To be empowered by the Holy Spirit for life and mission, we need to have a proper understanding of the true personality of the One who empowers us.  (1 Corinthians 12:7-11; Ephesians 4:11-13; Romans 12:4-7)

Gifts of the Holy Spirit are special abilities that the Holy Spirit gives to disciples of Jesus for the purpose of building up the Body of Christ. They are divine abilities granted to followers of Jesus to accomplish what God has called them to do. As it is recorded in 2 Peter 1:3, “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.” 

Some of these gifts are called the manifestation of the Holy Spirit which He manifests at any time He wants in order to build up the Body of Christ for God’s glory.

There are nine manifestations of the Spirit recorded in 1 Corinthians 12:8-11, and other ministerial gifts of the Spirit are also recorded in Romans 12:8-12 and Ephesians 4:7-13. Let’s briefly look at some of these gifts.

The word of knowledge is supernatural knowledge and insight that the Holy Spirit gives that no one can understand by human power. Sometimes the Holy Spirit gives us knowledge of something that is hidden or reveals a secret for the edification of the body.  

The word of wisdom is instant supernatural wisdom given by the Holy Spirit to apply the word of knowledge. This gift enables the church to handle complex problems or issues in a constructive, God-honoring way.  

The gift of faith is the manifestation of divine faith when it is needed so that we can believe and act accordingly. To reveal this gift, God may ask us to do something that seems crazy—for example, walking on water requires supernatural faith.

The gift of healing is the manifestation of the Holy Spirit to someone of any kind of disease or illness or evil spirit.  There are two plural words—“gifts” and “healings”—which means that there are different kinds of healings from different kinds of diseases.     

The working of miracles is the manifestation of the Holy Spirit that transcends the natural laws by which God reveals Himself to people. For example, the turning of water into wine, the feeding of the 5000 by multiplying five loaves of bread and two fishes, etc. Our God is a miracle-working God and He still loves miracles today.

The discerning of spirits is the supernatural ability to identify what is going on behind the spiritual scenes (1 John 4:1-4). This gift is needed to discern the source of any revelation or message because there are four sources (demonic, angelic, human, or divine). Missing this gift from the church of Jesus Christ brings confusion and division in the church.

The gift of prophesy is a divine ability to foretell the future and to explain the current situation. In 1 Corinthians 14:1, Paul told us to desire spiritual gifts, especially prophesy. The prophesy Paul mentioned here is a forth-telling one, when someone gets a direct Word from the Lord to give to someone else or to the church so as to build up/restore.

Different kinds of tongues is the supernatural ability to speak in another language to edify self and to build up the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 14:2, 1 Corinthians 14:5, 1 Corinthians 14:13-14, 1 Corinthians 14:39-40). There are gifts of tongues for the edification of oneself and for edification of the Church. There are times when tongues are given as a sign of receiving the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:44-46; Acts 19:6).

The interpretation of tongues is the supernatural ability to interpret what is spoken in another tongue (1 Corinthians 14:13-14, 1 Corinthians 14:27-28). Sometimes the interpretation may be given to the one who is speaking in tongues or to another person.

There are also other ministry gifts of the Holy Spirit to equip the Church of Jesus Christ for the unfinished task of the mission of Jesus. Some of these gifts are people, such as apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, deacons, etc. These and other ministry gifts are given to every member of the body of Christ as the Spirit wills for the glory of God. Let us mention some of the ministry gifts.

The gift of serving is demonstrating the love of God by meeting practical needs. Those who have this gift have different eyes to see needs and respond promptly.

The gift of teaching is revealing the treasures in the Word of God. This gift discovers and validates truth for the edification of the Church of Jesus Christ.

The gift of giving is the sharing of resources in order to meet the needs of others.

The gift of exhortation is the supernatural ability to encourage others to help them reach their life and ministry goals by walking alongside them. 

The gift of administration is a supernatural ability to keep things organized and in accordance with God’s principles and priorities.

The gift of helping is the supernatural ability to help others to do whatever it takes to get a task accomplished. 

The gift of mercy is the supernatural ability to demonstrate God’s love and compassion by responding empathetically and graciously to another’s, or your own, hurt.

What is the purpose of the gifts of the Holy Spirit in our lives?

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time when many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

To be empowered by the Holy Spirit for life and mission, we need to have a proper understanding of the true personality of the One who empowers us.  

A Holy Spirit empowered life results in victory over sin, joy and peace in heart, and submission towards the Lord and others. So, as disciples who live fruitful and victorious lives, we need to live and walk in total dependence on the Holy Spirit so that we can bear fruit that lasts.

The fruit of the Spirit is what the Holy Spirit produces and displays in the life of a disciple.

One of the primary purposes of the Holy Spirit’s coming into a Christian life is to change that life.

It is the work of the Holy Spirit that conforms us to the image of Christ, making us more like Him. It is His presence within us that enables us to develop spiritual fruit in our lives. Without Him, we can do nothing (John 15:5, John 15:16).

He has chosen and ordained us, that we should go and bring forth fruit, and that our fruit should remain. God’s divine purpose for our life is to bear fruit, but abundant fruit is possible only for those who live in intimate relationship with Jesus Christ, as a branch remains in the vine (John 15:1-8).

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control are manifestations of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). The fruit of the Spirit enables us to eliminate spiritual barrenness, to escape the corruption of the world, and to become partakers of the divine nature of God (2 Peter 1:4-8). It is our responsibility to walk in the Spirit so as to develop this fruit that is the character of Christ in our lives; not only will it cause us to grow spiritually, but it will be a powerful witness to unbelievers as well (2 Peter 1:8-9).

Love is caring for someone else as much as I care for myself. Love is something in which we grow (1 Corinthians 13:11; Ephesians 3:18-19). Paul writes in Philippians 1:9, “And this I pray, that your love may abound [grow] yet more and more.” God wants our love to grow so big that His love can flow through us to call and win many to the Kingdom. Paul contrasts love with spiritual gifts and other manifestations of the fruit of the Spirit, concluding that none of these gifts compare with the power of love (1 Corinthians 13). He does this to emphasize the importance, completeness, and supremacy of love over all other qualities we consider important to life and God’s purpose. Love will never end; it will always be of use. Such a supernatural love flows into our hearts by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5). It causes us to make a decision to love even when we don’t feel like it. When we walk in the love of God, everything else falls into place (Song of Songs 8:7; John 13:34-35; John 15:13; John 16:27; 1 Peter 4:8; 1 John 3:11; 1 John 4:7-8).

