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What Exactly Has God Been Doing Over the Last Year?

On Mission
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What Exactly Has God Been Doing Over the Last Year?
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Today (the 23rd March 2021) marks exactly one year since lockdown restrictions began in the United Kingdom. As restrictions begin to ease and life returns to some form of “normality”, it can be easy to look back at last year with a pessimistic mindset, remembering only the difficulties of 2020. However, even after the year we just had, as the Psalmist says in Psalm 77:11, we want to “remember the deeds of the LORD”. To do this, we asked some of our writers to share what they have learnt about God’s faithfulness during these unprecedented times.

Shumi Mararike: During the pandemic, God has brought greater depth and joy into the relationships in my life. Despite spending the majority of my time at university, I’ve come to appreciate the love and support of my family all the more. We invest in the well-being of each other, being intentional in our efforts to spend more time together. I have also experienced more of Christ’s love from my friends’ sacrificial love and consistency toward me. Their wisdom, encouragement and rebuke has contributed to my growth as an individual over the past year. Most significantly, two of my close friends have trusted Christ for salvation; to God be the glory! 

Chude Obuaya: When news first broke out that there was a deadly virus spreading throughout the world I underestimated the severity. I looked at the data at the time and it didn’t seem as severe as it turned out to be. My university was one of the latest to close and I had to finish my Masters at home. This affected my final exams as well as my dissertation and it was difficult. Compiling this, there was so much death that was occurring throughout the world from Covid-19 to police brutality, it was a lot. God led me through a time of lamenting which was good for my soul. It led me to the goodness of God. Throughout the past year, God has shown His faithfulness to me in my degree, career and relationships. He has kept me and shown me that He is in control no matter what happens. 

Seyi Sobogun: God is so faithful. I cannot count the number of times in the last year that God has shown me that He is for me, He is with me and He will never leave me. In situations where I was ready to give up, God always showed up. But that is exactly who He is, He is faithful and even if we are faithless, He will always remain faithful because He cannot deny Himself (2 Timothy 2:11). No matter what may have happened over the last year, regardless of what fears I may have faced or challenges that came my way, God remained the same.

Deborah Asamoah: As a TV freelancer, I already live month to month with the precarity of employment. In March 2020, the coronavirus brought the production I was working on and all other TV productions, to a screeching halt. I went from having work and income lined up, to nothing at all. However, during those months I had plenty because God used His faithful providence to ease my anxiety by making financial provision when I had no means to work. But more importantly, to teach me a greater lesson of finding satisfaction in Him amidst the trial of having to go without.

Ayo Stephen: The pandemic was one that took us all by surprise. At the start I must admit, it was difficult, tolling on my mental and physical health. However, God has shown that His faithfulness never changes despite how the world changes. God has kept all my family and friends alive. Due to his grace, I did not see death, nor did I mourn over my loved ones. He also brought me closer to Him, despite my imperfect self – and with the sudden lockdowns, He has graced me with opportunities to become closer to Him and further away from the world.

Toye Akinoso: During this lockdown, God was faithful to making sure my joy in him will be full. When lockdown started in the UK, it seemed as though the world took a standstill. The busyness we had all become so used to quickly dissipated. Prior to the pandemic, I found that we can often get so caught up in the business of life that we often miss the lessons God is trying to teach us. During this lockdown, I learnt the importance of what the Psalmist meant he said ‘be still and know that I am God’ (Psalm 46:10). This year, God allowed me to slow down and focus on what really mattered, our Creator God, Heavenly Father and Saviour.

Matidaishe Mupfacha: God was faithful in preserving my family, especially my parents. The are both nurses and they worked in environments were Covid was very much present. Every day they were exposed to potentially being infected, but they never were. Things were going well until late-December 2020 when most of the family got infected, my dad being the worst affected. I watched my dad do his best to remain present and positive through the whole painful ordeal though every night he fought nightmares of death. I watched my whole family support each other, trying to put their medical minds together in order to alleviate my dad’s ever-fluctuating symptoms. God was faithful in keeping us sane and hopeful. He allowed my dad to make it through.

Dan W. Brown: This time last year I had just dropped out of uni and was working a temporary job in a factory, feeling very uncertain about the future. Lockdown turned out to be a great blessing in my life, it helped me to slow down, spend more time in the word and prayerfully consider the future. In the middle of my uncertainty, God was wonderfully working, and he blessed me with a job that I love, and in the process taught me a lot about what it means to rely on him completely. For the rest of my life, I will look back on the last year as a time when God displayed to me his magnificent sovereignty over a broken world. Glory to God

Is Submission Relevant Today?

