11 Some Very Basic Truths

11

Some Very Basic Truths

1. Prayer

The bottom-line in the mobilization of new workers must be prayer. Matthew 9:35 is very clear on this point, as is Acts 13:1-5. More prayer for our existing workers and all those in the training process is equally important. We urgently need more prayer gatherings of all kinds.

2. Attitude

God is concerned about our attitude—attitude towards him and towards others. The second commandment is to love our neighbors as we love ourselves.

I am concerned about our attitude towards other Christian leaders, especially those who may not agree with us. Sometimes even when mentioning someone’s name, you can see a wrong attitude on a person’s face or in his words.

3. Repentance

Surely, together with prayer, the reality of the cross and the Holy Spirit is the key to personal revival. We are trying to flood across the world, Roy Hession’s book, The Calvary Road, because for over 40 years God has been using this powerful message to bring people into humility, real brokenness and then a life of love and faith.

4. Disciples

In our ministry, God wants to give us disciples—true converts to Christ who go on for him in growth and all the aspects of Christian life. We must not be deceived into thinking that all those who make some kind of decision are now “saved” and are true believers. Praise God some are, and time will tell this. Praise God for every church, and every small group or mentoring program where people are being discipled. Praise God for the Navigators and others who have been such a great example.

5. Discipline

Without this there will be few real disciples. I fear that some messages about deliverance and the Holy Spirit give people the idea that discipline is not something spiritual. What are we going to do with the clear command of Jesus to deny self, take up the cross daily and follow him? What about Paul’s words concerning buffeting his body and bringing it into subjection? Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” We must model and teach the disciplined life to all our new recruits even if they are coming for a summer. To fail to do so is to make a tragic mistake.

6. Courage

In these days of terrorism, unrest and the persecution of God’s people, we need great courage. I see it as one of the greatest needs in my life right now. If you are in leadership, you will especially need more courage, which of course, is linked with faith and deep trust in God and his Word. The way ahead will not be easy and all the fiery darts of hell will come our way as we go forward.

7. Wisdom

Maybe a better word is discernment. A.W.Tozer said it was the greatest need in the church. When selling books and Bibles in my hometown as a young Christian I met a lady who challenged me to read the Proverbs every day. There is one for every day in a month. She said, “A Proverb a day keeps the devil away.” I have been reading them almost every day ever since. It has been a huge blessing and help.

In my own books I have tried to pass on some of the wisdom God has given me from his Word and through other people.