Joy, a manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit, is defined as happiness, cheerfulness, great pleasure, gladness, and delight. Biblical joy is inseparable from our relationship with God, and it springs from our knowledge and understanding of the purpose of life and the hope of living with God for eternity when there will be joy forevermore. If God is actually present in our lives, the joy He experiences can begin to flow in and through us (Psalm 16:11). Joy is the sign that life has found its purpose and its reason for being. When we are filled with this joy, we begin to rejoice in the Lord beyond the circumstances surrounding us (Philippians 4:4). There is fullness of joy in every situation in the presence of God (Acts 2:46; Acts 16:34). God Himself, and our relationship with Him, are the source and cause of any real joy we have (2 Chronicles 20:27; Nehemiah 12:43)—this is a supernatural joy that gives spiritual strength (Nehemiah 8:10). The Psalmist and the Prophet Isaiah both refer to it as the joy of salvation (Psalm 51:12; Psalm 35:9; Psalm 89:15-16; Isaiah 12:3; John 15:11; Jeremiah 15:16; Acts 2:28; Romans 14:17). Our joys must arise from yielding our will so as to fulfill God’s purpose and see it accomplished (Matthew 25:21).

Peace is a gift from God to those reconciled to Him through Jesus Christ, and it is the manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit in us as we grow in a continuing, trustful relationship with God through the daily affairs of our lives (John 14:27; Romans 5:1; Psalm 119:165). Such peace doesn’t come through any other means—not through drugs, alcohol, sex, wealth, or entertainment. The peace of God has a different source than that of the world. We cannot experience this peace without giving lordship to the Prince of Peace in our lives (Isaiah 9:6). His peace is a peace that surpasses all human understanding and keeps our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7; Psalm 119:165; Isaiah 26:3; Romans 8:6; James 3:18).

Patience is a characteristic of our Lord that fills us with gratitude. It makes us mild, gentle, and constant in all circumstances. God’s patience delays His wrath, allowing time for good to occur (Jonah 4:2). Do we have such patience? As we desire others, especially God, to be patient and forgiving toward us in our faults, do we have patience ourselves? Patience is a two-way street, and God clearly demands reciprocity. He expects us to pass His patience and forgiveness on to others as Christ did (Matthew 18:23-35). When we develop this character in our lives, we can learn to enjoy life where we are while we are waiting for what we desire (Ephesians 4:1-2; 2 Timothy 4:2; 2 Peter 3:9). The real test of patience is not in waiting but in how one acts while waiting. Patience is a vital part of the process that enables God to work over a long period of time, if necessary, to produce in us other important aspects of His image so that we “may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:4). Reaching this point is definitely a process which takes a lot of practice.

Kindness is simply putting others first. It is a quality that makes us great in God’s sight (James 3:17; 2 Samuel 22:36). Kindness is something that we must develop, and we can do it because the Holy Spirit has already enabled us. The mountains shall depart and the hills will be removed, but the Lord’s kindness shall not depart from us (Isaiah 54:10). In 1 Thessalonians 2:7, Apostle Paul illustrates kindness by the example of a mother nourishing her children. Being Christ-like means being gentle, kind, loving, and compassionate as He is to us. We all have sinned and come short of His glory, yet God forgives and redeems us. Being like Jesus is having His kindness manifested in our lives (Luke 23:33-34). Imitating Christ, Stephen also showed kindness; even in the midst of being stoned to death, he asked the Lord to forgive the sin of those who were killing him (Acts 7:59-60); the parable of the Good Samaritan is also a good example of kindness (Luke 10:29-37); Joseph’s story is one of the many stories of kindness we find in the Old Testament (Genesis 45:4-15). How kind are we?

Goodness and generosity enable us to do good things to those who hate us (Luke 6:27). The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord (Psalm 33:5). He created us in His image and draws out of us His own goodness to witness that He is our God. It is the goodness of God that leads men and women to repentance. His goodness goes beyond what is legally right—it goes the extra mile and gives what is needed to benefit, build up, and bless others. He wants His goodness to flow in and through us to impact others’ lives. We are called to be lights in a dark world, and we must shine the goodness of our Father (Psalm 23:6; Psalm 52:1; Matthew 5:14-16). True goodness is inseparable from godliness; God is the source of all that can truly be called good. He does not just have it or do it, but He is goodness, and He greatly desires to give it to us (Exodus 34:6). He has recreated us in Jesus Christ for His good works (Ephesians 2:10). So we need to take every opportunity to yield to the Holy Spirit so as to develop this goodness in our lives.

Faithfulness is the quality of being faithful. Webster’s New World Dictionary defines faithfulas “maintaining allegiance; constant; loyal; marked by or showing a strong sense of duty or responsibility; accurate; reliable; exact.” Faithfulness enables us to walk and live by faith (Romans 5:2). Without this kind of faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Since God is faithful, it has become our responsibility to imitate Him in being faithful by committing our lives to the leading of the Spirit. There is never inconsistency in the life of Jesus. Our greatest obligation on earth is to imitate His faithfulness to a faithless world (Revelation 3:14; John 18:37; Matthew 24:45-47). Being faithful is not always easy—it requires making a decision and then sticking to it regardless of what our feelings tell us. However, when we are faithful and do what God tells us to do, we will be rewarded; the Bible says that if we’re faithful over little things, He will make us rulers of much (Matthew 17:20; Matthew 21:22; Mark 9:23; Mark 11:24; Romans 4:20-21; Ephesians 6:16).

Meekness is the quality of being free from pride and arrogance; it is a modest estimation of our own worth (Numbers 12:3). It is the meek who are blessed and share in Jesus’ inheritance of the earth (Matthew 5:5; Psalm 37:11). People may relate meekness with weakness, but meekness is really power under control; it is a slave-like submission to God. Moses was a great example of meekness. While Moses had a high position, he did not try to defend himself with his social status (Numbers 12:3). Once we crucify our pride and self-will, we do not think or care about ourselves. Meek people do not measure the importance of events by their relation to their personal comfort or what they gain from them. They begin to see everything from God’s perspective, seeking only to serve His purposes in every situation of life. Meekness enables us to bear patiently those insults and injuries we receive at the hand of the enemies of the Gospel. Meek people seek no private revenge; they leave revenge to God while they seek to remain true in their calling and meet God’s standards (Zephaniah 2:3). It is the hidden heart of a person—a meek and a quiet spirit—which is greatly valued by God (1 Peter 3:4; Ephesians 4:1-2; Colossians 3:12; Titus 3:1-2).

Self-Control is that control over the whole person (spirit, soul, and body) which enables us to live a victorious life. Paul illustrates self-control by showing what it produces along the way and, most importantly, in the end (1 Corinthians 9:25). A person who has self-control is mild and calm, avoids extreme behavior, and exercises self-restraint in both actions and speech. Self-control is keeping our passions and desires in check. “Whoever has no rule over his spirit is like a city broken down, without walls.” (Proverbs 25:28; Proverbs 16:32) Self-control is present in the one who is strong in the strength of the Lord having put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-17). If we lack this manifestation of the Spirit, we are like a car without brakes which has great potential to damage others as well as ourselves.