Deborah Asamoah
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Is Submission Relevant Today?
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We hear a term that, nowadays, is considered to be an ugly word in our society today. Submission. It is mocked as being outdated, oppressive and many consider that the idea should no longer have a place in our society. That being said, is submission something we should ignore in the 21st century or is it still a useful framework to use and follow today?

The “disliked” word 

Whenever we hear the word submit, some of us, especially as women, can shudder at the thought of what is required of us when we are asked to submit. It is almost always a difficult conversation when broaching the subject because people almost never seem to agree on the topic. Knowing the divisive nature of this matter, I myself have sheepishly given a half-hearted and rehearsed answer on submission or avoided discussing the topic altogether.

Abusive authority is a deterrent for submission 

I think such a response has stemmed from the idea that the issues surrounding submission are not clear cut. Moreover, it is obvious that the abuse of power, demonstrated by male leaders, in particular, does not make submission inviting. In fact, it acts as a deterrent. This is not surprising, given that people holding greater power have unfairly used and continue to use their authority to lord it over those with less power in a way that makes the latter feel like the only way to feel liberated is to resist, rebel, and refuse to submit.

History writes a long list of stories, both told and untold, which speak to the negligence of those in authority that leave people disenfranchised en masse. For example, the Transatlantic slave trade dehumanised and mistreated black Africans for the profit of European powers. SARS has a long record of abuses towards their own citizens. Statistics show that 35% of women worldwide experience physical, emotional and/or sexual violence in their lifetime, mostly deriving from an intimate partner. This does not even speak to the cases that are unreported.

With the long list of abuse and offences caused by those who have authority, it is no wonder why people, particularly women, are questioning the idea of submitting to someone who is capable of violating them.

Recovering the value of submission 

Think about the examples that the Bible uses in relation to submission and authority. For example, the husband is called to love his wife as himself (Eph 5:28). In other words, treat her with the same care and devotion as he would his own body. Pause for a moment. Think about the ways you care for your anatomy. Nourishing it with food. Setting aside time for your body to rest and recuperate.  In turn, we give our body the opportunity to flourish, grow and feel restored, leaving it feeling well-served, empowered and cared for. But note that our body does not choose when it gets to eat, nor does it choose when it gets to rest. It has no power to dominate itself over us with its needs. We have authority over our bodies. We choose when to feed it or give it rest. Yet we do not ignore our body’s needs. We are careful to listen to its needs, and consider how it feels so that we can nourish it and take care of it appropriately. 

Similarly, a husband who is called to be the head of his wife is not called to wield his power over her in order to control her whilst ignoring her needs and desires, thus leaving her feeling marginalised. Instead, he should be exercising authority in a way that allows her to be taken care of, her needs and wants to be considered and most importantly allows her to feel loved and cherished. In turn, she feels empowered and supported instead of oppressed and marginalised. Paul expresses this idea when he says:

In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife, loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh but nourishes and cherishes it.

Ephesians 5:28 – 29

Submission should be treated with the idea that the person with more power, should not oppress the person who is in submission to them, but should use their power to benefit the person who submits to them. Another way this can be interpreted is servanthood. The husband or father is called to be both head and servant of his home. In this way, submission is never oppressive but always supportive and beneficial.

How do we correct our view on submission?

This leads us to the big question. Where do look to if we want to have the right perspective about submission? Paul makes this very clear for us;

Christ loved the church and gave himself for her.

Ephesians 5:25

A husband nourishes and cherishes his wife because Christ does the same for his church. Us, people who are considered members of His body. Christ being the perfect example of authority, anticipated the most major need of His body (the Church) before the foundation of the world. Our need for salvation. He set about accomplishing this need by dying for our sins so that we could be pardoned of God’s wrath and experience the benefits of eternal glory. Even now He nourishes us by His Spirit so that we may be kept until He returns and enjoy His eternal riches. In return, we as Christians submit to Him because we know and trust that He has our best interests at heart.

With this in mind, we can see that submission derives from a place of love. Therefore, with this view, we should strive to be shining examples to society when we choose to submit to one another faithfully; showing that submission is not something from which we must be deterred but something to be embraced because it incurs one’s best interests.

To find out more about the topic of relationships and dating, listen to the latest episode of #onthetable below!

Why You Should Stand Up for the Gospel at Any Cost

Ayo Stephen
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Jesus entrusted us to spread the truth to every nation so that all can know who God is through him. This began with the twelve disciples in what we know as the ‘Great Commission.’ But this shouldn’t end with them – in fact this should continue even until after we have left this Earth. It is written that before the coming of Christ, the gospel will be spread to every nation (Mark 13:10). However, it is portrayed many times in the Bible that to stand up for what is the truth isn’t an easy task, especially in a world so clouded in darkness and evil.

