconds)
And what does it say? Today, the first point, that they will all be what? One. Father, as you are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us. So, this level of unity that Jesus is talking about, he's using the very unity he has between the Father and the Holy Spirit, that's a high level of unity. Okay? I love, this is actually rephrased by me, but Augustine said it first, and I think it was echoed in John Wesley, but don't quote me. He says, In all things that are essential, let there be what? Unity. So, what are the essential things that tie us together? [00:50:28] (68 seconds)
Sometimes in life, we focus more on our differences than our similarities. But what is it that unifies us as the body of Christ? In those things that are essential, let there be unity. In things non -essential, let there be what? Diversity. Do you know what? It's beautiful to have different expressions of worship. Have you ever been to an African church? I went once, and it is absolutely amazing. The message is very short, but there is a lot of dancing and worship. Now, that is an expression of church that is dependent on culture. [00:51:13] (48 seconds)
In all things, unity, diversity, but in all things, let there be love. It's not a coincidence that the Bible says they will know that you, us, are my disciples by how you love one another. So, let there be love. And I look around the body of Christ today, and I see so much differences. But I believe that God wants to bring His people, because you know what? We are one church, not many churches. We're not many denominations. We're one church under one lordship, and we are family. Unity. And that's what God prays for, for all those who believe in me through their message. In other words, the church. [00:53:05] (61 seconds)
What we now have through Jesus Christ is what Moses dreamed about. Moses wanted to see the glory of the living God but do you know what? Moses could not. Do you know why? Because Jesus had not yet come. He had not yet died. and he had not yet risen again. Now we, with unfailed faces, are growing and being transformed into his image from glory to ever -increasing glory. [00:59:50] (48 seconds)
We are always going to be growing and that is the natural progression of Christian life. You see, we, when we come into the world, we are like spiritual babies and we see the image of Jesus and we are called to grow from glory to glory, to glory, to glory, to glory into his image. That is the natural Christian life. So we, sitting here today, Jesus' final prayer, petition, and we're not talking about Gethsemane, we're talking about his prayer. He prays for the thing that's most important to his heart. He prays for you and I. But in the midst of this prayer, there is a purpose. [01:02:14] (63 seconds)
So my prayer is not for them alone, but all those who will believe in me through their message, that they will be one, unity, so that the world may believe. Verse 23, I've given them the glory you have given me. Then the world will know that you have sent me. So God, Jesus, in his last hours, prays for unity in the body of Christ. He prays for glory, that same glory, that Moses wanted. It says that it's been given to us so that the world may believe. [01:03:19] (55 seconds)
I remember, once again, walking through the village, the school that was burnt down was rebuilt, the children, there were new kids that were laughing around, there were a lot of new faces, I didn't recognize them, but once again, I heard a sound, and I followed the sound, and as I followed the sound, it led me to a church. the thing is, those small group of soldiers that believed in Jesus, the way it happens when we unify, when the gospel is given to communities, we see a ripple effect that happens, and I believe, personally, it is through their love, their dedication, their unity. Now, that whole region, I visit there often, so whenever I go back to Thailand, we cross the border into that area, they're all Christian. [01:05:44] (68 seconds)
But that's the beauty of what God does when his people unite together, but, also, are committed to growing in Christ. So, let me pray for us as a community here that we, in our diversity, in our differences, will unite together in love. Not looking towards each other and the things that frustrate us, but looking upwards towards him, the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the one who has conquered death itself. [01:07:11] (41 seconds)
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