What is the best way you can encourage others to exercise the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit in their lives?

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

To be empowered by the Holy Spirit for life and mission, we need to have a proper understanding of the true personality of the One who empowers us.  

The Holy Spirit is not a wind, an oil, a power, or any impersonal metaphor that the Bible uses to explain His work.

The Bible teaches us that the Holy Spirit is a personal being with a mind, will, and emotions (1 Corinthians 2:10; 1 Corinthians 12:7-10; Ephesians 4:30). He is a divine person. The pronoun “He” is used frequently throughout the Scriptures to describe the Holy Spirit as a person (John 14:17; John 15:26; John 16:8-15). He speaks, teaches, testifies, convicts of sin, guides, intercedes, and sends (Acts 13:1-4; John 14:26; John 15:26; John 16:8, John 16:12; Acts 16:6-7; Romans 8:26; Acts 13:4).  

Jesus taught His disciples that another divine person would come who would take his place to comfort, strengthen, and guide (John 15:26; John 16:13). He would be eternal (Hebrews 9:14); He would be all-knowing (1 Corinthians 2:11); He would be everywhere (Psalm 139:7-8); He would be holy (Romans 1:4). The saints are called temples of God because “the Spirit of God dwells in [them]” (1 Corinthians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20). In 2 Corinthians 6:16, the Holy Spirit is called “the living God.” He is associated with the Father and Son (Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14). Lying to the Holy Spirit is considered as great a sin as lying to God (Acts 5:3). Above all, from the very beginning, He has been involved in creating and sustaining life (Genesis 1:2; Job 33:4; Psalm 104:30). The Holy Spirit has a distinct personality from the Father and the Son (John 15:26; Acts 2:32-33; Matthew 28:19, Acts 20:28).  

In summary, the Holy Spirit is not just some vague power—He is the God who was and is with God the Father and the Son from the very beginning. He is sent by God the Father at the request of Jesus to be with us till the end of the world (John 14:26; John 16:7). 

In the following paragraphs, we observe how the Holy Spirit is manifested and known through His supernatural actions in the Old and New Testaments.     

Genesis chapter 1 indicates that the Holy Spirit was involved in creation and was moving on the waters (Genesis 1:2; Job 32:8; Job 33:4; Psalm 33:6-9). 

1. Holy Spirit empowerment for the work of the tabernacle: The work of the Holy Spirit is vividly present throughout the entire Old Testament, particularly during the building of the Tabernacle. He empowers Bezalel and the others involved in the process with wisdom, skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of craft works (Exodus 31:3; Numbers 11፡25-26; Numbers 27:18). This is a great reminder that the Holy Spirit empowers all of our work. 

2. Holy Spirit empowerment for deliverance: The Holy Spirit empowers Judges (deliverers), kings, and leaders of the people for a mission. When Israel is in danger of defeat or capture by the surrounding nations and the people cry out for deliverance, the Spirit of the Lord comes upon various leaders (Judges 3:9; Judges 6:34; Judges 11:29; Judges 14:6, Judges 15:14). Here, the presence of the Spirit is seen in triumphant defeats.  

The work of the Holy Spirit is also tangible in the account of Samson’s life and leadership (Judges 13-16). He is a dedicated Nazarene, and the Holy Spirit is upon him on many different occasions (Judges 13:24). The text affirms that the Spirit of Yahweh begins to “move” Samson “at times” (Judges 13:25). This general statement teaches us that the work of the Spirit in Samson’s life is not only present, but is significant; the Spirit seems to come upon Samson according to the purposes of God. In Judges 14:6, the Spirit of Yahweh comes upon him to give him strength to slay a lion; in Judges 14:19, the Spirit of Yahweh comes upon him to help him slay thirty Philistines; in Judges 15:14-15, The Spirit of Yahweh comes upon him to help him slay a thousand Philistines with a donkey’s jawbone. The amazing strength and victory seen in the life of Samson is from the Holy Spirit, the same Spirit that came upon King Saul and King David. 

3. Holy Spirit empowerment upon kings and prophets: When Saul is chosen to be the king of Israel, the Spirit of the Lord comes upon him and he prophesizes (1 Samuel 10:10); the same Spirit later comes upon him to give him victory in battle (1 Samuel 11:6; 1 Samuel 11:13).  

This same Spirit empowers the Old Testament prophets to give them prophetic inspiration and guidance. The Spirit-filled prophets speak the truth and stand for justice in contrast to the false prophets who speak out of their own spirits. In Israel’s history, we also read about kings Saul and David experiencing prophecy as a result of the Spirit’s power (1 Samuel 10:1-7, 1 Samuel 10:10; 1 Samuel 11:1-11; 1 Samuel 19:19-24). 

David notes that “the Spirit of Yahweh spoke by me, and His word was in my tongue” (2 Samuel 23:2). In 1 Kings 22:24-25, the Spirit of God is involved in the words of the prophets as shown by the argument between Zedekiah and Micah. Then, specifically in 1 and 2 Kings, the role of the Spirit centers mainly on the prophet Elijah, to whom the Word of the Lord frequently came (1 Kings 17:2; 1 Kings 17:8; 1 Kings 18:1; 1 Kings 18:7-12). 

The idea evident in these passages is that the Spirit can transport Himself from place to place, from person to person—Elijah is not simply being “led by the Spirit” subjectively or falsely. This reality is reinforced when the Spirit of God is mentioned in reference to Elijah’s life and ministry. In 2 Kings 2:16, the sons of the prophets tell Elisha that they want to look for Elijah in case the Spirit of Yahweh has caught Elijah up and placed him on some mountain or in some valley. 

Elisha, the servant of Elijah, who saw the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of Elijah, asks for a double portion of Elijah’s “Spirit” when Elijah is taken up to heaven by the Lord (2 Kings 2:9-15). After Elijah is taken from Elisha, the prophets’ sons recognize that the Spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha (2 Kings 2:15). The work of the Holy Spirit was tangible in the lives of God’s people.  

Throughout the Bible, the Holy Spirit comes upon several individuals for different purposes (2 Chronicles 15:1-7; 2 Chronicles 20:1-23; 2 Chronicles 24:20). In Nehemiah 9:30, the Levites remind Israel that in Moses’ day, God gave His “good Spirit to instruct them.” In Ezekiel 11:5-12, the Spirit of the Lord falls upon the prophet to induce a prophetic utterance. In Ezekiel 2:2, the Spirit certainly enters into the prophet as an introduction to his prophetic ministry recorded in the book. 

In all these instances, it appears that the Holy Spirit came upon these people or filled them to give prophecy. The Holy Spirit enabled the prophets both in receiving and delivering the message effectively. The prophets received revelation, inspiration, direction, strength, and motivation for the ministry of promoting true allegiance to the most High God.  