Why should you care?

As Stephen was being stoned to death, he called out, “Lord Jesus, please welcome me!”

Acts 7:59

Stephen, a martyr of Christ, died professing the truth. Apostle Peter, a disciple specially chosen by Jesus, on whom the church began with, died as a follower of Christ. Lastly, Apostle Paul was a man specially chosen by Christ to teach and instruct Jews and Gentiles of the Word of God. In doing this, he wrote the majority of the New Testament. He conducted the works of the Lord despite the world telling him otherwise. Despite his life being in danger, he continued on proclaiming the truth He was called upon and believed in.

So why these examples? It is important for us to understand that many before us have stood for the gospel, even in the harshest of times. These people were prepared to put their reputation, even their lives aside so that we might know Christ and be saved. It is thus imperative for us as Christians to understand that there are people still awaiting the truth that do not yet know it. We, therefore, have a duty to stand up for the gospel even if it may cost us, acting selflessly so that others can live in the same joy we do. This way, as we continue to spread His word, we are able to bring new people under his adoption, through the Holy Spirit, into the salvation that he granted freely (Romans 8:15).

silhouette of man and woman standing beside cross during sunset

Take up your cross

They are not of this world, even as I am not of it.

John 17:16

Standing up for the Gospel irrespective of what the world throws at you is not an easy task. It will cost us to give up the world for the Word. It will cost us to be fully renewed by the Spirit and not be lukewarm in matters concerning the world. In an ever-changing modern society, most people speak and act to please others, however we must speak and act to please God alone. This may cause us to lose our reputation like those in the past did, being ‘cancelled’ for standing up for the truth. In the worst cases, it may even lead to the loss of our lives. However, we must understand that this is what Christ went through to ensure salvation was granted to us. We must thus pick up our cross’ and follow him – understanding that if we are to remain in Him, we are very likely to face the same adversities He faced by society, social media, even family and friends.

Through accepting Christ, we have allowed Him to enter our lives and transform us from within as new creatures (2 Corinthians 5:17). However, we cannot accept him and still act like we are of this world. As John 17:16 says, we should act to be against the evil of this world, being careful not to accept things unacceptable to God.

Our hope is in the Lord

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Colossians 3:1-2

A key element in the Christian faith is our belief in the joy to come, and the reality of our hope in things above. Our joy lies in pleasing Christ and bringing people to the salvation He has offered, through the Holy Spirit. With this mindset, what is there to fear?

By remembering that this world is not the final destination, we can gain a new confidence that those of this world do not understand. This can help us stand up and profess the gospel with conviction – with nothing holding us back. If you ever get into a situation where you fear for standing up for the gospel, understand that Jesus ascended with the promise of preparing a place for you in Heaven. Stand firm in this and profess it with boldness. One day, every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that He is God, even if now the world does not approve.

Why Are You Not Evangelising?

Shumi Mararike
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Why Are You Not Evangelising?

When was the last time you shared the Gospel? I address the question to both you the reader, and I the writer. I too felt a tide of unease rise in my gut when confronted by the thought. We know the importance of sharing the Gospel, but often fail to do so. I hope that as we reflect on the following questions that may point toward the reasons why we are not evangelising, we may be encouraged to not only know the Gospel, but also preach the Gospel.

1. Am I ashamed of the Gospel?

You may be ashamed of the Gospel because you don’t sincerely believe it to be good news. Perhaps you’ve become so familiar with the term that you have lost sight of the immensity of the message. The Gospel is “euangelion” – good news. This was news that a foot runner would bring from the battlefield back into the city, proclaiming that victory had been achieved. This news transformed the lives of the people, bringing them great joy in knowing that the war had been won. In the Gospel, we have a life-changing announcement: In His love, God sent His Son to die for our sins and bring us into a relationship with Himself if we believe in Christ (John 3:16; 2 Corinthians 5:18-19; Romans 5:10). In doing so, Jesus has saved us from sin’s penalty and triumphed over Satan, sin and death (Colossians 2:13-15; 1 Peter 2:24).

Have you ever thought someone is “beyond salvation”? Have you felt the desire to share the Gospel but refrain from doing so in the belief that it will fall on deaf ears? These are subtle ways in which your shame toward the Gospel is revealed; you doubt the vastness of its power.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 

Romans 1:16

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God.

1 Corinthians 1:18

“Ashamed” in Romans 1:16 speaks of being disgraced or personally humiliated as a result of placing your trust in something which has let you down. “Power” is translated from the Greek word “dynamis”, giving us the word “dynamite”. There is inherent power in the Gospel, carrying the capacity to seismically shift the lives of those who hear it and believe it. This is no cause for shame. Place your confidence in God and the power of His Gospel, proclaiming it and leaving the results to Him.

