Hello my fellow BASICs!
(BASICs, you ask, what does that mean? Well, it is the acronym for “Brothers And Sisters In Christ”, which is a fitting name for us Christians, which I might elaborate on further down or in a later post. But I digress. On to article proper…)
Greetings in the name of our Precious Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! I hope this “letter” finds you all well and close to the Lord. When I was first thought about writing this inaugural post, I felt a great deal of privilege and honour to be able to address my YAFers (and any visitors) in this manner, yet along with that came uncertainty, trepidation and fear, would I be able to write something that was encouraging and edifying for the YAFers, and bring glory to the Lord? I settled down in prayer.
Well, YAFers, as you all are hopefully well aware, the theme for the year is “DISCIPLE”, with the theme verse, “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Matthew 16:24
The YAF Committee decided on this as we believed and hoped that in 2008, foundations in Christianity had already been built, and this year, we wanted to be both a noun, but also a (transitive) verb, that is, wanting not just to be a disciple, but to disciple. :)
So what are some things that are important to being a disciple? Nothing fancy, they are very “basic”. :)
Dying to Self. We cannot do anything if this first step is not taken, we need to realise our own pride and sinfulness, give up our “old man” and submit to Him. “… for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5b John the Baptist aptly said, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30 This, my dear BASICs, is the most fundamental foundational truth of our Christian growth, without this there is no true repentance, no true renewal, no true regeneration.
Instil, Inspire, Increase. “Instilling the knowledge.” “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. “ 2 Timothy 2:15 A disciple is first and foremost a pupil, a student of the Living Word which is the “Inspiration of God”. RPG right? Read, pray, and grow! We need to start by praying faithfully and fervently to God for guidance through His Word. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16b “Increasing our Faith” Being a disciple is not an easy road to follow, we need to count the cost of discipleship, we will face many trials and tribulations but “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” 1 Peter 1:7
Serving One Another.
Contentment in Christ.
Incline Your Heart.
Preaching the Gospel.
Love YOUR Lord.
Equipping the Saints.
YAFers, again, I must reiterate, these are just some very rudimentary truths taught to us since we were young, for those of us who attended Sunday School. However, although my writing is far from perfect and the words neither eloquent, interesting, deep nor meaningful, these are lessons we learn all throughout life and never stop on this journey of sanctification. Each week I will put up two of the letters that form the word “DISCIPLE”, so I am sure you are all eagerly anticipating the next instalment! :) Haha. I joke, I joke. Anyway, additionally, I will give you another verse that you can meditate on for the week. Praying and hoping that the verse will speak to you in a very special way. :) Thanks and have a very blessed week ahead!
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:2
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