Joel prophesized about the coming of the Day of Yahweh when the Lord would pour out His Spirit on His people and those who call upon Him would be saved (Joel 2:28-32). In the future, when the Lord heals the land, He will pour out His Spirit on His people, on all people, and miracles will occur in the sky as part of the coming Day of the Lord. The New Testament portrays the heart of this message—that the Holy Spirit will be poured out upon all flesh at the end time. This special section is cited in Peter’s Pentecost sermon (Acts 2:17-21); Peter turns to the Old Testament for an explanation of what has happened on the day of Pentecost. 

Acts 2:17-21 becomes an invitation to humanity to recognize God’s power in the end times. We have such a great hope to participate in the new era in which the Holy Spirit equips the faith community for victorious life and a special task of ministry through His power. Though we live in a world full of evil and oppression, crises, disease, injustices, and disappointments, we have God, the Holy Spirit, who is present and brings restoration and transformation to the broken world in which we live.  

Before His ascension, Jesus told His disciples to wait in Jerusalem until they received the power of the Holy Spirit because without the power of the Holy Spirit, it was impossible for them to carry out the great task that was given to them (Acts 1:5-8).  They waited in prayer, and when they received the power of the Holy Spirit, they became effective witnesses (Acts 2). Acts 2:17-21 is the fulfillment of the prophecy of God outpouring His Spirit as proclaimed in Joel 2:28-32. The message is about God pouring out His Spirit on all flesh. In the context of Acts 2:17, the word used for flesh is sarx and it denotes all of humanity (the outpouring of the Spirit upon all flesh, everyone who belongs to the restored community). It is all about the empowerment of the people of God to live lives of discipleship and serve His purpose with the power of the Holy Spirit. What was the result of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the lives and ministries of the disciples of Jesus on the day of Pentecost? 

The apostles witnessed to others through demonstrating the power of the Holy Spirit that worked in them. The Holy Spirit filled them with boldness in the midst of persecution and, as a result of the empowerment, their testimony was demonstrated with power (Acts 4:30-37). Like the early Church, we all need the same power that the Holy Spirit gave the apostles in order to have boldness in our ministry. The Holy Spirit united their hearts together to share a common purpose and possessions; the believers were unselfish and were willing to share all they had. 

As they continued to teach and proclaim the word of God with the power of the Holy Spirit, the number of disciples multiplied greatly. In Acts 1, there were 120; in Acts 2, their number grew to 3120; in Acts 4, to 5000. When persecution broke out in Jerusalem, Philip the evangelist took the Gospel to Samaria. The Samaritans listened to him, saw miracles (including healing and casting out of evil Spirits), had great joy, believed his message, and were baptized in the name of Jesus (Acts 8:6-17).  

When Peter and John prayed for the Samaritans, they also received the power of the Holy Spirit for ministry. The gift of the Spirit to believers at Samaria demonstrates that all, even a despised group like the Samaritans, are to engage in the missionary task and bear the shared responsibility given by the Spirit (Acts 1:8; Acts 8:12). 

When Peter preached to Cornelius and his family and friends, the Holy Spirit came upon them in the same way as He had on the first disciples at Pentecost (Acts 2; Acts 11:12-18). The most significant implications of the Roman Pentecost are the impartiality of the gift of the Spirit (coming on all flesh), the unity of the body of Christ (just as the Spirit gave gifts of language on the day of the Pentecost), the sign of global unity of the body of Christ (as a reversal of the story of Babel), and the witnessing of God’s saving activity through their tongues (Acts 2:17-21; Acts 2:38; Acts 10:44-48). 

In Acts 19:2, when Paul met with the believers in Ephesus, he asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” Paul’s question implies something significant about the lives of these disciples. According to Luke’s narration, there is evidence indicating that these disciples lacked something critical—the outpouring of the Spirit for which Jesus commanded His own disciples to wait (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-8). Indeed, the narration of Luke in Acts 1, 2, 4, 8, and 19 implies that the power of the Spirit for the disciples of Jesus was essential for the mission they were given. 

From Luke’s narration, it appears these disciples in Ephesus did not reach out to anyone until Paul himself came to teach and preach to them for three years. These disciples were not part of the new movement and the initial experience of the Spirit’s power. Paul’s coming to Ephesus marks another decisive moment in missionary history—Ephesus was to be a new center for the Gentile mission, next in importance to Antioch, and these twelve disciples were to be the nucleus of the Ephesian church. 

Indeed, Paul commanded the Ephesian church in his letter to “be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18) with the sense that they should live under the power of the Spirit on a daily basis.  It is normative for Christians in the new era to be under the power of the Spirit. In his letter, Paul indicated that power and unity in the Christian life and mission comes through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 3:16). The purpose of the Holy Spirit’s power is to bring full knowledge of God (Ephesians 3:18) because God’s power extends beyond our imagination (Ephesians 3:20). Both Luke and Paul are not talking about a one-time experience—they expect the power of the Holy Spirit to be a normative experience for disciples of Christ in the new era. 

What is your knowledge of the Holy Spirit?

Who is the Holy Spirit to you?  

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

The last words of a person are usually the most important. Before returning to be reunited with the Father in heaven, Jesus gave His final charge to His disciples, as stated in Matthew 28:19: “Make disciples of all nations.”

Discipleship is the essence of the Great Commission. If rescuing us and getting us into heaven were all there was to our life in Christ, Jesus would not have given such a commission to His disciples back then and to us, modern believers.

According to 2 Peter 3:9, the Lord is not willing for anybody to perish. This is supported by Jesus’ statement in Luke 19:10 that He came to seek and save the lost. This is precisely why He issued the Great Commission. It is now our responsibility to tell the world about Jesus’ finished work on the cross.

His work on the cross was so complete that whenever we share the Gospel with someone, and they believe, they get the free gift of salvation (Romans 10:10-11).

All that Jesus taught and exhibited to His disciples during His three years of ministry, including God’s Word, Jesus desired His disciples to share with others as well. The gift of salvation is available to all, and every believer is given the Holy Spirit to carry out our Lord’s final charge—disciple the nations.

We are not really fulfilling the commandment if we are not creating disciples, no matter how zealous we are in ministry or in our Christian walk. The objective is not simply to get to heaven but to be “imitators of Christ” (Ephesians 5:1-2) and to be “light and salt” (Matthew 5:13-16) for others so that they may know Christ as well.

Various characteristics of good discipleship are taught throughout the Gospels. Let us have a look at some of them:

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” – John 8:31-32

True discipleship is obedience, and that, in a nutshell, is God’s love language (John 14:15). The obedience that distinguishes a disciple, then, arises not from a sense of responsibility, but from a loving, trusting relationship and fellowship with Jesus.