2. Am I shy?

Evangelism is daunting. Faith is a highly sensitive subject matter so it requires a balance of gentleness and boldness. Disinterested responses can discourage you. Antagonism (especially from a knowledgeable person) may leave you feeling embarrassed and inadequate for the task. The study of apologetics is useful. You can also learn and build confidence by going on outreach with others, but what you really need is divine enablement. Jesus knew this, and so He has sent us His Spirit to embolden us for evangelism. Draw courage and strength from His Spirit who dwells in you, empowering you for witnessing.

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.

Acts 1:8


3. Am I too proud?

Shame and timidity are great hindrances, commonly rooted in pride. Focusing on yourself rather than others and their need for salvation will give you several reasons not to evangelise. Mockery and the loss of friends and loved ones are genuine fears. But no one had more to lose than the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 8:9). The second Person of the Trinity, equal in deity and sharing the glory of the Father humbled Himself to accomplish the Father’s plan for salvation (John 17:5). Philippians 2 eloquently captures the humility of Jesus :

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
 rather, He made Himself nothing
 by taking the very nature of a servant,
 being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
 He humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
 even death on a cross!

Philippians 2:5-8

Christ humbled Himself in a way that we are to follow suit by proclaiming this good news.

I assure you, the shame, shyness and pride you may feel is incomparable to the feeling of knowing that someone you had the opportunity to share the Gospel with has died in unbelief. The price is too high. Pray for opportunities and boldness to evangelise. Pray that God softens the hearts of those you speak with and for their salvation. Lastly, remember these words by Rice Tice: “In evangelism, I can only fail if I keep quiet”.

Your Tribe Is Not Your God

Chude Obuaya
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Your Tribe Is Not Your God
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The world is filled with a variety of issues. When people engage with these issues, opposing sides are rapidly filled with their proponents at the ready to support their position, whether right or wrong. The problem that arises when engaging with these issues, especially difficult ones, is that people are susceptible to tribalism over truth. The tendency is to follow your tribe’s position, no matter the cost. This tendency is often seen amongst Christians when engaging with the hot topics of our time. Whilst Christians have the liberty to hold various positions on non-primary issues, what we do not have the liberty to is abscond on the truth because it does not fit our tribe’s view. So how can we faithfully navigate through different topics and ensure that our allegiance is to the truth and not to our tribe?

Say No to Tribalism


Firstly, it is important to define what tribalism is. Tribalism is defined as “the possession of a strong cultural or ethnic identity that separates one member of a group from the members of another group”. In other words, tribalism is when people are overly loyal to their group (whether political, social, theological etc). This leads to people being over-critical of groups with an opposing view to their group and under-critical of the views of their own group. When we hold a non-critical view of our tribe, we become blind to its flaws, bad arguments, and poor positions. We can often find ourselves on the side of the oppressor, rallying against justice and standing firm against the truth. As Christians this should not be so after all “He [God] has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8). We cannot stand on the side of justice, kindness, or humility if we are committed to being on the side of our tribe no matter their position.

The temptation to show greater fidelity to your leader or tribe than the truth is not a new phenomenon. Whilst the scriptures may not use tribalism as we have defined it, 1 Corinthians 3 uses a word that bears close similarity. In this portion of scripture, Paul bemoans the church of Corinth over their sectarianism (or tribalism). Paul states that when there is strife and jealousy amongst Christians because they hold varying positions, that they are acting according to the flesh (1 Corinthians 3:2-3). Whilst this text is referring mainly to Christians following Church leaders, the premise can be used for Christians following any leader or tribe. What we must remember is that our tribes are not given to us so that we can boast in them, but given by God as a means of grace for our benefit and the benefit of others (1 Corinthians 3:21-23).

Tribalism is Really Unbelief


If we want to accurately deal with the sins that beset us, then we must rightly diagnose them. Tribalism is a symptom, not the root cause. Tribalism – Partiality – Idolatry – Unbelief. Tribalism occurs because of the sin of partiality. To show partiality is to show unfair bias towards a person or a group and this is a consequence of tribalism. To show partiality is to break the royal law which is to love your neighbour as yourself (James 2:8). Yet this sin unravels deeper still because partiality is the fruit of idolatry. Idolatry is when we place any person or anything above the name and renown of God, thus diminishing His glory. Tribalism produces an ungodly allegiance that says my bias is a greater treasure to me than God. The truth does not matter to the one that is unwaveringly committed to his/her tribe. What matters is that they are right in their own eyes or the eyes of their tribe. This is a perilous position because the scriptures tell us that there is a way that seems right to us that leads to death (Proverbs 14:12). Still, idolatry is a product of a deeper issue still and this, in my view, is the seed that produces all of sins fruit – unbelief. Tribalism is ultimately unbelief because it states that a tribe can give me something that Jesus cannot. Tribalism states that the opinion of my tribe is greater than the opinion of God (John 12:42-43). Tribalism states that the truth is not important, but my position is, even if it is wrong and is potentially harmful in its implication or application. Tribalism trusts in its group rather than in Christ and by no other name can a man be saved but in the name of Jesus (Acts 4:12).