“By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” – John 13:35

God is not merely a giver of love; He is love. The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ made this love so real for us. He demonstrated His love for us by entirely surrendering His desires to the will of the Father so that “all men could be saved” through Him. (Matthew 13:17)

Love is an action, and it is this action that drove Jesus to the cross. Our love for God has a corresponding and appropriate action as well. It is not following a set of “feel-good” rules and regulations but rather the love expressed in our compassion for others—a love that does not seek to be earned and transcends all barriers of race, social class, and economic standing.

“By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.” – John 15:8

A life lived in Christ is destined to bear fruit. In John 10:10, He states that He came to give us life that is abundant in every way. True discipleship yields fruit that lasts (John 15:8). He instructs us in Matthew 6:19–21 to lay up our treasures in heaven. Our life can be an investment towards the rewards we could reap in eternity.

You cannot take your earthly possessions to heaven. So, what can you construct that qualifies as a heavenly investment? Building lives has eternal significance. That is how you are carrying out your part of the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations!

Contact us at Global Disciples to learn more about the Global Disciples Approach. We hope to partner with you in God’s mission soon.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. 

Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10 percent of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time when many of these people are within reach of a local church. 

Through our simple and effective training and coaching strategy, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

Who is Jesus Christ?

The bible refers to Jesus by various names. Those names of our Lord Jesus Christ are included below.

Our prayer is that you would come to know, understand and love Him.

ADAM: (1 Corinthians 15:45) And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.

ADVOCATE: (1 John 2:1) My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

ALMIGHTY: (Revelation 1:8) I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

ALPHA AND OMEGA: (Revelation 1:8) I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

AMEN: (Revelation 3:14) And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

APOSTLE OF OUR PROFESSION: (Hebrews 3:1) Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;

ARM OF THE LORD: (Isaiah 51:9) Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD; awake, as in the ancient days, in the generations of old. Art thou not it that hath cut Rahab, and wounded the dragon?

(Isaiah 53:1) Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?

AUTHOR AND FINISHER OF OUR FAITH: (Hebrews 12:2) Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

AUTHOR OF ETERNAL SALVATION: (Hebrews 5:9) And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

RULER (BEGINNING) OF CREATION OF GOD: (Revelation 3:14) And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the Rule (beginning) of the creation of God;

BELOVED SON: (Matthew 12:18) Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall show judgment to the Gentiles.

BLESSED AND ONLY RULER (POTENTATE): (1 Timothy 6:15) Which in his times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;

BRANCH: (Isaiah 4:2) In that day shall the branch of the LORD be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel.

BREAD OF LIFE: (John 6:32) Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.

BRIDEGROOM – (Matthew 9:15) And Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.

CAPTAIN OF SALVATION: (Hebrews 2:10) For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

CHIEF SHEPHERD: (1 Peter 5:4) And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

CHRIST OF GOD: (Luke 9:20) He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God.

CONSOLATION OF ISRAEL: (Luke 2:25) And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

CORNERSTONE: (Psalm 118:22) The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.

COUNSELLOR: (Isaiah 9:6) For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

CREATOR: (John 1:3) All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

DAYSPRING: (Luke 1:78) Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,

DELIVERER: (Romans 11:26) And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Zion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:

DESIRE OF THE NATIONS: (Haggai 2:7) And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts.

DOOR: (John 10:7) Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.

CHOSEN ONE OF GOD: (Isaiah 42:1) Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine Chosen One (elect), in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.

EVERLASTING FATHER: (Isaiah 9:6) For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

FAITHFUL WITNESS: (Revelation 1:5) And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

FIRST AND LAST: (Revelation 1:17) And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:

FIRST BORN (BEGOTTEN): (Revelation 1:5) And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first born (begotten) of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

FORERUNNER: (Hebrews 6:20) Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

GLORY OF THE LORD: (Isaiah 40:5) And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

GOD: (Isaiah 40:3) The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

GOD BLESSED: (Romans 9:5) Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.

GOOD SHEPHERD: (John 10:11) I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

GOVERNOR: (Matthew 2:6) And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

GREAT HIGH PRIEST: (Hebrews 4:14) Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

HEAD OF THE CHURCH: (Ephesians 1:22) And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,

HEIR OF ALL THINGS: (Hebrews 1:2) Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

HOLY CHILD: (Acts 4:27) For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,

HOLY ONE: (Acts 3:14) But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;

HOLY ONE OF GOD: (Mark 1:24) Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.

HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL: (Isaiah 41:14) Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

HORN OF SALVATION: (Luke 1:69) And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;

I AM: (John 8:58) Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

IMAGE OF GOD: (2 Corinthians 4:4) In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

IMMANUEL: (Isaiah 7:14) Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

JEHOVAH: (Isaiah 26:4) Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:

JESUS: (Matthew 1:21) And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

JESUS OF NAZARETH: (Matthew 21:11) And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.

JUDGE OF ISRAEL: (Micah 5:1) Now gather thyself in troops, O daughter of troops: he hath laid siege against us: they shall smite the judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek.

THE JUST ONE: (Acts 7:52) Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which showed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:

KING: (Zechariah 9:9) Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.

KING ETERNAL: (1 Timothy 1:17) Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

KING OF THE JEWS: (Matthew 2:2) Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

KING OF KINGS: (1 Timothy 6:15) Which in his times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;

KING OF THE NATIONS: (Revelation 15:3) And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of the nations.

LAWGIVER: (Isaiah 33:22) For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; he will save us.

LAMB: (Revelation 13:8) And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

LAMB OF GOD: (John 1:29) The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

LEADER AND COMMANDER: (Isaiah 55:4) Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people.

THE LIFE: (John 14:6) Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

LIGHT OF THE WORLD: (John 8:12) Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH: (Revelation 5:5) And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.

LORD OF ALL: (Acts 10:36) The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)

LORD OF GLORY: (1 Corinthians 2:8) Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

LORD OF LORDS: (1 Timothy 6:15) Which in his times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;

LORD OF OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS: (Jeremiah 23:6) In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

MAN OF SORROWS: (Isaiah 53:3) He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

MEDIATOR: (1 Timothy 2:5) For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

MESSENGER OF THE COVENANT: (Malachi 3:1) Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.

MESSIAH: (Daniel 9:25) Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.

(John 1:41) He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messiah, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.

MIGHTY GOD: (Isaiah 9:6) For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

MIGHTY ONE: (Isaiah 60:16) Thou shalt also suck the milk of the Gentiles, and shalt suck the breast of kings: and thou shalt know that I the LORD am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.

MORNING STAR: (Revelation 22:16) I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

NAZARENE: (Matthew 2:23) And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.

ONLY BEGOTTEN SON: (John 1:18) No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

OUR PASSOVER: (1 Corinthians 5:7) Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:

PRINCE OF LIFE: (Acts 3:15) And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.

PRINCE OF KINGS: (Revelation 1:5) And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

PRINCE OF PEACE: (Isaiah 9:6) For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

PROPHET: (Luke 24:19) And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:

(Acts 3:22) For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.

REDEEMER: (Job 19:25) For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:

RESURRECTION AND LIFE: (John 11:25) Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

ROCK: (1 Corinthians 10:4) And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

ROOT OF DAVID: (Revelation 22:16) I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

ROSE OF SHARON: (Song of Songs 2:1) I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.

SAVIOR: (Luke 2:11) For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

SHEPHERD AND BISHOP OF SOULS: (1 Peter 2:25) For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

SHILOH: (Genesis 49:10) The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.

SON OF THE BLESSED: (Mark 14:61) But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?

SON OF DAVID: (Matthew 1:1) The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

SON OF GOD: (Matthew 2:15) And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.

SON OF MAN – (Luke 19:10) For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.

SON OF THE HIGHEST: (Luke 1:32) He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS: (Malachi 4:2) But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.

TRUE LIGHT: (John 1:9) That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

TRUE VINE: (John 15:1) I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.

TRUTH: (John 1:14) And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

WITNESS: (Isaiah 55:4) Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people.

WORD: (John 1:1) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

WORD OF GOD: (Revelation 19:13) And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.

VICTORIOUS ONE – (Revelations 3:21) To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne.

WONDERFUL COUNSELOR, MIGHTY GOD, EVERLASTING FATHER, PRINCE OF PEACE – (Isaiah 9:6) For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

It is very important to understand who the Holy Spirit is as well as His work in our life and ministry. We can explore the personality and work of the Holy Spirit through;

Understanding who the Holy Spirit is and being empowered by the Holy Spirit are crucial to living a life of discipleship, witness, mission, and service. The balance between the gifts and the fruit of the Spirit as the Bible teaches us is very important. 

The Bible teaches us that all the Old Testament ministers, Jesus, and the apostles were empowered by the Holy Spirit for effective ministry.

In the New Testament era, discipleship and ministry couldn’t happen without the work of the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:16-18; Acts 1:4-8; Luke 24:49; 2 Corinthians 3:12-18). Jesus modeled the way for us by being empowered and ministered to by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

Jesus’ entire earthly ministry was empowered by the Holy Spirit, starting with His miracle birth (Luke 1:35). At His baptism, the Holy Spirit came upon Him and led Him into the wilderness to defeat the temptation of Satan, after which He led Jesus back to Galilee (Luke 4:1, Luke 4:14). Then Jesus went to a synagogue in Nazareth where He read from Isaiah 61:1-2 which said that the Holy Spirit would be upon Jesus. When He had finished reading the passage, Jesus declared that the prophecy had been fulfilled (Luke 4:18-21)—He was anointed by the Holy Spirit to proclaim the Good News, to drive out demons, and to heal the sick (Matthew 12:28; Acts 10:38). Throughout His earthly ministry, and even in His death and resurrection, Jesus served by the power of the Holy Spirit. He both sorrowed and rejoiced through the Holy Spirit (Luke 10:21). 

Just as the Spirit worked in Jesus’ life, He will carry out all that God has for us and wants to do in our lives. Every person needs the Holy Spirit to help him understand that he is a sinner; to help him repent; to lead him to God; to give him faith to believe; to place him into the family of God; to seal him; to regenerate him; to help him pray and understand the Bible; to empower him for ministry; to change his life; to help him minister to others through His spiritual gifts; to display the fruit of the Spirit in his life as a disciple of Jesus (John 3:5; John 14:26; John 16:7-15; Ephesians 1:13; Romans 8:16, Romans 8:26; 1 Corinthians 12:13; 2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 5:18). No one can live a victorious life and fulfill the Great Commission without the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. 

How often do we depend on and are attentive the the Holy Spirit teaching us, guiding our lives and giving us God’s wisdom for daily life?

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

“I’m giving up Facebook for Lent.”

“I’m off caffeine during Lent. It’ll be good for me.”

You’ve probably heard—or even said—something like this. Many people use this season of Lent to exercise aspects of self-denial or sacrifice. For some, it’s a personal discipline, or a time when they remove specific distractions to focus more fully on their spiritual walk.

While God offers no spiritual “brownie points” because you give up coffee or your phone for a few weeks, it is always a good time for a spiritual tune-up, reflecting on how you’re doing as a disciple of Jesus, as you anticipate the celebration of Easter and the joy of worshipping a risen Jesus.

You see, when Jesus calls you to be His disciple, it’s going to cost you. Several times in Luke 9, Jesus points out just what it will take to follow Him. In verses 23-25, He spells it out: “Deny yourself and take up your cross and follow me.”

Deny yourself—that’s a tall order. Most of us live “me first.” We like our own way; we hold tightly to our creature comforts, our plans, ideas, and will. The denial Jesus speaks of is more than giving up coffee! It’s a daily choice to set aside your agenda, needs and desires, and take up His instead.

When Jesus talks about taking up a cross in Luke 9, it must have puzzled his followers. To them, a cross would have spelled judgment, execution, and dishonorable death. They didn’t see it yet as the visible point of salvation—something that speaks of forgiveness, grace, and freedom from sin.

Taking up the cross is a willingness to step into life as Jesus did; to walk the way of the cross, dying to our selfish, self-centered, sin-bound ways, and living by His purpose and plan.

This choice is not to be taken lightly. Being a disciple of Jesus is more than “being good” for a few weeks of Lent. It’s going to cost you something—your whole life. In Luke 14:25-35, Jesus compares it to building a tower, and carefully calculating all the expenses of time, materials, labor, etc.

Take a moment and consider the cost, to stand before the Saviour and say, ”Yes, I’m ready and willing to follow, no matter where You lead, no matter what.”

Consider this: Denying yourself, losing your life for Christ (Luke 9:24) may not involve physical death but setting aside all your plans and goals, dreams and affections in favor of His plan. Does that seem easier than dying? Or harder?

Prayer: Jesus, my salvation cost you everything, and I thank you for that gift. My sacrifice could never equal yours, but I’m willing to count the cost, deny myself, and live as your disciple. Thank you for choosing me, loving me, and empowering me to live this life through the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

Psalm 78 tells the story of an army fully equipped to fight but which turned back in the day of battle because they “forgot what God had done.” They lacked unwavering faith in God’s power and care. The enemy speaks often in our ear that God is not able, or God does not care, or God is not good. Faith counteracts this lie and helps us to keep praying even when the battle is difficult or long. 

And without faith, it is impossible to please God. For anyone who comes to Him (that is prayer) must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him. – Hebrews 11:6

It is impossible to have relationship/communication with God without faith. When we come to God in prayer, we must have two things:

Faith and Prayer are inseparable.  If we have faith that God is sovereign, cares for us and loves to communicate with us, we will pray.  As we pray, obey and testify, we naturally grow in faith in God’s strength and care.