Your Tribe is Christianity


In Christ we have the freedom to eat what we want, live where we want, support whatever political party and be part of whatever Christian denomination we want (Romans 14:1-12). What we do not have the privilege to do is use our freedom as an occasion for sin or to support that which is sinful (Galatians 5:13). Supporting a particular tribe is not an issue if we realise that our tribe does not have the monopoly on truth, Jesus does. We do not need Christians who are drunk from the ideological positions of their tribe, instead, we need Christians who remain sober-minded, committed to Jesus and those who He created in His image for His glory.

Is there such a thing as ‘Christian dating’?

On Mission
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Is there such a thing as ‘Christian dating’?

As the words “courtship” and “dating” are not found in the Bible, everyone seems to have their own principles and guidelines as to how Christians should date. This tends to lead to all sorts of confusion as to what Christian dating looks like and whether or not dating is something Christians should do all together. In this weeks episode, our four guests look at if there is such thing as biblical dating? If so, what is it? And how can Christians think differently about this pervasive issue in media and culture?  

Guests: Susana Clapcott, Toye Akinoso, Rufaro Jerahuni, Lisa Collins-Browns  

Join the discussion online using #onthetable

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How To Care For Those Struggling With Their Mental Health

Oluwaseyi Sobogun
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How To Care For Those Struggling With Their Mental Health
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As of late, it seems as though the church community is learning to talk more about mental health and really understand that being a Christian does not exempt us from suffering these illnesses. About 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health issue each year, which means it is more than likely a brother or sister of yours, in Christ, is struggling with their mental health. We need to, in our smaller spaces, where we encounter fellow Christians, discern how to converse with them on such issues and most importantly have empathy without judgement. So, how do we do that?

Listen First

We should listen with a heart of tenderness, to be quick to listen rather than speak (James 1:19). We need to really pay attention to what is being said, to understand without offering a solution. It can be difficult to talk about our mental health: the internal battles, the problems, especially as a Christian. There is an expectation that we Christians do not suffer the same ailments as the world, yet, we do. When we speak on these issues, it is not time to say we need to “read our bible more” or “pray more”; this is a time to listen.

A time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak

Ecclesiastes 3:7

At the feet of Jesus, Mary sat and listened (Luke 10:39). Martha was busy doing and trying to make everything ready but that was not what was required (v. 40-41). In that moment, Jesus called them to sit and be with Him. Only one thing was important. Similarly, our friends or fellow Christians may require our support through our mere presence. To receive comfort knowing someone is actively listening.

Pray Together

Although in these moments we may not feel like praying, we appreciate prayers. We can pray for and with our brothers or sisters during these periods. We can pray about the situation that is making us anxious, or pray about the day to help us get through.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God

Philippians 4:6

The opportunity to pray as a community, to come into agreement in front of God can be a source of strength and support for those who need it. As we read in Matthew 18:20, Jesus says “where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I with them”. There is comfort in collectively laying our burdens or anxieties at the feet of Jesus who says that He will carry them and He cares (Ps. 55:22; 1 Peter 5:7). Praying together can be a reminder that we are not alone.

Even so, we should be cautious of prayers that invalidate the feelings and experience of the person. Understandably, prayer does refresh, as we give our problems to God but we have to properly deal with the issues and the underlying problems that cause the outward reactions.

Be Compassionate

Above all else, we need to have compassion to be there as a friend and fellow believer. We have our faith in the Lord as a common understanding but we need to further comprehend that believers can, have and will continue to go through difficulties in relation to mental health.

We need to stop cancelling our feelings in the name of faith. Our feelings are a good indication of what is going on in our minds and how we are dealing with it. It is important to listen attentively to our body, taking moments out to think about what we are thinking about. Meditation is the process of pausing to think about something. We read in the bible to meditate on the word of God day and night in Joshua 1:8. It doesn’t eradicate the problem but it can help to bring a different perspective to the situation when we look at what God is saying to us.