Our faith filled declaration of God’s word and His love plays a role in overcoming the kingdom of darkness.

“They overcame him (Satan), by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives
so much as to shrink from death.” – Revelation 12:11

There are many ways we can begin to understand the beautiful character of God but three ways we can grow our faith and pray faith-filled prayers is to focus on creation, the bible and history.

Creation – The vastness of our universe is incredible. The Milky Way Galaxy, of which the earth is a part, has about 100 billion or more stars. The Milky Way is one of about 100 billion galaxies in the currently observable universe (some believe there could be two trillion). The average distance between stars in our galaxy is about 48 trillion kilometers. Traveling at the speed of the space shuttle, 8 kilometers per second (30 minutes from USA to Indonesia), it would take 201,450 years to travel the average distance between stars. Unimaginable–and our God is the creator of it all. 

Psalm 103:11 states, “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him.”

Let that love settle into your soul!

The Bible – Consider the story of God’s deliverance of his people from the sovereign and powerful nation of Egypt as recorded in Exodus chapter 14. Read it as though you have never read it before. In response to the cries of His people, God literally split a sea in a night, dried the ground beneath, and led his people through. What an amazing act of deliverance! The Bible holds countless records of his power and works on behalf of His children.

History – In the early 1960s while reading through a Time Magazine story about a brutal gang related murder in New York City, the pastor of a small country church 350 miles away, heard God speak. He saw a picture of the seven members of the Dragons gang who were charged with the murder, and he began to cry. In the book The Cross and the Switchblade, David Wilkerson recounts his experience, “I was dumbfounded by a thought that sprang suddenly into my head – full-blown, as though it had come into me from somewhere else: ‘Go to New York City and help those boys.’” Wilkerson obeyed God, went to New York City and brought the life of Jesus to the leader and members of that gang. The story of God’s work described in this book is nothing short of remarkable. Take time each year to read at least one biography or autobiography of a Christian to encourage you to see how God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things for His Kingdom.

Just as you read or hear stories of God’s work in the lives of other people, remember your own stories. Take time to reflect on what Jesus has done in your life–how you came to salvation, where he’s changed your habits, your attitudes, your actions. And tell these stories to your children, your friends, your co-workers. This is your story of faith; as you share it, it will build your faith and influence others to see the great work of God. Be honest, humble, open but give God praise for His work.

As you reflect on the work God has done in your life, or you see the testimony of His work in the lives of people around you, pray for more–more opportunities to say yes to him, to act in obedience and faith. Praise Him for His power and love, then obey–take action–on what He shows you to do. It may be uncomfortable at times, even risky, but it will be worth it. It’s how you exercise the faith that’s growing in you. And yes, it will be part of your testimony, and can multiply to greater faith and deeper prayer in your life and in those you influence.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

Is it possible to build and lead a dynamic, healthy, and culturally diverse team to accomplish the Great Commission? We believe it is.

Our experience in working on international, cross-cultural teams has emerged naturally out of who we are and what we do. As Global Disciples, we equip people to reach those least-reached with the gospel in their own nations. We work with clusters of churches in collaboration with a denomination, association, or an existing network of churches – now over 1,400 different affiliations in 62 countries. In partnership with these local churches, we now serve 2,064 locally sustainable mission training-sending programs around the world.

Working as a cross-cultural, international team has been in our DNA since we began 26 years ago, with five discipleship-mission training programs in three countries.

Today, only 19% of our 155 team members are in North America – the rest live and work from their homelands.

We have six people and four nationalities represented on our executive team, and our training Alliance is led by a team of eight from six countries. We travel together, train together, pray and plan and equip each other, across a wide range of cultures and perspectives. And we enjoy sharing what we are learning and hearing from others about what their experiences have taught them.

Out of this, we see four keys to building and leading a strong culturally diverse team.

It may seem obvious but talking openly about cultural differences and expectations right up front – and along the way – is essential for building and leading healthy cross-cultural teams. It’s not enough to think, “Well, I’ll have to get used to that …” as we are often inclined to do.

Identifying differences of perspectives, patterns, or expectations is honoring to everyone involved. Make note of those things – mentally or written down – so you don’t rehash things every time they come up. Decide together about how your team will deal with differences and agree to revisit it later if necessary. This can allow you to move on quickly in a mutually agreed upon way. Be careful to not automatically defer to the dominant culture or the leader’s preference. North Americans often tend to be the first to speak or make statements strongly.

Allowing others to speak first is empowering, even if they need to be personally invited to comment. On issues like scheduling, it is often wise to go with or adapt from the culture of the setting especially for a meeting or training people.

There is one thing that is common to every individual, relationship, team, family, organization, nation, economy, and civilization throughout the world – one thing which, if removed, will destroy the most powerful government, the most successful business, the most thriving economy, the most influential leadership, the greatest friendship, the strongest character, the deepest love.” That one thing, according to Stephen M.R. Covey, is trust. We agree.

By being authentic, building friendships, enjoying life together, and addressing differences or concerns promptly, we build trust. In most cultures, trust is built on credibility. And credibility is generally established and maintained through at least four things:

In our Cross-cultural teams, we talk often about leading by example or “modeling the way.” Sharing this common desire and discipline provides a healthy level of mutual accountability. It gives opportunities to practice “speaking the truth in love” as we seek together to “live a life worthy of the calling we have received” (Ephesians 4:1–15), in which we are humble, gentle, patient, bearing with one another in love, and making efforts to preserve the unity of the Spirit. All this nurtures friendship and trust.

Some of our best interactions come over tea times and mealtimes, sharing about our lives and being disciples as we travel, sharing a room at night, or sipping coffee. As we understand where people come from, their joys and challenges, our appreciation grows.

Connectedness and unity on cross-cultural teams grows as we embrace a common focus and reach agreement on what is most important now and in the future. On our teams, we try to keep three things up front: Why are we together (our vision)? What will we do to pursue this vision or accomplish our purpose (our mission and central focus)? And how will we approach this task or responsibility (our core values and guiding principles)?

To answer those questions as Global Dis-ciples we have developed what we call our arena, using the image of a soccer or football field to define where we work and interact as we pursue our mission and vision.

Our mission statement and our central focus (our what) define the goal lines of our playing field. The sidelines are defined by our Core Values, describing how we behave and interact with others, and our Guiding Principles clarify what we do. This Global Disciples Arena has been hugely helpful in defining focus and overall priorities on our culturally diverse teams.

When delegating specific tasks cross- culturally, we broaden this to six questions: Who is to do it? What is it we want done? When do we want it completed? Where will it be done (if that matters)? How it is to be done if we have a preference? And why are you asking your team/team member to do this?