In general, we should all think more on mental health and the impact on those around us. As the body of Christ, we are to display the character of Him. Jesus asks us to be there for each other (Jn. 13:34), to be selfless and to do onto others as we would like done unto us (Matt. 7:12).

To find out more about the topic of faith and mental health, listen to this episode of the On The Table Podcast!

True Discipleship

On Mission
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True Discipleship

Q: What excuse did Adam give to his children as to why he no longer lived in Eden? A: Your mother ate us out of house and home!

What is Discipleship?

The term is ambiguous in English. It can mean my discipleship, in the sense of my own pattern of following Jesus and trusting him and learning from him. That is my discipleship. It could mean that. Or it can mean my activity of helping others be disciples in that sense of learning from him, growing in him.

“People need to become Christians, and people need to be taught how to think and feel and act as a Christian. That is a disciple.”

The second meaning — helping others — does have a verb in New Testament Greek: mathēteuō, to make disciples. It can mean preach the gospel so that people get converted to Christ and become Christians and, thus, disciples. For example, Acts 14:21 says, “When they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium.” So that “make disciples” is one Greek word there, and it means “get them converted to Jesus.” That is what it means.

Discussion

  • When did you first come across the term?
  • How would you describe being a disciple?

By definition, a disciple is a follower, one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another. A Christian disciple is a person who accepts and assists in the spreading of the good news of Jesus Christ. Christian discipleship is the process by which disciples grow in the Lord Jesus Christ and are equipped by the Holy Spirit, who resides in our hearts, to overcome the pressures and trials of this present life and become more and more Christlike.

This process requires believers to respond to the Holy Spirit’s prompting to examine their thoughts, words and actions and compare them with the Word of God. This requires that we be in the Word daily—studying it, praying over it, and obeying it. In addition, we should always be ready to give testimony of the reason for the hope that is within us (1 Peter 3:15) and to disciple others to walk in His way. According to Scripture, being a Christian disciple involves personal growth characterized by the following:

True Discipleship (William Macdonald)

The pathway to true discipleship begins when a person is born again. It
begins when the following events take place:

  1. When a person realizes that he is sinful, lost, blind and naked before
    God.
  2. When he acknowledges that he cannot save himself by good
    character or good works.
  3. When he believes that the Lord Jesus Christ died as his Substitute
    on the Cross.
  4. When by a definite decision of faith, he acknowledges Jesus Christ
    as his only Lord and Saviour.

This is how a person becomes a Christian. It is important to emphasize
this at the outset. Too many people think that you become a Christian by
living a Christian life. NOT at all! You must first become a Christian before
you can live the Christian life.

The Terms of Discipleship

True Christianity is an all-out commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Saviour is not looking for men and women who will give their spare
evenings to Him—or their weekends—or their years of retirement.

Rather He seeks those who will give Him first place in their lives. “He looks today,
as He has ever looked, not for crowds drifting aimlessly in His track, but
for individual men and women whose undying allegiance will spring from
their having recognized that He wants those who are prepared to follow
the path of self-renunciation which He trod before them”1—H. A. Evan
Hopkins.

Nothing less than unconditional surrender could ever be a fitting response
to His sacrifice at Calvary. Love so amazing, so divine, could never be
satisfied with less than our souls, our lives, our all.

The Lord Jesus made stringent demands on those who would be His
disciples—demands that are all but overlooked in this day of luxury living.
Too often we look upon Christianity as an escape from hell and guarantee of heaven. Beyond that, we feel that we have every right to
enjoy the best that this life has to offer. We know that there are those
strong verses on discipleship in the Bible, but we have difficulty reconciling
them with our ideas of what Christianity should be.
We can accept the fact that soldiers give their lives for patriotic reasons.

We do not think it strange that Communists give their lives for political
reasons. But that “blood, sweat and tears” should characterize the life of
a follower of Christ somehow seems remote and hard to grasp.
And yet the words of the Lord Jesus are clear enough.

There is scarcely any room for misunderstanding if we accept them at their face value. Here
are the terms of discipleship as laid down by the Saviour of the world:

7 Terms we should soberly consider

A supreme love for Jesus Christ.

“If any man come to me and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and
children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot
be my disciple” (Luke 14:26).

This does not mean that we should ever have animosity or ill-will in our hearts toward our relatives, but it does mean that our love to Christ should be so great that all other loves are
hatred by comparison. Actually, the most difficult clause in this passage is the expression, “yea, and his own life also.” Self-love is one of the stubbornest hindrances to discipleship. Not until we are willing to lay down our very lives for Him are we in the place where He wants us.

A denial of self.


“If any man will come after me, let him deny himself…” (Matthew 16:24).

Denial of self is not the same as self-denial. The latter means foregoing certain foods, pleasures, or possessions. But denial of self means such complete submission to the lordship of Christ that self has no rights or authority at all. It means that self-abdicates the throne. It is expressed in the words of Henry Martyn,

“Lord, let me have no will of my own, or
consider my true happiness as depending in the smallest degree on
anything that can befall me outwardly, but as consisting altogether in
conformity to Thy will.”
My glorious Victor, Prince divine,
Clasp these surrendered hands in Thine,
At length my will is all thine own,
Glad vassals of a Saviour’s throne”

H. G. C. Moule

A deliberate choosing of the cross.


“If any man come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross…”
(Matthew 16:24).

The cross is not some physical infirmity or mental anguish; these things are common to all men. The cross is a pathway that is deliberately chosen. It is “a path which so far as this world goes is one of dishonour and reproach”—C. A. Coates. The cross symbolizes the shame, persecution and abuse which the world heaped upon the Son of God, and which the world will heap on all who choose to stand against the tide. Any believer can avoid the cross simply by being conformed to the world and its ways.

A life spent in following Christ.

“If any man come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross,
and follow me” (Matthew 16:24).

To understand what this means, one need simply ask himself, “What characterized the life of the Lord Jesus?”

It was a life of obedience to the will of God. It was a life lived in the power of the Holy Spirit. It was a life of unselfish service for others. It was a life of patience and longsuffering in the face of the gravest wrongs. It was a life of zeal, of expenditure, of self-control, of meekness, of kindness, of faithfulness and of devotion (Galatians 5:22, 23). In order to be His disciples, we must walk as He walked. We must exhibit the fruit of Christlikeness (John 15:8).

A fervent love for all who belong to Christ.

“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to
another” (John 13:35).

This is the love that esteems others better than oneself. It is the love that suffers long and is kind. It vaunts not itself and is not puffed up. It does not behave itself unseemly; seeks not its own, is not easily provoked; thinks no evil. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). Without this love, discipleship would be a cold, legalistic asceticism.

An unswerving continuance in His Word.


“If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed” (John 8:31).


For real discipleship there must be continuance. It is easy enough to start well, to burst forth in a blaze of glory. But the test of reality is endurance to the end. Any man who looks back after putting his hand to the plot is not fit for the kingdom of God (Luke 9:62). Spasmodic obedience to the Scriptures will not do. Christ wants those who will follow Him in constant,
unquestioning obedience. Keep me from turning back The handles of my plough with tears are wet, The shears with rust are spoiled, and yet, and yet, My God! My God! Keep me from turning back.

A forsaking of all to follow Him.


“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath,
he cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:33).

This is perhaps the most unpopular of all Christ’s terms of discipleship, and may well prove to be the most unpopular verse in the Bible. Clever theologians can give you a thousand reasons why it does not mean what it says, but simple disciples drink it down eagerly, assuming that the Lord Jesus knew what He was saying.

What is meant by forsaking all?

It means an abandonment of all one’s material possessions that are not absolutely essential and that could be used in the spread of the gospel. The man who forsakes all does not
become a shiftless loafer; he works hard to provide for the current necessities of his family and himself. But since the passion of his life is to advance the cause of Christ, he invests everything above current needs in the work of the Lord and leaves the future with God. In seeking first the
kingdom of God and His righteousness, he believes that he will never lack food and clothing. He cannot conscientiously hold on to surplus fun when souls are perishing for want of the gospel.

He does not want to waste his life accumulating riches that will fall into the devil’s hands when
Christ returns for His saints. He wants to obey the Lord’s injunction against laying up treasure on earth. In forsaking all, he offers what he cannot keep anyway, and what he has ceased to love.


These then are the seven terms of Christian discipleship. They are clear and unequivocal. The writer realizes that in the act of setting them forth, he has condemned himself as an unprofitable servant. But shall the truth of God be forever suppressed because of the failure of God’s people? Is it not true that the message is always greater than the messenger? Is it
not proper that God be true and every man a liar? Should we not say with an old worthy, “Thy will be done though in my own undoing.”

Why Racism Rejects the Gospel

D. W. Brown
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Why Racism Rejects the Gospel

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Prefer to listen? Listen here!

There has been a huge amount of material written on the topic of racism from a Christian perspective, particularly last year in response to the tragic murder of George Floyd, and throughout the Black Lives Matter protests.

I don’t expect to share anything new or ground-breaking in this piece, but I think it’s helpful to continually be thinking about how the gospel message combats racism. It’s alarming when we see professing Christians exhibiting racist behaviour because the gospel condemns it so loudly and strongly. Please allow me to share these three simple points.