Delegating effectively in any culture is challenging but it is multiplied across cultures and can easily become prescriptive or feel paternalistic. Clarity and attention to ensuring common understanding allows us to avoid many of pitfalls in leading across cultures – if we develop a level of trust and friendship that fosters open conversation about our differences.

Our different views of time and deadlines has led to many interesting discussions on differing expectations. When we built a cushion into deadlines to assure things were submitted in time for printing and preparation, one leader began asking, “Is the line really dead now?”

Clear expectations matter, especially across cultures. Who should set those expectations on cross-cultural teams? The common assumption may be the team leader, but it’s not that simple on healthy multi-cultural teams. A leader’s role is to guide the team through discerning mutually accepted expectations, patterns of accountability, and how future leaders or team members are selected.

This doesn’t have to be laborious, when you go back to the first principles of building and leading culturally diverse teams. Establishing trust and friendship so that differing views can be expressed freely is essential and when paired with a mutual commitment to listen well, to pause and pray – listening for the Holy Spirit’s counsel when differences persist – it makes a huge difference.

We also face cultural assumptions about how leaders are chosen. Within Global Disciples we say, “select well, serve well.” When hiring or promoting staff, we explore their buy-in with our vision, mission, and core values. Without that, there’s no need to go further.

Then we consider with our Four Cs: Char-acter, Competency, Chemistry, and Calling (anointing for the job). In recent years, we have also used Patrick Lencioni’s three virtues of The Ideal Team Player: Humble, Hungry, and Smart (i.e., relationally sensitive and appropriate). Considering these factors together provides a balanced and healthy framework for discernment in hiring and promotions across cultures.

However, it requires time with the candidate or team member to apply these considerations. We have also had a near-culture colleague spend time with the candidate in their home with their spouse and family. In these settings, we have learned much that has averted potentially bad decisions and have never regretted time together while interviewing.

In many cultures, promoting a younger or less experienced person over someone older or with more history is a challenge. It takes time, patience, open communication, and authentic affirmation when working with the older, more seasoned person who is not promoted. By God’s grace we’ve made that transition several times without losing the more senior leader or seeing their passion for our common mission decline.

Finally, frequent, clear communication and well-defined patterns of accountability are essential for building and leading healthy multi-cultural teams.

A lack of clarity in roles, especially cross-culturally, can result in leaders holding back and underperforming because they don’t want to cross the line of their defined responsibility – or they fear stepping be-yond defined responsibilities and creating confusion. Most of our mid-level leaders provide brief weekly reports on key metrics in their jobs.

In senior level roles, a monthly report and call, with other conversations as needed, is our pattern. Most of our cross-cultural team members are self-starters, passionate about what they do – so they don’t need constant communication to stay focused. But we all find it important to clearly know what we are accountable for and by what metrics our performance will be measured.

There’s a deep joy and sense of satisfaction in working with multi-cultural teams as we are compelled by the love of Christ, energized by authentic friendships, and propelled by the common cause–making God’s glory known among the nations!

– Galen Burholder, President/CEO of Global Disciples

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

Prayer is relational. In both Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:1-4 when Jesus talked to his disciples about prayer, He initiated the prayer with, “Our Father…”

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. Ephesians 1:3-8 

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” Romans 8:14-15

God is our Father! We come to him in prayer as His children. Our communication with Him is relational.

When you’re a parent, you know that most of the time your children come to you when they need something or have a problem. 

While asking for things comes easy, it seems rarer for most children and even many adults to offer thanks on their own initiative. Many cultures seldom express thanks. It takes discipline to learn to be thankful. Luke shares an interesting story from Jesus’ life in Luke 17:11-19 about ten lepers who were cleansed.

While Jesus was on the way to Jerusalem, He was passing [along the border] between Samaria and Galilee. As He entered a village, He was met by ten lepers who stood at a distance; and they raised their voices and called out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” When He saw them, He said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were [miraculously] healed and made clean. One of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, glorifying and praising and honoring God with a loud voice; and he lay face downward at Jesus’ feet, thanking Him [over and over]. He was a Samaritan. Then Jesus asked, “Were not ten [of you] cleansed? Where are the [other] nine? Was there no one found to return and to give thanks and praise to God, except this foreigner?” Jesus said to him, “Get up and go [on your way]. Your faith [your personal trust in Me and your confidence in God’s power] has restored you to health.”

Jesus heals ten people of their disease and yet nine out of ten didn’t bother to come back and thank Him.  Only one man returns and thanks Jesus over and over again. This man receives more than just healing–Jesus actually makes him well and restores him to full health.

The word in the original language that is translated “well” actually means “whole.”  Nine were healed but only one was made whole. 

Something happens in us when we are thankful. It also impacts the relationship with the one to whom we offer thanks. The writer of Psalm 50:23 heard God speak about this: “He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God.”  

In Psalm 100:4 we are reminded to “enter His gates with thanksgiving.” 

Enter His gates with a song of thanksgiving
And His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, bless and praise His name.

This is how the psalmist pictures worship at the temple. Pilgrims first passed through the gates to enter the courtyard which held the water for cleansing and the alter for sacrifice.  The psalmist pictured this as a first step of moving into prayer and worship.

Our thanksgiving to God is powerful.

“Father, thank you….”

“Heavenly Father, I so appreciate you because….”

“Our Father, we are so blessed….”

“Abba, I love it when you….”

God loves to hear from you. He loves to hear the gratefulness of our hearts.

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” – Colossians 4:2

You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. – 2 Corinthians 9:11

I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever. – Psalm 86:12

Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. – Psalm 106:1

Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples – 1 Chronicles 16:8

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

“Our Father, we bring _______ before you today. Thank you for your tender mercies towards _______. Thank you for your promise to be close to the brokenhearted. Thank you for your power to heal and the many times we have seen you heal. We remember the blind man. We were so blessed when you healed _______. Our Father, we need you to do it again in ___________ life.”

“Our Father, thank you for your love towards the _______ people group. Thank you for revealing your heart towards the lost. Father, we so appreciate that all people are precious to you and that you are willing to leave 99 to search for one that is lost. Oh Father, we want to be like you with the same love for them. Please increase our love.“

“Heavenly Father, thank you for your love towards me. Thank you that your mercies are new every morning. Thank you that you have forgiven my sins. Thank you for your patience and kindness that you have shown me. I humbly ask you to teach me your ways. Teach me to love like you love, to speak as you speak, and to embrace others like you would have me do. I am thankful that your love is living and active in me.”

Thankfulness is not an attempt to flatter God so that He does something for us. Our thanksgiving prayers flow from a heart that recognizes His goodness in our lives and His amazing character. It takes discipline, and helps us to remain in a posture of humility, adoration and thankfulness for all that God has done.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!