Made in God’s Image

Then God said “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness”

-Genesis 1:26

Right at the beginning of God’s word we learn that mankind was made in the image of God. There are no exceptions here, no divisions, no ifs, buts or maybes. Every single man and woman has been made in the image of Him.

That we are all made in the image of God isn’t just an interesting fact – it has enormous ramifications on how we ought to think about and behave towards others. James alludes to this and makes the point clear when writing about the importance of taming the tongue, he writes “With it, we bless our Lord and Father, and with it, we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.” (James 3:9-10)

The clear implication from this passage is that professing to be a Christian goes hand in hand with using our tongues to build up, encourage and bless others. There is no room whatsoever for division or bias based on skin colour, all are made in God’s image.

No Partiality

For God shows no partiality.

– Romans 2:11

Something that is repeated several times in the New Testament, is that God shows no partiality. Peter says it in Acts 10:34-35, Paul states it in Romans 2:11, and James writes in James 2:9 that “if you show partiality, you are committing sin”.

It couldn’t be any clearer from reading scripture that for us to show partiality, or to put it another way, to discriminate against anyone, is utterly wicked and it’s totally contradictory to God’s character.

The Gospel Unites

There is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him.

– Romans 10:12

One of the many beautiful aspects of the gospel, it its unifying power. Through the gospel we find ourselves united to followers of Christ all over the world. We become family with them, united in an even more profound sense than our biological families.

It is a marvellous thing that there is level ground at the foot of the cross. That anyone, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, social status, economic status, or any other distinguishing factor, finds the same gracious offer of salvation. We celebrate and rejoice in this together, uniting with brothers and sisters all over the world in our joyful gratitude to God. I love the following section from Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus, where he is expanding on what Christ has achieved for us, and what he means for us.

“He himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility.

– Ephesians 2:14

He has made us one, and in doing so has broken down the barriers between us. Today, let us thank God that he made us in his image, that he shows no partiality even when man does, and that through the cross of Christ which primarily unites us to himself, he has also united us to each other.

How Can I Overcome Social Anxiety When Returning To Physical Church?

D. W. Brown
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How Can I Overcome Social Anxiety When Returning To Physical Church?
Prefer to listen? Listen here.

As COVID restrictions have begun to ease, your church may have already started meeting in person again or may be planning to do so soon. How are you feeling about that?

Perhaps you’re an introvert, and as such in the past you haven’t always found it easy to socialise, particularly in large groups such as at church. Over the last year, maybe you have become comfortable with joining church virtually from your living room, and the thought of returning to church in-person makes you nervous.

With in-person services starting again in the coming weeks, I have found it helpful to remind myself of the benefits of meeting with the church family physically, and to think about some practical ways to make this an easier experience. Allow me to share some thoughts on this.

Physical fellowship is a blessing

“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” – Matthew 18:20

Although church is the people, not the building, scripture makes it clear that gathering with believers in person is important. It is a way to encourage one another and in doing so to glorify God. In the verse above, Jesus makes it clear that gathering with other believers is wonderful, it’s a powerful thing.

It’s also challenging to think of those Christians in countries where meeting together is illegal. We are so blessed here in the UK that we are not persecuted or prosecuted by authorities for publicly attending church. It’s something that I have definitely taken for granted in the past. I don’t know about you, but for me last year of having church online has put this into perspective.

Serve in small ways

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. – 1 Corinthians 12: 4-6

I love this scripture from 1 Corinthians. Paul is stressing the point that we have different gifts which are of equal importance to the church. That means that even when I feel anxious about interacting with others, I can serve in small practical ways.

Why not consider afresh how you’re serving your church? Is there a rota you could put your name on, a simple way of helping out practically which would ease the burden on others? Speaking personally, I have found that finding practical ways to serve has helped me feel more at home at my church. It has helped to increase my confidence and helped me to see the small, yet important part I’m playing in the church as a whole.

This part of scripture is also a challenge to not attend church with a consumerist attitude of “what can I get out of this?” but rather to think “how can I serve? What can I give to the church?”

Commit anxieties to him

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4: 6-7

I know it’s a predictable point to make in a piece like this, but the importance of constantly and actively committing our anxieties to God cannot be stressed enough. It seems to be one of those things that we’re so used to hearing that it loses its meaning and sounds cliché.

He isn’t a far-off deity who created everything and then left it, he is a loving father, a tender friend, and he cares deeply about your anxieties. As you serve him in the church, in practical ways and through loving others, commit your burdens to him.

He tells us that we will receive the peace of God which surpasses our understanding. That’s a beautiful promise.

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